4.9.24 3 non-negotiables for differentiation in the math classroom Growing up in the ’90s and early aughts, I wouldn’t have considered myself a “math person.” I was entrenched in the system of tracking, where students are placed in classes with students of... Read more
4.4.24 Dos and don’ts for talking about students with disabilities It was my first year teaching, and I was getting my classroom ready for school when my new principal dropped off my name tag. “Please wear this every day,” he said. “And good luck this... Read more
4.2.24 5 tips for practicing foundational skills Teachers, raise your hand if your classroom has at least one student who is practicing foundational skills. Keep them up if it’s five or more students. Ten or more? Most students? Yes, we see your... Read more
3.28.24 4 ways instructional coaches can help teachers select a focus for instructional coaching Remember the age-old assignment where teachers ask students to write instructions on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? It seems like a simple enough task, even if shared orally with... Read more
3.26.24 4 ways to engage students with writing in math class I’ve been a champion of the importance of writing in math class for a long time. My first classroom position was teaching sixth-grade science at an elementary school. I had a great curriculum with... Read more
3.21.24 12 common questions parents ask about MAP Growth At NWEA, we work with thousands of schools and districts across the US and in more than 145 countries around the world. Since we reach millions of students each year, there’s a pretty good... Read more
3.19.24 Educator assessment literacy can be strengthened by professional development True or false? Your teacher development program adequately covered assessment literacy. This question was posed by Jacob Bruno, executive vice president of Learning and Improvement Services at... Read more
3.14.24 6 strategies for teaching multisyllabic word reading Many people have been talking about the need for phonics instruction, but most of these conversations come to a screeching halt after talking about instruction in basic decoding skills.... Read more
3.12.24 3 considerations on chronic absenteeism for education policymakers The percentage of students displaying chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more of school for any reason—nearly doubled in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent data... Read more
3.7.24 5 ways an instructional coach can build credibility when coaching leaders When I reflect on my early days as an instructional coach, I recall the awkward silence that filled the room during meetings with my principal. My focus was on working directly with teachers, so... Read more
3.5.24 4 research-backed ways to differentiate instruction When I think about what it takes for kids to master grade-level content in school and get the support they need to reach their potential, I recall my son’s experience. He’s in his late... Read more
2.29.24 75 digital tools and apps teachers can use to support formative assessment in the classroom There is no shortage of formative assessment strategies, techniques, and tools available to teachers who use formative instructional practice in their classrooms. Here is an... Read more