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elementary teacher in lively conversation with students who have hands raised

12 Components of Research-Based Reading Programs

Research-based reading instruction allows children opportunities to both understand the building blocks and expand their use of language, oral and written. These opportunities are illustrated by classroom activities in these twelve components of reading instruction for grades one through three.
5 Examples of Universal Design for Learning in the Classroom

5 Examples of Universal Design for Learning in the Classroom

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an approach to teaching aimed at meeting the needs of every student in a classroom. It can be helpful for all kids, including kids with learning and attention issues. But UDL takes careful planning by teachers. Here are just a few examples of how UDL can work in a classroom.

Elementary boy in yellow plaid shirt taking a test

Best Practice for ELLs: Screening

Studies show that screening English language learners for abilities in phonological processing, letter knowledge, and word and text reading will help identify those who are progressing well and/or who require additional instructional support.
Bright Ideas for Back-to-School Night ... and Beyond

Bright Ideas for Back-to-School Night … and Beyond

It’s time to head back to school. And while kids are stuffing their backpacks with new school supplies, we’re packing a different sort of bag here at Reading Rockets — one filled with resources to help make one of the most important evening events of the school year really sparkle — back-to-school night.

elementary principal is school hallways with students rushing by

Characteristics of Improved School Districts

What are the factors that can improve school districts? This research brief from the Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement reviewed more than 80 research articles that investigated the attributes of schools and districts that have improved over time and found 13 themes or characteristics common to them.
Parent with elementary child talking to teacher at school

Classsroom Templates

Parents love to know what’s going on in their child’s classroom. A weekly newsletter is a great way to keep the communication going. Check out our editable newsletter template. And get your students involved in preparing for back-to-school night with our “welcome to back-to-school night” flyer.

Young boy looking at camera with his chalk drawing in the background

Creating Positive School Experiences for Students with Disabilities

The school experiences of students with disabilities can be positively or negatively influenced by the attitudes and behaviors of students and staff and by general school policies. School counselors can take the lead in assessing school climate in relation to students with disabilities and initiating interventions or advocating for change when appropriate. This article provides an overview of factors to consider in creating positive school experiences for students with disabilities and suggestions for intervention efforts.

preschooler with picture book

Early Literacy Instruction: Research Applications in the Classroom

Teaching reading and writing to young children in American has always been an area of controversy and debate (Teale & Yokota, 2000), and it remains so today. The purpose of this article is to review various research studies and to identify essential elements of effective early literacy classroom instruction.
Easing Back Into School

Easing Back Into School

Back to School is an exciting (and sometimes nervous!) time for students and parents. A few tips might help you and your child get off on the right foot.

elementary teacher in lively conversation with students who have hands raised

Evidence-Based Practices at School: A Guide for Parents

All parents want their children to receive the best education possible. One way to help your child succeed is to know if the school is using effective teaching and intervention practices. But how can schools and parents know if a practice is effective? One method is to see if there is any research or “evidence” to prove that the practice works. This handout explains the meaning of “evidence-based practices” and why they are important. It also lists resources where parents can learn more.

multicultural group of teachers engaged in school-based discussion about teaching

Five Phases of Professional Development

Too often, teachers say that the professional development they receive provides limited application to their everyday world of teaching and learning. This five-phase framework that can help create comprehensive, ongoing, and — most importantly — meaningful professional development.

Profile of elementary student listening in class

For a Boost of Optimism, Read (and Watch) This

Meet some elementary school educators who have worked under some very difficult conditions and have found ways to support academic achievement at their schools. They believe that every child has a right to learn and be successful.

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For School Improvement, Demographics Aren’t Destiny

“Unexpected schools” — high-performing and rapidly improving schools with large populations of children of color and children living in poverty — demonstrate that they can overcome barriers of poverty and discrimination by making improvement a shared task rather than a solitary one. Many of these schools have achieved academic success by systematically building caring relationships and tackling problems together — unpacking standards, mapping out the curriculum, and developing lessons and common assessments together. 

Parent with elementary child talking to teacher at school

Getting Parents Involved in Schools

Research shows that parent involvement can improve students’ behavior, attendance, and achievement. But how can schools foster high-quality, successful parent involvement? The Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement offers some research-based advice and resources to help.
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