Leveled reading groups vs. Other grouping methods
What do research and data have to say about using leveled texts and grouping vs. other grouping strategies? For decades, elementary classroom teachers attempted to meet the broad literacy needs of their students by using leveled reading groups. Teachers would begin by assessing and grouping students with similar achievement levels and providing guided instruction in […]
Mental wellness and schools
Mental health is an increasingly significant issue in the United States. It is estimated that 59.3 million adults experience mental illness. However, only 45.3% receive mental health care (Mental Health America, 2024). Forty-five percent of youth ages 10 to 24 report having struggled with their mental health in the past two years (Surgo Health, 2024). […]
How to support families to prevent the summer slide in reading
In January 2025, the National Assessment of Educational Progress released reading and mathematics test scores for Grades 4 and 8, revealing a statistically significant decline in reading performance between 2022 and 2024 (National Assessment of Educational Progress, (n.d.); Schwartz, 2025). These data raise an urgent question: How can educators support students and their families during […]
The earliest intervention: Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) has often been seen as a last resort for individuals with complex communication needs (CCN). Many people think there’s a specific order of tools to try before moving on to high-tech AAC systems. However, things are changing with the rise of iPads, user-friendly communication apps, and a wealth of research […]
Ensuring students’ voices are heard: An evidence-based practice to actively engage students in transition planning
Students go through multiple transitions in life; some can be easy, while others can be tough. One fact remains true: the path to adulthood is not seamless, whether students transition to work, college, or training; it requires planning and preparation. An individual education program (IEP) does just that for a student with disabilities! The transition […]
Using the TPRY strategy “To Pry” open models
Have you been thinking about science instruction lately? Are you wondering how to help students “to pry” open visuals like diagrams, graphs, and tables? TPRY is the cognitive strategy you are looking for! TPRY is a learner-owned mnemonic strategy that captures the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) practice of Developing and Using Models. Although it […]
Beyond the PD: How coaching supports implementation after a professional development
Professional development (PD) is the primary way in which knowledge, skills, and information are shared with teachers. The general approach to PD involves initial training; teachers are expected to take the presented information back to their respective classrooms and implement it, often with little to no follow-up (Saunders et al., 2021). This traditional model of […]
We’re growing! New assistive technology materials to inspire learning!
We have been listening to you! Based on your requests, we have curated more assistive technology (AT) devices for you to trial with your students of all ages. Check out these materials that were added to our library recently! Lights, Camera, Action!!! For the culinary artists in your classroom Switches, switches, and more switches!! Choosing […]
Understanding SRSD: A game-changer for teaching writing
Imagine a classroom where even reluctant writers feel empowered to express their ideas. That is the promise of the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) model—an approach that combines writing strategies and self-regulation to transform how students learn to write. Originally designed to support students with disabilities, SRSD has been effective for writers of all levels, helping […]
Increasing student attendance through school connectedness
Chronic absenteeism is impacting schools and classrooms across the nation. Although student attendance may be impacted by multiple factors that are outside of the school’s control, focusing on what schools can do to increase attendance is still important. For example, a positive school climate has numerous impacts on student outcomes, including reducing student absenteeism. “When […]
