Shaped

A community-driven blog supporting educators, building lifelong learners, and shaping the future of education.* 

 

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Featured Posts

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How Has Technology Changed Education?

Here we take a deep dive into the question, “How has technology changed education?” and uncover tech’s role in opening up new possibilities for teaching and learning.

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The Impact of AI On One School District: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Jerry Almendarez

The Impact of AI On One School District: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Jerry Almendarez

Edtech expert, Dr. Kecia Ray, recently sat down with Jerry Almendarez, the superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District in California, to discuss embracing AI with the help of teachers and stakeholders.

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Summer learning activities for elementary and middle school students

15 Fun Summer School Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students

As the school year ends, keep kids engaged with these fun summer school activities for elementary and middle school students.

Brenda Iasevoli

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What Is RTI in Elementary School? A Powerful Tool, Reimagined

This blog post explores the question, “What is RTI in elementary school?” and how RTI serves as a powerful framework to ensure all students have the right support they need to succeed.

Dr. Bonnie Cochran

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Galvestonhero

How a Texas District Achieved Literacy Growth with Integrated Edtech Solutions

When Galveston ISD leaders saw a notable dip in student performance, they decided to set forth on a growth journey—starting with the implementation of integrated edtech solutions. We sat down with Galveston leaders and educators to discuss the district's plan of action that resulted in incredible student gains.

Jennifer Corujo

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Latest Posts

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What Is School Culture and How Can You Improve It?

Learn more about defining and improving your school culture with helpful tips and a planning template.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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How Does Writing Fit Into the Science of Reading?

Learn how writing fits into the science of reading and why integrating reading and writing instruction supports stronger literacy outcomes for all students.

Julie Richardson, M.S. Ed.
Principal Content Designer, Literacy Content Solutions, HMH

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Achieving Math Outcomes with Into Math and Waggle: A California Success Story

A case study describes how schools in California were able to multiply their student outcomes using the math programs Into Math and Waggle.

KT Browne
Marketing Manager, HMH

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6 Juneteenth Activities & Lesson Plans for Students

Celebrate Juneteenth in the classroom. Explore Juneteenth activities and lesson plans for elementary, middle school, and high school students.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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AI Integration in Schools: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Dr. Neil Gupta

In this episode of AI Insights: Conversations with Dr. Kecia Ray she speaks with Dr. Neil Gupta, Superintendent of Oakwood City Schools in Ohio, recognized for his leadership in education and contributions to leadership, assessments, and coaching.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Celebrations Hero

5 End-of-School-Year Celebration Ideas

Round out the school year with a party to remember by trying out some of these end of school year celebration ideas.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

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Serving All Students with Pride

Hear from HMH Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, Benita Flucker, on why LGBTQ+ students have the right to feel respected, to feel affirmed, and to know that they have agency.

Benita Flucker
Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, SVP Enterprise Development Strategy, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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What Are the Advantages of Distance Education?

Discover the advantages of distance education and how it is transforming education.

Amanda Clark
Shaped Contributor

Galvestonhero

How a Texas District Achieved Literacy Growth with Integrated Edtech Solutions

When Galveston ISD leaders saw a notable dip in student performance, they decided to set forth on a growth journey—starting with the implementation of integrated edtech solutions. We sat down with Galveston leaders and educators to discuss the district's plan of action that resulted in incredible student gains.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

WF2224800 Shaped 2025 Blog Post HMH Labs AI Video Blog with Angela Maiers ep4

Policy Perspectives on AI: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Susan Gentz

On today's episode, Dr. Kecia Ray is joined by Susan Gentz, an education policy expert and founder of BSG Strategies, with experience as a legislative aide in the Iowa House of Representatives, a staffer in the U.S. Senate, and as Deputy Executive Director for the Center for Digital Education.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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Instructional Scaffolding Examples & Strategies

Meet students where they are with these instructional scaffolding examples and strategies that can be applied across subjects and grade levels.

Christen Spehr
Shaped Editor

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Showing Up, Shining, and Resilience During Mental Health Awareness Month

Learn about the importance of mental health in schools and workplaces, with some "glimmers" along the way.

Benita Flucker
Chief Equity & Inclusion Officer, SVP Enterprise Development Strategy, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

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What Are Open Middle Math Problems?

Find out what are Open Middle math problems, along with why to use them and resources to find them.

Robert Kaplinsky
Mathematics Educator, Long Beach, CA

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A Global Look at AI: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Joseph South

Dr. Kecia Ray is joined by Joseph South, a national educational technology leader who serves as the Chief Learning Officer at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). Learn more about the global role of AI in education.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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7 Fun Reading Intervention Activities for Elementary School

Learn more about a variety of intervention strategies, including reading comprehension and small-group reading intervention activities, to support differentiated instruction and tier 3 reading intervention.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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The Human Touch of AI: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Angela Maiers

In this discussion, Dr. Kecia Ray and Angela Maiers explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Angela Maiers is a renowned educator, author, and founder of the "Choose to Matter" movement, which emphasizes the importance of recognizing every individual's significance.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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What Do Teachers Want for Teacher Appreciation Week? 

We reached out to teachers and asked them to share the most meaningful ways principals, students, and families can show appreciation for Teacher Appreciation Week and all year long. Here's what they said.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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What Is Professional Learning for Teachers?

Explore what is professional learning for teachers, including its definition, benefits, and ways to engage with it.

Lynn Walters

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

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Shorty Awards

Audience Honor, 2023, Shaped

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Digiday Content Marketing Awards

Finalist, 2023, Shaped

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People’s Choice Podcast Awards

Finalist, 2021 & 2023, Teachers in America

*The views expressed in our blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.