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 K-12 Administrators Can Run a 10-Minute ELA Audit

Use this 10-minute ELA curriculum audit to quickly scan your school’s full ELA system for research-aligned literacy indicators, identify gaps, and plan next steps

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How to align instruction with the science of reading

Meeting the AI Moment in Education—and How We Get It Right

AI is reshaping education—discover how to harness its potential and ensure we get it right for learners everywhere.

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Making the Case for a Knowledge-Building Curriculum

What began as one teacher’s search for ways to teach nonfiction became a lesson in the power of a knowledge-building curriculum.

Brenda Iasevoli

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Reliability and Validity in Educational Assessment: From Theory to Classroom Practice

Understand what makes an assessment trustworthy and why it matters for students. This article breaks down reliability, validity, and fairness into clear, practical insights educators and leaders can use to make more confident, equitable decisions.

Dr. Vytas Laitusis

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2026 Back-to-School Articles for Educators

Bookmark this page featuring our 2025 back-to-school articles for educators. It’s filled with the resources you need to start the school year off strong, from prepping for the first day, to classroom management strategies, and more.

Shaped Staff

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Latest Posts

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What Is Tier 2 Intervention in Education? 

Learn what is Tier 2 intervention in education, including how it relates to MTSS, special education, Tier 1 core instruction, and Tier 3 intervention

Amber Silverman
Shaped Contributor

Hero making the case for a knowledge building curriculum

Making the Case for a Knowledge-Building Curriculum

What began as one teacher’s search for ways to teach nonfiction became a lesson in the power of a knowledge-building curriculum.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Middle School Classroom Management

12 Middle School Classroom Management Strategies That Work

Create a healthy and happy learning environment with middle school classroom management strategies that are rooted in brain science.

Dr. Adriana Chavarín-López
Strategy and Instructional Support Officer, San Diego Unified School District

Dr. Michael Vea
Strategy and Instructional Support Officer, San Diego Unified School District

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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Scaffolding Reading Instruction: Supporting All Readers with Grade-Level Text

Learn more about scaffolding reading instruction and strategies to implement before, during, and after reading to help students engage with challenging texts.

Dr. Jennifer Throndsen
Education Advisor

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Reliability and Validity in Educational Assessment: From Theory to Classroom Practice  

Understand what makes an assessment trustworthy and why it matters for students. This article breaks down reliability, validity, and fairness into clear, practical insights educators and leaders can use to make more confident, equitable decisions.

Dr. Vytas Laitusis
Education Research Director, Supplemental & Intervention Math

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The Hidden Risks of Teacher-Built AI Chatbots and What to Consider Instead

Teacher-built AI chatbots offer flexibility, but they also come with tradeoffs. Here's why curriculum-based AI offers more reliable, instructionally sound support.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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35 Back-to-School Writing Prompts for Middle and High School

School's back in session, which means it's time for a fresh batch of writing prompts for the new year. Have your high school or middle school students try these back-to-school prompts this fall.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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2026 Back-to-School Articles for Educators

Bookmark this page featuring our 2026 back-to-school articles for educators. It’s filled with the resources you need to start the school year off strong, from prepping for the first day, to classroom management strategies, and more.

Shaped Staff

Female student smiling in elementary classroom

10 Math Icebreakers: Games and Activities for All Grades

These math icebreakers are games and activities that span all grades to help math teachers get students practicing math while getting to know one another.

Shaped Staff

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2026–2027 Monthly Calendar Themes for School

Check out these monthly calendar themes for school, complete with teaching resources for holidays and other days of significance for all grade levels.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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Mathematical Rigor and High-Quality Instructional Materials

Mathematical rigor in general and within high-quality instructional materials is defined and explained

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

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Is standards alignment enough to determine quality?

What makes instructional materials truly high quality? Kari Kurto of The Reading League explores why standards alignment matters—but isn’t the only measure that counts.

Kari Kurto
Director of Policy and Partnerships at The Reading League

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What Is the Science of Reading?

Find out the answer to the question, “What is the science of reading?” Plus, explore science of reading strategies and resources.

Amber Silverman
Shaped Contributor

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

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12 Back-to-School Icebreakers for Elementary Students

Teachers can use these fun back-to-school icebreaker activities for elementary students in the classroom or remotely.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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Improving Teacher Clarity using AI Tools 

Dr. Kate Peila
National Content Specialist, HMH

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How to Teach Writing to 2nd Graders

Learn how to teach writing to 2nd graders with practical strategies and engaging activities that help young students build confidence and essential writing skills.

Katie Risolo Radovich
First-Grade Teacher

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Pros and Cons of AI in Education

This article discusses the pros and cons of AI in education. Additionally, it explores what can be done to turn those shortcomings into benefits—drawing on perspectives from HMH leaders, classroom teachers, and education researchers.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

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How Connected Coaching Helps Districts Turn Data into Daily Instruction 

What helps data actually shape classroom practice? Explore how connected coaching links assessment, planning, and professional learning to support daily instructional decisions.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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.