1.14.21 Elizabeth Barker Fact or fiction? The 4 myths of dyslexia Dyslexia doesn’t usually look how we think it will. Consider third-grader Judy, a dedicated student who finds herself in the middle of one of her most dreaded activities: a class read aloud. As her... Read more
1.12.21 Chase Nordengren 3 tips for student goal setting this winter With every new year come New Year’s resolutions, and many people focus on getting in better shape. But even something as predictable as a spike in gym memberships at the start of the year is... Read more
1.7.21 Lindsay Prendergast 3 ways to make the switch to grading for learning I have a confession. Last August, I wholeheartedly believed that 2020 could not get any worse. I was wrong. Schools opened, then closed. Even with glimmers of hope about a COVID-19 vaccine, November... Read more
1.5.21 Jaime Vázquez MAP Growth 101: Everything families need to know If your child takes MAP® Growth™ at school and you’re not sure what it’s for or how it works, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know, from what it is to how teachers use... Read more
12.31.20 Monica Rodríguez 12 blog posts that defined 2020 Every December, I wait impatiently for Google to release their annual year-in-search video. I may shrug at the references I plumb don’t get, blaming my age or aversion to social media, but the... Read more
12.29.20 Jen Allen 7 tips for reporting on student achievement to your board this January As I have watched building and district administrators pivot to support students during COVID-19, I have often thought about my time as a district administrator. I worked as a director and assistant... Read more
12.21.20 Jaime Vázquez 9 free professional learning webinars to binge-watch this winter break Let’s be real: Zoom fatigue is really a thing, and everyone’s brains are tired. If you’re a teacher, your brain is likely especially tired because you’ve spent the year adapting with and for... Read more
12.17.20 Ted Coe What’s wrong with tracking students by math ability? It’s clear that this is not a normal school year. Sure, experiences are closer to normal in some places, but 2020 has been anything but cooperative when it comes to teaching and learning. Through... Read more
12.15.20 Erin Beard 5 little things that are really big One of my former principals used to provide her staff with a one-pager of little things that were really big—small actions that too often go underacknowledged or undervalued yet make an enormous... Read more
12.10.20 Jonathan Fine How remote testing can keep students connected and on track When you administer an interim learning assessment like MAP® Growth™, you get back mountains of data that helps you answer all kinds of important questions. For example: Which kids are struggling... Read more
12.8.20 Joe Gallagher Research, policy, and practice: Dr. Aaliyah Samuel on early childhood development, equity in schools, and listening to educators’ voices This week, I had the opportunity to talk with Aaliyah Samuel, executive vice president of government affairs and partnerships here at NWEA. She leads the effort at NWEA to impact public policy and... Read more
12.3.20 Erin Beard How to pick the right digital tool: Start with your learning goal I bet you’re often inundated with advertisements for digital learning tools, yet often do not have the time to process all the options. In 2020, the flood of choices is likely bigger than ever. Let... Read more