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The Blog


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


Practical Strategies for Integrating AI and Machine Learning into the Classroom
Artificial intelligence (AI) & machine learning are no longer futuristic concepts. They are already transforming industries, from healthcare to entertainment, & are becoming essential skills for students to learn. But how can high school educators introduce these concepts in a way that is engaging & accessible? Practical strategies are shared for integrating AI & machine learning into the classroom, along with easy-to-understand lessons & resources to help teachers introduce
MacKenzie Blaase
Nov 17, 20254 min read


From Chaos to Calm: Creating Classrooms That Support Every Learner
If your classroom management routine isn’t working well for you, rethinking your space may make a huge difference. And, even if management isn’t an issue for you, it’s good to stop mid-year, step back and view your space anew as you consider these top five markers of supportive classroom environments:
Susan Bryant
Nov 10, 20255 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


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.
Tracy Harrison
Aug 4, 20252 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.
Tracy Harrison
Jun 23, 20252 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.
William Reed
May 12, 20255 min read


Empowering Educators: Professional Development for Teaching and Leadership
Educator PD offers training and learning to boost knowledge, skills, and effectiveness in teaching and leadership.
Dianne McKinley
Jan 30, 20252 min read


Exciting News: INcompassing Education Expands Services for Schools and Teachers!
At INcompassing Education, we are thrilled to share some exciting news! We’ve expanded our services to offer even more support for schools.
Dianne McKinley
Oct 25, 20241 min read


New Education Grant Administrator? How to Engage All Stakeholders in the Grant Process
Here are some strategies to engage all stakeholders in the grant process.
Tabitha Freeman
Jul 22, 20243 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


Getting Started with Indiana’s 2023 Streamlined Standards
Sometimes things can seem overwhelming so we avoid them. For example, my hall closet was a mess and I was desperate, so desperate I offered money to my teenagers to work on it. It’s the catch-all closet, the place where we shove stuff and then forget about it. Needless to say, that didn’t work, my teenagers wouldn’t take the bait, so eventually, after saying for several months I needed to clean it, I finally just did it. When it comes to hall closets, that’s okay, no harm, bu
Dianne McKinley
Sep 29, 20232 min read


Social Emotional Intelligence: A Key to Success in Modern Education
Social emotional intelligence is a crucial aspect of modern education that has gained increasing attention in recent years. Social emotional intelligence (SEI) refers to the ability to identify, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It involves developing empathy, building meaningful relationships, and effectively communicating with others.
Dianne McKinley
Sep 17, 20235 min read


The Importance of Quality Professional Development
We all know that teaching is a profession that truly is a calling. Teachers who stay in the profession for a long-time care deeply about the students and the subject they are teaching. I know, I was in the classroom for over 33 years. We also know that the demands on teachers have increased greatly over recent years.
Here in Indiana, this year is especially hard on teachers with a completely new set of academic standards that were adopted in June. There are new high-sta
Dianne McKinley
Sep 17, 20234 min read


Rejuvenate Your Teaching with a New Year Commitment
Many people make New Year’s Resolutions each year. They usually do not last due to the goals being unreasonable or way too ambitious. I was reading ways to keep resolutions and found this article: 10 Secrets of People Who Keep Their New Year’s Resolutions. As I read the article, I realized that the 10 ways the author listed were a perfect blueprint for teachers.
William Reed
Jan 25, 20235 min read


Goal Setting Through Self Reflection
By William Reed Right now, teaching, and basically any job in education, can seem overwhelming. There are so many things we could be doing. It is very easy to lose sight of the big picture and not see the forest for the trees. One of the best ways to keep everything in perspective is to self-evaluate and set goals. You need to write some Professional Goals and some Personal Goals . Yes, it is important to have both professional and personal goals. Professional goals impro
William Reed
Jun 20, 20226 min read


Estimation! Estimation! Estimation!
By William Reed The ability to use estimation is the most important math skill anyone can use and master. Using estimation can alleviate so many silly mistakes and erroneous calculations. Estimation helps us confirm reasonable solutions, stay within our budget or spending limits, and yes, even arrive at our destination on time. We all have that friend who is ALWAYS late! You know exactly who I am talking about, don’t you? Estimation can keep you from being that habitually
William Reed
Nov 29, 20216 min read


How to Make Data-Based Decisions to Inform Your Instruction
In education, information speaks volumes. Data analysis can provide an overview of what students know, of what they should know, and what can be done to meet their academic needs. With proper analysis and interpretation of data, teachers can make informed decisions that positively affect student outcomes. In this article, we will discuss how to make data-based decisions to inform your instruction.
Dianne McKinley
May 16, 20193 min read


The Importance of Mentoring New Teachers
Approximately 50% of new teachers leave the profession within the first five years of teaching. Why are they leaving? There are several reasons, ranging from high stress levels, heavy workload, or poor working conditions.
Many teachers experience physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, especially those who are working in low-performing schools (where the demands are high, and the challenges are immense). But even in high-performing schools, some teachers experience bur
Dianne McKinley
Jul 14, 20175 min read
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