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Instructional Strategies

Where Do We Go from Here? Responding to the NAEP Reading Scores

2-MIN. READ

Discover how integrating both foundational reading skills and knowledge building can address declining literacy rates, shown by the NAEP reading scores, and foster lifelong learning.

A Journey from Remediation to Accelerated Learning

2-MIN. READ

Discover six transformative strategies to shift mindsets, prioritize grade-level content, and build collaborative practices that focus on acceleration vs. remediation.

How Professional Learning Communities for Teachers Transformed Our School

2-MIN. READ

Discover how professional learning communities for teachers transformed a school, fostered collaboration, and boosted student achievement.

Why Pairing Assessment and Instruction from Different Companies Generally Doesn’t Work Well

2-MIN. READ

Discover why disconnected assessment and instruction tools fall short in delivering what students need to progress and why fully integrated solutions (like i-Ready Assessment and i-Ready Personalized Instruction) more effectively support both students and the educators supporting them. 

Addressing Unfinished Learning with Stretch Growth® Goals

3-MIN. READ

Learn how to encourage student growth and address unfinished learning with Stretch Growth goals.

How to Increase Student Engagement in the Classroom

2-MIN. READ

Learn effective strategies to increase student engagement in the classroom, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

Cultivating a Love for Math: Optimal Course Placement for Middle Schoolers

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to prevent the pitfalls of 8th grade Algebra acceleration and ensure students develop a strong, lasting foundation in mathematics without skipping essential concepts.

Clarifying Phonological Awareness versus Phonemic Awareness for Older Struggling Readers

2-MIN. READ

Discover the crucial differences between phonemic and phonological awareness and how mastering these skills can enhance your students' reading and writing abilities.

Sound Strategies: How to Transform Learning with Music in the Classroom

2-MIN. READ

Discover how integrating music in the classroom can enhance learning, boost focus, and improve classroom culture.

Three Strategies for Teaching Phonetics to Older Struggling Students

3-MIN. READ

Explore effective strategies for teaching phonetics to older struggling readers to address gaps in decoding and promote academic success.

Supporting Older Readers

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to teach your older, struggling readers to become more confident, successful readers.

A Deeper Approach to Math Practice Adds Up to Big Results

2-MIN. READ

Find out why offering a range of mathematical practice opportunities can help your students think more deeply and master foundational skills. 

Reading Instruction Strategies: Tips for Getting Started

2-MIN. READ

Discover essential reading instruction strategies to effectively teach children and foster lifelong literacy skills.

Math for Middle Schoolers: Effective Instruction to Energize Your Class

2-MIN. READ

Energize your math classes, and tailor them for those students who are caught in the middle with these math for middle schoolers suggestions.

Ignite Your Students’ Reading/Writing Flames with Easy-to-Implement Ideas

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to ignite your students’ motivation flames around reading and writing.

Maximize Learning Time: Engage Middle Schoolers Beyond the Textbook

2-MIN. READ

Learn how manipulatives in math can enhance the learning experience for middle school learners. 

The Importance of Foundational Literacy

4-MIN. READ

Check out these tips for bolstering your students’ reading proficiency by focusing on foundational literacy skills.

How to Make an Impact in Today’s Classrooms

2-MIN. READ

Get tips from John Hattie on how you can make an impact on today’s students with a new approach to teaching after COVID-19.

Strategies for Struggling Readers: Re-engaging to Build Confidence and Motivation

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to implement instructional strategies for struggling readers. 

Empathy in Analytics: Humanizing Student Data for Meaningful Educational Impact

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to humanize data to help your students grow. 

Scaffolding for Reading: Strategies for Teachers

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to use scaffolding for reading in your classroom to create engaging learning experiences for all your students.

Embracing Oracy: A Foundational Skill for Multilingual Learners

2-MIN. READ

Uncover ways to enrich your student’s oracy skills among students who navigate multiple languages.

Emphasizing Conceptual Knowledge versus Procedural Knowledge in Mathematics Education

4-MIN. READ

Learn how to emphasize conceptual understanding to equip students with the skills for future success in the classroom. 

Fun for Families: Early Literacy Skills for Older Struggling Readers

2-MIN. READ

Learn fun at-home activities to help build skills and confidence with students reading below grade level.

