CCEA Plus 2025 Surf's Up! Riding the Waves of Opportunity

In today’s evolving educational landscape, many students, particularly those with special needs and those attending alternative schools, face unique challenges that often lead them to disengage from learning. As a veteran educator with over 20 years of experience and a passion for motivating students who have given up on learning, Dr. Jordan B. Smith Jr. has developed effective strategies that integrate the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to re-engage and inspire these students. This presentation is based on Dr. Smith's extensive research, his best-selling book 11 Effective Strategies for Teaching Math to Students Who Have Given Up on Learning, and his ongoing work with AI-driven tools to improve learning outcomes. Dr. Smith’s session will offer attendees insights into how AI can be used as a tool to connect with students who feel marginalized or discouraged by traditional teaching methods. AI allows teachers to differentiate instruction, personalize learning paths, and provide immediate feedback that empowers students to see the progress they may have missed in conventional classroom settings. The presentation will walk through specific AI applications that educators can easily integrate into their daily practice, helping students with learning disabilities, ADHD, or those who struggle with self-esteem and motivation. One of the key aspects of this presentation is the Four Directional Pathways model, which Dr. Smith developed as part of his Motivated Classroom Workshop. This model provides a framework for understanding how to approach teaching from multiple angles, whether through curriculum design, cultural relevance, or emotional connection. Attendees will learn how to leverage AI to reinforce each of these pathways, making lessons more engaging and accessible for students who have historically felt left behind. Another focus of the presentation will be AI’s role in creating culturally relevant performance tasks that resonate with students