3.3.22 The mythical math gene: 5 ways to build growth mindset We’ve all likely explored how to externalize our own mindful mindset to students, but let’s be honest: math class is notorious for being the place that fixed mindsets come to ossify. Most of us... Read more
3.1.22 How to use leveled readers Recently, I visited Savannah, Georgia, and hopped on a tour bus to learn about the city’s history. Located on Chippewa Square is a replica of the iconic Forrest Gump bench. You might recall the... Read more
2.24.22 Three ways to put assessment data to work in the classroom The results of assessment, whether you’re using formative assessment strategies or an interim assessment like MAP® Growth™—can empower teachers and school leaders to inform... Read more
2.22.22 2 types of student goal setting that empower early learners Student ownership of their learning journey is key for growth. Children need to understand what they are learning and why. They also need a clear path to follow and use to monitor their growth along... Read more
2.18.22 Toni Morrison changed me as a reader. Hard books can do that for your students, too What happens when you expect students to be excellent readers—and hold them to that expectation? What happens when you expose students to texts with complex themes that deal with hard... Read more
2.17.22 3 ways to use assessment effectively and equitably I recently had a chance to talk with a friend of mine about how this year is shaping up. Adriana is a seventh-grade math teacher at a middle school in Portland, Oregon. As she was describing the... Read more
2.15.22 What the science of reading tells us about how to teach decoding—including phonics Yeah, yeah, we hear you, science of reading fans. You want to talk about phonics! First off, let’s be clear that the science of reading is bigger than phonics. The science of reading is the... Read more
2.11.22 Goal-setting foundations for pre-K–2 teachers Goal setting with students is a fundamental part of learner empowerment. In Step into Student Goal Setting: A Path to Growth, Motivation, and Agency, my colleague Chase Nordengren says, “Goals... Read more
2.10.22 How the education system failed me as a student with dyslexia “At least she’s pretty and sociable,” said the resource specialist to my mom. My mom sat back in shock when she heard this, stunned that someone who was there to support me had just reduced... Read more
2.8.22 How to get to know your students “What do those tests determine about my being?!” My oldest child is currently a junior in high school, which means she has large assessments coming up. Think the year-end state summative and... Read more
2.4.22 Engaging mathematical thinking through formative conversation starters In an earlier blog post, I proposed a framing for what it means to learn mathematics. I claimed that, at a minimum, learning mathematics involves: Ways of thinking that are empowered... Read more
2.3.22 MAP Growth and Reveal Math now work together to streamline instruction When I was a teacher, my weekends tended to have a similar cadence. Friday night was spent unwinding and trying to stay awake during family movie night. Saturday and part of Sunday were about... Read more