Schools Urged to Adapt to Rising Extreme Heat in Mountain West
A new report from the American Psychological Association highlights the growing impact of extreme heat on education, urging schools to treat heat disruptions similarly to snow days. The report, titled 'Schools, Climate, and Health: Responding to Extreme Heat,' reveals that rising temperatures are affecting students' ability to learn, teachers' performance, and overall school operations. Researchers found that classroom temperatures above 73°F (23°C) slow cognitive tasks and reduce accuracy, with optimal learning conditions occurring between 68°F (20°C) and 73°F (23°C). States in the Mountain West, including Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado, have experienced significant increases in heat days, according to the Center for Climate Integrity. Vulnerable groups, such as young children, student athletes, and those in under-resourced schools, face heightened risks due to inadequate cooling systems and limited access to air conditioning at home. 
