Shaped

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

 

OVER 10 MILLION READS

Latest Posts

Cedarsprep 2021 MG 4285

3 Effective Instructional Coaching Strategies

Instructional coaching can play a vital role in supporting teachers on this journey—not by evaluating them, but by partnering with them to enhance instructional effectiveness and student outcomes. Discover strategies to make your coaching relationship more effective.

Christina Lastoria
HMH Instructional Coach

Hero final flexible grouping in the classroom 2

What Is Flexible Grouping in Education?

Get the answer to the question, "What is flexible grouping in education?" We also share examples of this instructional practice along with strategies to help you implement it in the classroom.

Amber Silverman
Shaped Contributor

HQIM hero WF2350755

High-Quality Instructional Materials in Reading and ELA: Resources for Students and Teachers

HQIM don’t just support learning—they help shape the entire educational experience. Learn more about how both students and teachers can benefit from high-quality instructional materials.

Miah Daughtery, EdD
NWEA VP, Content Advocacy-Literacy, HMH

Welcome back to school activities ideas for students HERO

5 Welcome-Back-to-School Activities and Ideas for Students

Try out these welcome-back-to-school activities and ideas for students to usher in the new school year.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

WF2272463 Shaped 2025 Blog Post Why is Data Important in Education Option 2 1

Why Is Data Important in Education?

Explore why data is important in education through effective collection, analysis, and data-driven instruction that supports student success.

Dr. Stephan Knobloch
Sr. Director Academic Planning & Analytics, HMH

Differenciated Reading Strategies Hero

5 Strategies for Differentiated Reading Instruction

Learn about differentiated reading strategies you can use to drive better learning outcomes.

Ellen Ullman
Shaped Contributor

ML vs ELL hero WF2232113

Beyond the Acronyms: Multilingual Learners (MLL) vs. English Language Learners (ELL)—Why the Terms We Use Matter

Explore why is it important to understand the difference between multilingual learners (MLL or ML) vs. English language learner (ELL) and how educators can appropriately support each group in the classroom.

Dr. Giselle Carpio-Williams
Vice President Multilingual Advocacy & Content, HMH

WF2192677 Shaped 2025 Blog Post Math Talk Anchor Charts Hero

Math Talk Anchor Charts

Learn about math talk, anchor charts, and how to use anchor charts to support math talk in the classroom.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

WF1608885 back to school activities resources 2024 aggregate hero

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

WF1995913 Shaped 2024 Classcraft blog migration images30

What Does Successful Technology Integration Look Like in Education?

Successful technology integration does not have a single blueprint, but the components we describe here are a good start.

Billy Soden
Shaped Contributor

WF2224800 Shaped 2025 Blog Post HMH Labs AI Video Blog with Angela Maiers ep7

Navigating the AI Landscape: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Adam Garry

Dr. Ray speaks with Adam Garry, an education consultant at StrategicEDU Consulting, with over two decades of experience guiding educational institutions in digital and student-centered learning transformations.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

WF2224800 Shaped 2025 Blog Post HMH Labs AI Video Blog with Angela Maiers ep6

AI Integration in Teaching Practices: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Cathy Cavanaugh

Dr. Ray speaks with Cathy Cavanaugh, Ph.D., the Assistant Director of the University of Florida's Lastinger Center for Learning, on integrating AI into teaching practices.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

WF2264963 Hero

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

students smiling at their school desks

How an Asset-Based Approach in Education Can Improve Classroom Behavior

Explore six advantages of an asset-based approach in education on how it can improve classroom behavior.

Victoria Raish
Shaped Contributor

WF2272200 Shaped 2025 Blog Post How Does Writing Fit into the SOR Hero

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

WF2224800 Shaped 2025 Blog Post HMH Labs AI Video Blog with Angela Maiers ep5

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

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

students engaged in class

How to Engage Students in Active Learning

Make lessons more relevant with these four fun ways to engage students in active learning.

Edward Matthews
Shaped Contributor