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The Blog


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


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


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


Build Background Knowledge and Vocabulary with these Easy Strategies
Background knowledge is critical to understanding new information. It helps us make connections, improves comprehension, and improves memory
April Connelley
Nov 4, 20242 min read


The Value of Student Check-Ins
These check-ins allow teachers to monitor student progress and well-being while fostering engagement.
William Reed
Oct 21, 20243 min read


School Counseling Office Must-Haves
A well-designed space can significantly impact the effectiveness of your interactions with students.
Tiffany Creager
Jul 8, 20244 min read


Transforming Math Education: Engaging Students with Real-World Connections and Virtual Adventures
Teachers must vary their instructional methods to include online resources, videos, and make direct connections for ALL students to perform
William Reed
May 15, 20245 min read


Tier 2 Social Emotional Behavioral Support: Strategies for Running Small Groups
Running small groups can be an effective way to provide guidance and support to students.
Tiffany Creager
Mar 8, 20244 min read


7 Ideas for Relentless Book Matching
Teachers everywhere know that the only way to increase the reading volume among students is to hook students into reading on a regular and routine basis. It has to become an unbreakable habit, almost ingrained into your daily existence. Harper Lee said this best, “Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”
April Connelley
Feb 29, 20243 min read


Transitions and Change
Educational Changes
Educators are transitioning from the old 2020 Indiana Academic Standards to the new 2023 Indiana Academic Standards. At the secondary level, we are transitioning from the old online/paper-pencil PSAT and SAT Assessments to the new Digital PSAT and SAT Assessments. In grades 3 through 8, there is one more year of the current ILEARN Assessment then there will be two years transitioning to the new ILEARN Assessment which include “Checkpoint” (the new benchma
William Reed
Dec 11, 20235 min read


Nurturing Organizational Wellness: A Leadership Imperative
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of the world, leaders play a pivotal role in steering their organizations toward success. Beyond traditional metrics of profitability and growth, there is a growing awareness of the importance of organizational wellness. Just as individual well-being is crucial for personal success, a healthy organizational environment is vital for sustained prosperity. In this blog, we will explore the concept of organizational wellness and del
Dianne McKinley
Dec 6, 20232 min read


Trauma-Informed Schools
What is a trauma-informed school? It is a setting where trauma is understood, recognized, and responded to in ways that empower those who are affected. The goal of trauma-informed schools is to put in place supports that help children cope. Read this article to learn more.
Dianne McKinley
Sep 18, 20233 min read


Best Book Types For Reluctant Readers
Are you looking for books that help your students WANT to read? Are you trying to match reluctant readers with books they fall in love with? Books that make them keep coming back for me? Here’s my list of 5 types of books that kids just might love, even if they profess to “Hate Reading”. I’ve added some of my favorite titles to each category for you to check out.
Dianne McKinley
Jun 18, 20233 min read


The Ultimate Recess Equipment
Whether you are a classroom teacher, physical education teacher, or school principal, chances are you are looking to add something fun and engaging to your playground or gym equipment for recess. Look no further than the amazing Pindaloo.
Dianne McKinley
Apr 19, 20231 min read


What Is Growth Mindset in Education?
With a growth mindset, students are encouraged to take on challenges and persist in the face of difficult tasks. It fosters a positive learning environment that supports risk-taking and self-improvement. By embracing a growth mindset, students can become more resilient, develop self-confidence, and learn to value effort over results. Research has also shown that students with a growth mindset are more likely to succeed academically and professionally.
Dianne McKinley
Mar 28, 20235 min read


When Am I Ever Going to Use Math after High School?
What I am realizing now is they are asking this because, as math teachers, we are NOT doing enough to make sure that question is answered BE
William Reed
Mar 3, 20237 min read


Motivation in Education
Motivation in education is the driving force behind a student’s desire to learn and grow. It is the intrinsic desire to do well and achieve success in the classroom. Motivation in education can come from a student’s own internal desire to learn and grow or it can come from external factors such as rewards, recognition, and encouragement from teachers and peers. It is important to foster motivation in the classroom in order to create a positive learning environment. Motivation
Tiffany Creager
Mar 1, 20234 min read


Mentors: People Who Point Us In The Right Direction
As you begin your career, mentors are invaluable. They help you stumble through all that you do not know when you start. They are there to listen to your ideas, without judgement. They share thoughts and ideas that help you figure out exactly what you need to be doing. They support you by sharing their materials, ideas, errors they have made in the past, suggestions, and what has worked well for them over the years.
William Reed
Dec 9, 202210 min read


What is PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports)?
Many schools across the US are finding it hard to deal with student misbehavior. And usually, students are punished for not knowing how to behave rather than being taught appropriate behavior. The objective of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is teaching positive behavior. You may be asking, “What is PBIS?” This article will answer that question.
Dianne McKinley
Nov 5, 20184 min read


Things You Should Know About Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder
Let’s say one of your students is intimidating you or even scaring you. You feel threatened, bullied, and teaching became a real nightmare. Why is this happening? Children with antisocial or extremely aggressive behaviors can be diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) or Conduct Disorder. Putting a definition over these two will help you understand why certain behaviors are being displayed. These are the main things everyone should know about Oppositional Defiant D
Tiffany Creager
Jun 25, 20183 min read
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