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Student Test Scores, Already Beleaguered, Face New Threats from Extreme Heat

Summary

The article highlights the negative impact of extreme heat on student learning and test scores, particularly in the context of rising temperatures and heat waves becoming more common in the U.S. The heat disproportionately affects students in rural or low-income areas where school districts may lack proper air conditioning. Researchers, like Jisung Park from the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, have found that hotter temperatures during the school year lead to reduced rates of learning and lower test scores. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that students are already dealing with learning gaps brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning. The article also discusses the disparities in air-conditioned schools across different regions and the need for policies to address both climate change and student protection.

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