8.11.20 A step-by-step guide for using stress- and trauma-sensitive practices in your classroom COVID-19 and the deaths of Mr. Arbery, Ms. Taylor, Mr. Floyd, and Mr. Brooks have caused stress and even trauma for many students. As educators, we can all come together to support learning in... Read more
8.10.20 5 patterns in math skills of new kindergarteners—and 4 ways to address them As we enter an unpredictable back-to-school season, educators and administrators are hitting the ground running to prepare students for our new normal amid COVID-19. While many students received... Read more
8.6.20 A brand-new yardstick for measuring growth in oral reading fluency When you’re a little obsessed with good measurement, you might find yourself a bit excited when someone gives you a brand-new measurement tool. It might even make you whistle the happy... Read more
8.4.20 3 ways to support kindergarteners this fall I forgot to register my preschooler for kindergarten this spring. I realized when I still hadn’t been contacted by his school about kindergarten registration. I panicked. My family and I... Read more
8.3.20 More important than ever: Professional learning that drives instructional change Do you know if your professional learning is serving your teachers well? How about your students? This year has reminded all of us just how valuable each moment a teacher spends with a... Read more
7.30.20 Slides and ladders: The importance of fluency with older readers during COVID-19 This summer, my city’s public pools have been closed. I’ve missed sitting at the pool’s edge in sunglasses with a friend, and my boys have missed the high dive. We’ve all missed the big... Read more
7.28.20 Remote testing data can help you find your footing this fall When nothing is normal, everything is an experiment. And in this new world of COVID-19 school closures and distance learning, there has been a lot of experimenting. Every experiment—whether... Read more
7.27.20 How to use goal setting to carve a new path for student growth this fall Like seemingly everyone these days, I am working from home full-time. It’s the first time in my career, and I’ve discovered it requires remaining productive and connected differently... Read more
7.23.20 The 4 ingredients you need for reaching students with disabilities online When coronavirus began getting serious national attention in the US back in March, I was at the California State University, Northridge Assistive Technology Conference. Soon after returning home... Read more
7.21.20 How one Virginia district uses the MAP Suite to measure—and drive—growth It’s tempting to present Goochland County Public Schools purely as an academic success story. Serving a quiet, rural community just outside of Richmond, Virginia, the district consistently... Read more
7.20.20 4 ways to focus on phonological awareness and tackle COVID reading loss I’m a former elementary teacher and parent of three children. My youngest son will be a senior in high school this fall. While working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, I felt fortunate... Read more
7.16.20 3 school goal-setting opportunities to seize—and 3 pitfalls to avoid This summer, many school leaders may be wondering how to complete one of the normal summer tasks: school goal setting. Typically, goals are based on spring summative data.... Read more