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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Henry County Schools’ Strategic Approach to High-Quality Instruction in Every Classroom

See how one school system created a unified approach to instruction—aligning curriculum, professional learning, and feedback into a clear, scalable playbook.

Zoe Del Mar

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5 Things We Can Learn from This Year’s 180 Award Winners

From goal-setting to classroom routines, here are five practices shaping the success of this year’s 180 Award-winning teachers.

Brenda Iasevoli

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Intervention vs. Remediation in Education: How They’re Different & Why That Matters

Compare intervention vs remediation in education, including how they're different, why they're important, and strategies and activities to implement them

Dr. Bonnie Cochran

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Latest Posts

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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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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

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Characteristics of High-Quality Assessment in Education

Learn about the characteristics of high-quality assessment in education, plus get tips for selecting them.

Jonathan Fine
Shaped Contributor

Policyin Motion A Ifasterbetter

Is AI improving learning—or just performance?

AI can make learning faster—but are we improving performance or deep thinking where it matters most?

Andrew Goldman
Executive Vice President, HMH Labs

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More Than a Teacher: Motivating and Mentoring Students with Mr. Ramon Griffin

Discover how Math 180 teacher Mr. Ramon Griffin blends teaching and mentorship to help students build confidence and achieve meaningful academic growth. Learn how his approach at Thurgood Marshall Academy is transforming student outcomes and inspiring long-term success.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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Fewer, Better, More Connected Tools: How Purpose Shapes Technology Use in Classrooms

Not all technology use is the same. Learn why thoughtful, instructionally designed tools—used with purpose and guardrails—can support student learning when leaders focus on quality, safety, and outcomes.

Keith Krueger
CEO Consortium for School Networking (CoSN)

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New Study: Performance Suite Drives Significant Student Achievement Gains 

Third party research study finds students using Performance Suite increased ELA proficiency by 12%—more than double a comparison school’s gains. See the results.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

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Mixed Achievement Trends for Our Youngest Students

New NWEA data shows K–2 reading scores remain stalled and math gaps persist—reinforcing why sustained, evidence-based early learning policies are critical.

Lindsay Dworkin
Senior Vice President, Policy & Government Affairs

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Build a School Transformation Plan: Audit, Adjust, Advocate, Assemble

Learn how to turn your school improvement plan into a meaningful, actionable guide for change. Discover four clear steps to align initiatives, engage your team, and support student success.

Dr. Adam Drummond-Konopasek
Author, Associate Partner; Center for Model Schools Instructional Leadership

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Lessons From Thurgood Marshall Academy: How Data Drives Purposeful Intervention and Growth

Discover how one school uses data-driven intervention to accelerate learning, close gaps, and boost student confidence.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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Math Outcomes Improve with Coherence

Stronger math outcomes start with coherence. Learn how aligned curriculum, professional learning, and AI policy make the difference.

Lindsay Dworkin
Senior Vice President, Policy & Government Affairs

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In This Moment of AI in Classrooms, Teachers Still Matter Most

AI may change how classrooms work, but teachers remain at the center of learning. When used well, AI gives educators time back to do what only humans can do.

Jim O’Neill
President, Core and Supplemental Solutions

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How Teachers Use Writable with Into Reading and Into Literature 

Discover how Writable enhances core ELA programs with AI‑supported feedback and schoolwide writing data that helps leaders monitor progress and drive instructional improvement.

Jessica Altounian
Senior Marketing Manager, HMH Labs

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Understanding Gaps Between Boys and Girls in Math

New research shows math gaps between boys and girls begin in kindergarten and widen over time. Recognizing and addressing this is essential to creating learning environments that support all students.

Lindsay Dworkin
Senior Vice President, Policy & Government Affairs

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10 Trends in Education to Watch in 2026 

In 2026, the top trends in education aren't about adding more technology to classrooms or chasing the next shiny idea. They’re about making better use of what schools already have. Take a look.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

WF2453650 Shaped 2025 Blog Post Arlington ISD Customer Story Hero

How Arlington ISD Built a Strong, Data‑Driven Intervention System

Learn how Arlington ISD in Texas strengthened its MTSS model with data-driven practices and high‑impact interventions like Read 180 and Math 180.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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Whole Texts vs. Excerpts: Finding the Balance

A look at why strong ELA instruction includes both whole books and well‑chosen excerpts—helping students build deep comprehension, background knowledge, and a love of reading.

Jennifer Hitt
VP, Product Management

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What Leaders Are Saying About Algebra Access

Education leaders weigh in on new NWEA data showing why universal screening and automatic enrollment are key to Algebra access in 8th grade.

Lindsay Dworkin
Senior Vice President, Policy & Government Affairs

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.