Virginia Department of Education's Training and Technical Assistance Center at Virginia Commonwealth University

Part 2: Practices to support youth with internalizing behaviors Internalizing behaviors are often seen in children and adolescents and reflect emotional struggles that can lead to issues like depression and anxiety, social withdrawal, and negative self-perceptions. These challenges may result in reduced academic engagement, feelings of loneliness, and an increased risk of self-harm (Fiat et […]

It’s March, and spring break is around the corner. Teachers and students are looking forward to the warmer weather and spending time outside. These final months of school can affect classroom behavior as students become excited about the approaching end of the school year. How can teachers encourage students to remain focused, engaged, and on-task […]

Instructional coaching in K–12 education supports teachers and improves student outcomes. Two primary coaching approaches, coaching light and coaching heavy, provide specific strategies for facilitating growth. Coaching light is relationship-focused, providing resources and advice to teachers without addressing deeper instructional issues. This approach builds trust and creates a foundation for collaboration, making it a starting […]

High-leverage practices (HLPs) are defined as “22 essential special education techniques that all teachers of students with disabilities should master for use across a variety of classroom contexts“ (IRIS Center, 2025). The term high-leverage practice surfaced in 2011; but these evidence-based techniques are not new concepts (Council for Exceptional Children, 2024). HLPs became more specific […]

Part One: What are internalizing behaviors? Mental wellness plays a crucial role in students’ academic success and emotional well-being. Research indicates that around 20% of children and adolescents grapple with mental health disorders. Alarmingly, one in ten children faces mental, behavioral, or learning challenges that hinder their ability to function effectively in both school and […]

Literacy instruction is foundational for all academic and content learning, beginning in preschool and throughout one’s education. Why is literacy so important? Kori Annan, Nobel Peace Prize winner and Secretary General of the United Nations, said: “Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society, a […]

The definition of specific learning disorder (SLD) in the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition) states that a specific learning disorder is a disorder with impairments in mathematics, reading, or written expression (Dyscalculia.org, 2019, para. 7). If you were to replace those three keywords with three “dys” words, mathematics could be […]

Angela waved goodbye to her students as the last bus pulled away from Apple Grove Early Learning Center. She took a few deep breaths as she walked back to her classroom. Soon, Martina’s father and grandmother would arrive to discuss their child’s recent challenging behavior. Yesterday, Martina threw a wooden block across the room, narrowly […]

Writing in math classrooms plays a crucial role in helping students articulate their thought processes, communicate ideas effectively, and reflect on their learning. The 2023 Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics (Virginia Department of Education, 2023) emphasize the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of mathematical concepts. By integrating writing into math instruction, […]

Invisible disabilities can significantly impact students in K–12 education, often presenting challenges that affect learning, social interaction, and emotional well-being. They are conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, or chronic illnesses that may go unnoticed but can hinder a student’s ability to engage in a traditional classroom setting. These challenges require proactive strategies from educators […]