That group generally showed greater motivation to do well in math class in the weeks and months after the experience.

WSJ: How to Overcome Failure

After all, there is more to the education experience than simply sitting together in math class.

FORBES: Georgia Governor Refuses To Condemn Continuing Segregation In His State

For Maria, that meant writing up a proposal for an accelerated math class, roping in 31 other students to take part, and then literally begging the principal to find the funding.

CNN: Student's success defies all odds

Parents spend sleepless nights trying to rearrange schedules to get out of Mr. Bleh's fourth-period math class.

WSJ: Andy Kessler: Professors Are About to Get an Online Education

Much of what she covered in math class she had already studied here, and she was able to leverage that into new explorations.

FORBES: An In-Depth Interview with Vinny Dotoli of the Harlem Academy

The class' math scores soared, from the 21st percentile in September 2006 to the 80th percentile in May 2007, meaning they now outscore 80% of the nation's 13-year-olds.

FORBES: Magazine Article

He was assisted by a former marine drill sergeant who became a gym teacher because it gave him an outlet to visit revenge on the type of kids that once made him feel inadequate in math and science class.

FORBES: Invest In Human Capital -- Your Body's

Enrolled Penn students who complete the online option can take a departmental exam to prove their knowledge and pass into higher-level math classes, just as they can after finishing an AP class.

WSJ: Big MOOC Coursera Moves Closer to Academic Acceptance

Wrapped in a smart carry case, the students carry their iPads with them into math class, science, and art and the teachers download the appropriate apps that allow the kids to draw on the touch screen, look at graphs, or go online.

FORBES: The School That Gives Kids Their Own iPads