Shaped

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

Latest Posts

Two children reading

Breaking the Cycle: Have Intervention Students Practice Reading Aloud

Having intervention students practice reading aloud to younger children can improve literacy for both kids.

Donna Pappas
Regional Consultant, HMH

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SXSW EDU 2019: 4 Sessions Not to be Missed

HMH will be at SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas, March 4–7, with sessions on equity in education, the new Carmen Sandiego, the future of K-12 education, and more.

Caitlin Henault
Senior Communications Associate, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

How Not To Spend Your Weekend

3 Types of Writing Feedback to Fuel Students' Success

To cut down on the work required from your end, consider a writing process that includes self-review, peer-review, and teacher review using digital tools.

Bob Keller
Educational Solutions Consultant

Love Of Literacy

Expressing a Love for Literacy This Valentine's Day

We asked teachers to express their love for reading in honor of the 20th anniversary of our READ 180 Universal program.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Math Tech In Classroom

Do We Have to Integrate Technology in the Math Classroom?

Read about integrating technology in the math classroom and how math technology can be used as a tool to support teaching.

Dr. Matthew R. Larson
Past President, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM); Senior Fellow, Math Solutions

Teaching about Triumphs and Tragedies in African American History

Teaching about Triumphs and Tragedies in African American History

We have an obligation to explore parts of our history that are difficult to talk about as well as those moments that are uplifting.

Susan Steinway
Archivist, HMH

Singapore Math22

Combining Conceptual and Procedural Understanding in Math

With this approach, teachers can help students become confident, creative, and persistent learners.

Laura Gifford

Blended Coaching

Using Blended Learning to Maximize Coaching: A Leader’s Reflection

This approach to coaching is flexible, engaging, and provides immediate feedback to educators.

Dr. Monica Robinson
K-12 Academic Support Programs Coordinator, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

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Is It Time for Schools to Teach Social Media and Tech Safety?

With the explosion of one-to-one device usage, schools should develop specific technology competencies around safety, time management, and positive peer interaction.

Anthony Colannino
Senior Fellow, the Center for Model Schools; Leading & Teaching for Growth, LLC; Author of Leading with Head and Heart

Evidence Notebook00

What Are Evidence Notebooks in the Science Classroom?

Students use evidence notebooks to record observations and predictions, make sketches, and note questions that they have.

Michael DiSpezio
Author, ScienceFusion and HMH Science Dimensions Programs

Laundry Schools Equity

One Way to Increase Equity in K-12 Schools: Install Washing Machines

Administrators in some low-income districts are installing washing machines in schools as a solution to falling attendance rates.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Writing Student

You Can’t Write What You Can’t Say!

It's time to rethink the traditional writing instruction we offer English learners and struggling readers.

Dr. Kate Kinsella
Author, English 3D; Co-Author, Read 180®; Teacher Educator, Researcher; CEO, Dr. Kate Kinsella & Associates

Education Not Broken

Debunking the 'Education Is Broken' Myth

Thought leader Weston Kieschnick argues that education isn't broken. The tools we use to teach are just changing.

Weston Kieschnick
Associate Partner, ICLE

Standards Creativity

The Role of Creativity in a Standards-Based Writing Curriculum

There must be a way to prepare students for the rigors of rhetorical analysis without abandoning imaginative expression.

Carol Jago
HMH Author and Associate Director, California Reading & Literature Project at UCLA

Seguin2

Shifting Focus to Rigor and Relevance: A District's Path to Change

After MSC 2018, these educators leveraged the Rigor/Relevance Framework to bring their district's mission and vision statements to life.

Allison Pape
Director of Secondary and Advanced Academics, Seguin ISD

Danica Murillo
Director of Professional Learning, Seguin ISD

2News Roundup 1 Glass

News Roundup: Equity, Social-Emotional Learning, and More

Stay up to date on the K-12 education issues that matter to you.

Julia Roch

Science Tech Engineering

Integrating Science With Engineering and Tech in the Classroom

Understanding the connections between science, engineering, and technology are important to monitoring planets and other parts of our solar system.

Dr. Mike Passow
Former Classroom Teacher; Past President, National Earth Science Teachers Association

Mindset Interventions

Walk in Their Shoes: Mindset Interventions to Improve Equity

Teachers should consider how students’ psychological experiences impact their confidence and motivation.

Dustin Bindreiff, Ed.D.
Special Education Coordinator, Nevada County Superintendent of Schools; Former Consultant for Mindset Works

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