"I think some people who are in mathematics, teaching mathematics in college or are in mathematics professions have a much higher expectation of what those standards would be than someone who is going to go into college in another field ... law, social sciences and so forth, " Wilhoit said in an interview Monday.

CNN: State, federal education experts mull nationwide standards

In the context of these two projects, the UNESCO Dakar has identified best practices in the teaching of mathematics in secondary schools.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES

These included post-degree teaching courses in Mathematics, Science and English, leadership training for school heads and teachers, and other courses under the Malaysian Technical Co-operation Programme, he said during a debate in conjunction with the 184th Unesco executive board session.

UNESCO: Malaysia trust fund

His view on the importance of education has prompted him to start BA32, a foundation promoting the idea of teaching youth in a practical and interesting way, focused on encouraging children across the globe to learn more about mathematics, science and technology.

CNN: January 23, 2013 -- Updated 1738 GMT (0138 HKT)

She gets up at 5:30am every morning, leaves the house about the time the kids and I are rising, goes in early to work to get things ready for the day, spends the school hours teaching lessons about mathematics, literature, science, civics, citizenship, friendship, achievement, disappointment, dedication, right, wrong, pride, humility, and more, and stays late to organize materials and set up special projects.

FORBES: Why US education deserves our praise (and funding)