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The Blog


Supporting the Whole Child: Connecting Social-Emotional Learning, MTSS, and Classroom Management
Student success isn’t just about test scores — it’s about developing the whole child. That means addressing academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs in a coordinated way. Across the country, schools are finding that Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and classroom management are three essential pillars that, when integrated, create thriving learning environments. When teachers and leaders align these elements, students not o

INcompassing Education
3 days ago3 min read


The Power of Early Learning: Why Pre-K Success Requires SEL, Literacy, and Family Support
Early learning lays the foundation for everything that follows. Children who develop strong literacy, math, and social-emotional skills in Pre-K are far more likely to succeed in school and beyond. To maximize Pre-K success, schools must provide teachers with professional development (PD) that integrates literacy, social-emotional learning (SEL), and family engagement. When these three elements work together, young learners thrive both academically and socially.

INcompassing Education
Jan 143 min read


Building Strong Classrooms: How Behavior Management and Curriculum Support Work Together
Classrooms are the heartbeat of schools — where instruction, engagement, and relationships all come together. But building strong classrooms requires more than just great lessons; it also requires effective systems for behavior management, aligned curriculum, and meaningful assessment practices

INcompassing Education
Jan 73 min read


Student Motivation: Can't Do vs. Won't Do
Before assuming non-compliance, gather comprehensive evidence about the student's abilities. This step requires careful observation and documentation:
Has the student successfully completed similar tasks before?
Was the task completion consistent and fluent?
Did they demonstrate mastery multiple times?
Can they complete the task in different settings or with different people?
Do they show consistent performance across similar assignments?
Tracy Harrison
Dec 8, 20253 min read


Supporting Productive Struggle in Reading
In classrooms everywhere, teachers face a tough decision: when students struggle with a text, should we lower the Lexile level to “meet them where they are”? On the surface, it feels compassionate. But lowering the text too far risks keeping students from the very experiences that build reading strength.
✅ The challenge is not whether students can access grade-level texts. The challenge is how we help them get there.
Dr. Wendy Wells
Dec 1, 20253 min read


Developing High Ability Curriculum with Depth and Complexity:
Concept-Based Instruction: Building Units with Depth and Complexity, which emphasizes designing units that promote both rigor and relevance, while focusing on thinking over task completion and transfer over recall.
Dr. Brian Scott
Oct 27, 20254 min read


Sobremesa: The Space Between the Standards for Multilingual Students
My first experience learning Spanish was in high school. Like many students, I spent four years memorizing vocabulary lists, practicing choral repetition, and doing endless writing drills to master basic grammar rules. I thought I was prepared. But when I stepped off the plane in Madrid, confident in my ability to navigate the Spanish-speaking world, I quickly realized how unprepared I truly was.What I hadn’t yet learned was this: language is not just something you study—it’s
Amanda Crecelius
Oct 6, 20254 min read


5 Ways to Make Math Class More Engaging for High School Students
Math class can sometimes feel like a dull routine, but it doesn’t have to be. By integrating a few STEM techniques and creative strategies, you can breathe new life into your high school math lessons. Here are five practical ways to engage your students tomorrow with minimal prep!
MacKenzie Blaase
Sep 22, 20252 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.
Audrey Lappe
Aug 11, 20252 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.
MacKenzie Blaase
Jul 7, 20252 min read


7 Essential Strategies to Integrate STEM in Your Middle School Math Classroom
Here are seven easy-to-implement strategies that will integrate STEM into your middle school math lessons.
MacKenzie Blaase
May 19, 20253 min read


Empowering Educators: On-Demand Behavior Consulting for Student Success
Student behavior is one of the most pressing challenges faced by schools and youth-serving organizations today. From preschoolers to high school seniors, behavior concerns can disrupt learning, overwhelm staff, and prevent students from reaching their full potential.
Dianne McKinley
Apr 23, 20252 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.
Dr. Reneae Staley
Apr 7, 20253 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.
Dr. Wendy Wells
Mar 17, 20253 min read


INspired Learning Hub: Flexible, High-Impact PD Without the Hassle
No subs, no missed class time—just flexible, high-impact PD. Discover how ILH makes professional learning easier than ever!
Dianne McKinley
Jan 30, 20252 min read


Why Your School Might Need a PBIS Refresh
Here are some common reasons schools find themselves in need of a PBIS reboot—and how INcompassing Education can support you in the process.
Dianne McKinley
Jan 27, 20253 min read


Unlocking STEM Success: 5 Strategies to Transform Secondary STEM Education
Five actionable strategies to elevate STEM learning and spark curiosity in your classroom.
MacKenzie Cox
Jan 20, 20252 min read


What Kind of Teacher Are You? Are you a Conveyor of Knowledge or a Facilitator of Learning?
Are you a Conveyor of Knowledge or a Facilitator of Learning? This thought-provoking question encourages us to reflect on our teaching style
William Reed
Dec 9, 20243 min read


Powerful Learning in Small Bites: The Impact of Frequent Small Group Talk
Small group talk is a critical part of learning for everyone. It’s one of the most beneficial practices to embed in classrooms.
April Connelley
Nov 25, 20242 min read


Culturally Responsive Teaching: Enhancing Math Engagement, Understanding, and Fluency
This raises an important question for educators: how can we transform math lessons from monotonous to captivating?
William Reed
Nov 18, 20243 min read
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