Fun Tips to Develop Reading Fluency with Middle Schoolers

2-MIN. READ

Discover effective teaching strategies that make developing reading fluency with middle school students engaging and fun. 

Questioning for Deeper Mathematical Understanding

2-MIN. READ

Discover how deep-thinking questions can help students reveal a deeper understanding of the material. 

Navigating Knowledge Building with Quad Text Sets

2-MIN. READ

Learn how building text sets can help improve literacy.

Teacher Engagement Lays the Foundation for Student Agency

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to increase agency and engagement in your older students toward the end of the school year.

Five Strategies to Motivate Students at the End of the Year

2-MIN. READ

Learn five strategies to motivate students at the end of the year while giving them an opportunity to reflect and have fun.

Why Productive Struggle Matters

2-MIN. READ

Learn how encouraging students’ productive struggle in the classroom promotes collaboration, creativity, and strong thinking skills.

Why Small Group Instruction Matters

2-MIN. READ

Discover six strategies for using small group instruction to boost learning.

Celebrating Teachers: Building Connections and Sharing Successes

2-MIN. READ

Celebrating teachers leads to success in the classroom and encourages a culture of support.

Creating Conditions for Accelerating Learning

2-MIN. READ

John Hattie describes how teachers can create conditions that challenge students and accelerate learning.

Trust Me: Using Multisensory Learning in Mathematics and Reading

2-MIN. READ

Find out how Liz's loss of taste and smell during the pandemic helped her teach students trust and conceptual understanding through multisensory learning.

Maintaining a Positive Perspective during Standardized Testing

2-MIN. READ

Learn three strategies to maintain a positive perspective during high-stakes testing.

Three Musts for Manipulatives in Math Class

2-MIN. READ

Discover why using manipulatives in math is important.

How to Set Up Math Centers in Your Classroom

2-MIN. READ

Get tips for setting up math centers in your classroom to support student growth.

Make Building Math Fluency Fun

2-MIN. READ

Implement these engaging games in the classroom to make building math fluency fun.

The Long Reach of Literacy Development

2-MIN. READ

Literacy helps students navigate challenges and goals, and it is the foundation of academic success. Learn how to develop literacy skills in the classroom.

Acceleration through Whole Class Instruction

2-MIN. READ

Acceleration focused on content and timing allows the whole class to access grade-level content.

Bringing Clarity to Math Instruction and Understanding

2-MIN. READ

Here are four tips on how to understand and teach mathematical instruction based on current strategies and standards.

Anita Archer Takes the Stage: The Science of Reading in Focus

2-MIN. READ

Hear from literary powerhouse, Dr. Anita Archer, as she shares her wisdom on the Science of Reading.

Reading Intervention Strategies

2-MIN. READ

Focus on developmentally respectful middle school reading intervention strategies to motivate students to become strong readers.

Getting It Right This Time: Efficient Implementation of the Science of Reading

2-MIN. READ

Get reading instruction right in schools by understanding and implementing the Science of Reading.

Leveraging Student Response Protocols to Enhance Learning

2-MIN. READ

Learn flexible response protocols that help elicit student engagement.

Engaging Students in the New Year

2-MIN. READ

Learn student engagement strategies from Extraordinary Educators, Class of 2024.

Dual-Language Classrooms: Bridging Content and Academic Language

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to bridge content and academic language to reach proficient biliteracy. 

Striking the Right Balance to Accelerate Learning

2-MIN. READ

Find out how to achieve learning acceleration to put your students on the path to proficiency by balancing remediation strategies for students and on-grade level instruction.

HOW-TO VIDEOS: Using Number Lines in Primary Grades Math

4-MIN. READ

Check out these hands-on tips for using number lines in the primary grades to help your students develop a linear view of numbers.

How Portland Public Schools Achieved Great Success

6-MIN. READ

Learn about what strategies Portland Public Schools utilized to achieve great growth in math across the district. 

Catalysts for Classroom Engagement: Creative Connections and Wonder

2-MIN. READ

Discover six creative tips on how to actively engage students in the classroom.

How Formative Assessments Improve Learning Outcomes

2-MIN. READ

Hear how teachers help their students meet ambitious goals.

Paying It Forward: Three Tips for Empowering New Teachers

3-MIN. READ

Learn tips and strategies new educators can use to save time, prevent frustration, and improve teaching and learning.

