3.25.22 New research says English learners show on-par growth but start behind, with summer hitting hard I’m excited to share insights from “Achievement and growth for English learners,” a new study that takes a fresh look at the academic progress of English learners in US public... Read more
3.24.22 Educators share their tips for setting and monitoring effective goals In our webinar Goals mean growth: Using student goal setting to jumpstart student motivation and success, NWEA researcher and author Chase Nordengren shared actionable strategies for making goal... Read more
3.22.22 Parent strategies for improving their child’s reading and writing Family time is learning time. Did you know that kids learn most of their vocabulary outside of school, through conversations with family and friends? Or that drawing pictures during play time lays... Read more
3.17.22 4 ways to practice culturally responsive teaching I keep a copy of Geneva Gay’s Culturally Responsive Teaching: Theory, Research, and Practice near my desk because just seeing the spine from time to time reminds me of how important it is for all... Read more
3.15.22 Proof that student self-assessment moves learning forward I admit it. When I first began teaching, I thought I knew how to effectively engage students in self-assessment. In retrospect, I realize we may have just gone through the motions at times. It took... Read more
3.10.22 4 ways to strengthen the learning culture in your classroom One of my all-time favorite teachers and mentors is Mrs. Strain. She was my art teacher all four years of high school, mostly because she left an indelible impression on me freshman year. There... Read more
3.8.22 How the science of reading can help you teach language comprehension skills Last year, I read a parent’s post in a social media discussion about reading. They were seeking information on which schools in my town are teaching phonics only. This parent wanted nothing to do... Read more
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