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The Blog


Back-to-School Guide: Top 5 Ways to Build a Positive Digital Environment
Here are five focus areas for fostering a positive digital environment in your classroom.
Betsy Breedlove
1 day ago2 min read


Why Restorative Practices Begin with the Adults
Restorative practices only work when adults lead by example first. If we want schools to be spaces where students feel safe, connected, and accountable, we must first build that same culture among the adults.
Dianne McKinley
Aug 112 min read


8 Practical Ways to Transform Your Classroom Management
The power of positive interactions in education isn't just a feel-good concept – it's backed by extensive research.
Dianne McKinley
Aug 42 min read


Four Pillars of Effective Math Instruction for K–8 Classrooms
What really works in math instruction?
four key pillars consistently emerge as powerful levers for instructional growth: the Eight Mathematical Practices, Number Talks, fluency-building strategies, and data-informed differentiation. Together, these elements offer a clear, flexible framework for supporting every student, every day.
Dianne McKinley
Jul 283 min read


5 Proven Ways to Build Strong Student Relationships in Your First 30 Days
The first 30 days of school set the tone for the entire year. While lesson planning and classroom setup are crucial, building strong student relationships might be your most powerful tool for classroom success. Research consistently shows that when students feel connected to their teachers, behavioral issues decrease and engagement soars.
Dianne McKinley
Jul 212 min read


Your Summer AI Toolkit : Supporting Your AI Journey
Summer break is the perfect time for special education educators to recharge, but it's also a fantastic opportunity to explore new tools and strategies for the upcoming school year. One area that's rapidly evolving and offering immense potential for special education is Artificial Intelligence (AI). It can all feel very overwhelming especially with the constant evolution of new and improved technology. Below are some tips to guide you as you begin, or continue on your AI jour
Dianne McKinley
Jul 143 min read


8 Ways to Integrate Data Science into Algebra
If you’re looking to boost relevance in your Algebra lessons without rewriting your entire scope and sequence, these 8 strategies will help you get started.
Dianne McKinley
Jul 72 min read


From Hiding to Shining: Strategies to Support Full Participation in Every Lesson
One of the challenges facing educators today is ensuring that all students are active participants in the learning process. We do that through engaging hands-on activities, as well as through thoughtful class discussions. But, what do you do when you call on a student - even one with a hand raised - and you get one of these responses:
“I forgot.”
“I don’t know.”
“Um.”
No child learns by opting out!
Dianne McKinley
Jun 303 min read


Building Better Behavior
Creating effective classroom behavior expectations can feel overwhelming. While most educators understand the importance of solid classroom management, establishing rules that actually work requires a strategic approach. Here are six proven steps to transform your classroom management experience.
Dianne McKinley
Jun 232 min read


How to Use Data to Drive Personalized Math Instruction (Without Burning Out)
With the right tools and strategies, you can harness data to personalize instruction without adding hours to your workload. Here’s how to make student data work for you—not the other way around.
Dianne McKinley
Jun 162 min read


Building a Strong MTSS Framework: The FOUR Essential Assessment Elements
Schools and districts can establish strong systems to ensure students receive targeted instruction and support.
Dianne McKinley
Jun 23 min read


Reignite Your Passion for Teaching: Summer Plans to Renew Your Love for Math (and Science)
Summer is the perfect time to rekindle your love for math and science.
Dianne McKinley
May 125 min read


The Growing Need to Support Multilingual Families
For multilingual families, language loss is a real and pressing concern. How do we create a bridge between languages instead of a barrier?
Dianne McKinley
May 54 min read


5 Powerful Reasons to Use Number Talks in Your Elementary Classroom
Welcome to the world of number talks, where building number sense becomes a daily, dynamic conversation that empowers every student to becom
Dianne McKinley
Apr 214 min read


To Use AI with Students – or – Not to Use AI with Students? The Ongoing Debate: AI in the Classroom
As educators, we must ask ourselves: How can we appropriately integrate AI into our classrooms?
Dianne McKinley
Apr 144 min read


Doing More with Less: Why Special Education Program Evaluation Matters Now More Than Ever
Special education programs are more than just mandated services; they are investments in our students' futures.
Dianne McKinley
Apr 73 min read


Supporting Students During High-Stakes Tests: Strategies for Success
Supporting Students During High-Stakes Tests
Dianne McKinley
Apr 73 min read


Scaffolding Writing Instruction: 5 Tips for Building Skills Without Lowering Expectations
When writing is the specific learning standard, the goal remains clear: students must demonstrate their ability to write.
Dianne McKinley
Mar 173 min read


Revitalize Your Passion for Teaching: Self-Care and Reconnecting with Your Subject
By indulging in your subject and engaging in positive habits, you can reignite your passion and maintain a healthy mindset.
Dianne McKinley
Mar 103 min read


5 Top Tips to Ensure Active Learning by Your Students
To prepare students for this modern world, we must shift away from passive, "sit-and-get" instruction and focus on cultivating active learne
Dianne McKinley
Feb 103 min read
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