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Drawing on 3,872 classroom observations from 440 early learning programs, the study found that while program models demonstrated different strengths, both settings showed lower levels of open-ended questioning, child brainstorming and opportunities to make predictions, and the use of math and science tools during learning experiences. For early learning leaders,... Read the full article >

Research consistently demonstrates that schools producing strong student outcomes share common characteristics: collaborative leadership, data-informed decision-making, meaningful family engagement, and cultures that view inclusion as an important institutional value (Fullan, 2020; Hattie, 2023). Recent scholarship further suggests that schools characterized by strong collective efficacy and organizational coherence are better positioned... Read the full article >

The Alpha School system is a network of private schools stretching from Miami to California that follows a non-traditional pedagogical approach. Alpha students’ instruction is highly personalized via AI tutoring apps, with human “guides” providing further personalized instruction as needed, as well as non-academic support. Alpha leaders sought an accrediting... Read the full article >

De Smet Jesuit began using the Cognia Effective Learning Environments Observation Tool® (eleot®), comprehensively two years ago, as part of our Cognia Accreditation work, and it invited us to identify where students are engaged in classrooms and what we can do to continuously improve student engagement. The tool helps us... Read the full article >

An effective STEM program goes beyond offering high-quality classes in STEM disciplines. It involves engaging students in interdisciplinary, integrated STEM and inquiry learning experiences. Research shows that early exposure to STEM, particularly before age eight, can significantly impact academic success and support learning in other areas, such as reading and... Read the full article >

Localize learning to build healthy relationships in diverse classrooms Several years ago, a seven-year-old girl who had recently emigrated from Guatemala to the United States joined my third-grade class. The girl spoke only Spanish and didn’t want to talk, make friends, or play with others. I used my curriculum to... Read the full article >

Carmen Schools of Science and Technology, a network of schools in Wisconsin, encountered this challenge firsthand when they adopted the IM® Math curriculum. They had a strong curriculum, but they needed interim assessments to be able to check students’ learning progress in their curriculum and standards throughout the year. Seeking... Read the full article >

Why stakeholder involvement is vital to the success of early learning programs Stakeholder involvement in preschool programs is vital for multiple reasons. The first reason is that stakeholders who are engaged in supporting a school feel a sense of ownership and a desire to ensure the success of the early... Read the full article >

Fundamental Concepts to Help Students with Learning Disabilities Teaching students with learning differences can be a daunting task for educators due to a variety of factors. These factors range from the basic logistical challenges of including students’ diverse needs in the existing classroom setting and framework to a fundamental misunderstanding... Read the full article >

Understanding the Diversity of Assessments At the foundation of this transformative approach is a nuanced understanding of the diverse purposes served by different assessments. While standardized tests like i-Ready or the NWEA MAP offer a broad measure of student progress, useful for benchmarking against broader standards, they can sometimes overlook... Read the full article >