Transform Your Classroom with Student-Centered Learning

2-MIN. READ

Find out how creating a student-centered classroom can empower students to take ownership of their learning.

Reflect and Connect: Effective Strategies for the First Month Back to School

2-MIN. READ

John Hattie shares what can do this summer to prepare your students for the new school year.

Six Tips for Teaching Reading to Multilingual Learners

2-MIN. READ

National Director, Glendaliz Martinez, shares strategies for teaching multilingual learners to read.

How to Identify and Build Student Engagement

2-MIN. READ

Get some tips to determine if your students are engaged and how to keep them engaged.

Use Questions to Develop Critical Thinking

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to ask critical-thinking questions for your students.

Four Must-Haves for Your Core Math Solution

2-MIN. READ

Here are four must-haves for your core math solution.

Demystifying John Hattie's Assessment-Capable Learners

2-MIN. READ

Learn how to develop assessment-capable learners in your classroom. 

Show Me the Science: Dr. D. Ray Reutzel Explains

2-MIN. READ

Learn what Dr. D. Ray Reutzel believes teachers need to help students become proficient readers.

Turning Mistakes into Teachable Moments

2-MIN. READ

Turn student mistakes into teachable moments with these activities.  

Extraordinary Educators Share Instruction Strategies

2-MIN. READ

Learn from Nationally Recognized Extraordinary Educators.

Why Experts Say Assessment Closely Tied to Instruction Is What Students Need

2-MIN. READ

Read about why education experts urge schools to ensure their assessments and curriculum are truly integrated.

Four Ways Math Games Can Motivate Your Students

2-MIN. READ

Here are four ways to use math games to motivate students and improve understanding.

5 Tips for Creating an Accelerated Learning Environment

2-MIN. READ

Educators and paraprofessionals can use these five quick tips as accelerated learning solutions.

3 Fun Ideas for Keeping Students Invested in Learning

3-MIN. READ

Here are three fun ideas to increase student engagement and keep students motivated throughout the year.

Why Formative Assessments Are Vital

2-MIN. READ

Improve learning outcomes throughout the year by using formative learning assessments to uncover what your students know and don’t know.

Use Math Coherence Strategies to Knock Out Unfinished Learning

4-MIN. READ

Understand what math coherence is and how to leverage it to help your students grasp fundamental concepts.

5 Ways to Empower English Learners

4-MIN. READ

Here are five ways to empower your English Learners and help them succeed. 

5 Tips for Keeping Students Actively Participating and Engaged

4-MIN. READ

These student engagement strategies will help bring your quietest students out of their shells and manage your chattiest ones for engaging class discussions.

Help Students Ask Great Questions

4-MIN. READ

Check out these quick tips for helping your students ask better questions to deepen their learning. 

Making Math Magical: Creating Classrooms Where Students Thrive

4-MIN. READ

Find out five tips for helping your students feel more comfortable with math.

Anita Archer Reading Intervention Tips

4-MIN. READ

Check out these actionable strategies for implementing intervention in reading instruction from reading rockstar Dr. Anita Archer.

Dr. D. Ray Reutzel’s Guide to Close Reading: How to Effectively Teach It 

3-MIN. READ

Check out this three-step approach to close reading based on Dr. D. Ray Reutzel’s expertise to help your students understand increasingly challenging texts.

5 Practices That Promote Math Discourse

4-MIN. READ

Encourage math discourse and engagement with these five best practices to help your students gain a deeper understanding of foundational concepts.

4 Best Practices for Analyzing Student Data

4-MIN. READ

Check out these ready-to-use tips for analyzing and understanding student data to best support their learning in the classroom.

What the Science of Reading Tells Us about Learning to Read

2-MIN. READ

Gain clarity on what the Science of Reading is and how it can help inform your reading instruction.

5 Simple Scaffolding Techniques for Reading Instruction

3-MIN. READ

Try out these 5 proven instructional scaffolding techniques in your classroom! They allow students to use skills they’re not quite ready for as they move toward independence.

10 Reasons to Bring Out the Paper in Math Class

5-MIN. READ

Screen fatigue? Learn why the use of printed math materials in your classroom can be of benefit to you and your students.

Why Scaffolding Builds Mathematics Learning Success

3-MIN. READ

With a full year’s worth of teaching to cover, scaffolding can be your greatest tool in helping students learn math concepts efficiently.

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