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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Time Management Strategies for Teachers

Discover practical time management strategies for teachers to stay organized, protect planning time, and make the most of every instructional minute.

Christen Spehr

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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

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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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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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Jigsaw Method of Teaching

Learn what the jigsaw method of teaching is, how it works, and practical tips for using this strategy to build collaboration and support all learners.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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3 Principles of Structured Literacy

Explore the 3 principles of structured literacy and how explicit, systematic, and data-driven instruction support reading development through the science of reading.

Dr. Nathan Clemens
Professor and Department Chair, Department of Special Education, University of Texas, Austin

Teachers in a classroom participating in professional development at a whiteboard

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

HMH Brand Photos 2024 Lifestyle G7 138 1600x900

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
Director of Academic Planning and Analytics, HMH

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Math and Writing

Math and writing are compared as instructional practices, with ideas and activities for incorporating writing in math class

Amber Silverman
Shaped Contributor

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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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Financial Literacy Lesson Plans and Activities for Middle School Students

Use these financial literacy lesson plans and activities for middle school to teach students about topics ranging from salaries to wages to creating a personal budget.

Shaped Staff

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How Oral Communication Skills Set Students Apart in an AI World

What skills can we give students that AI can’t replace? Explore how oral communication skills are one way students can set themselves apart in an AI world.

Erik Palmer
Program Consultant, Into Reading and Into Literature

Policyin Motion math outcomes

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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National Poetry Month Activities for Middle and High School Classrooms

From nursery rhymes to absurdist poetry to rap, these activities will help your middle or high school class celebrate National Poetry Month this April.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

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Effective Strategies: Scaffolding for ELL Students That Benefits the Whole Class

What is scaffolding and how does it help ELL students? Read to learn about scaffolding for ELL students, including benefits and best practices.

Dana Leon
Shaped Contributor

Fun Black History Month Activities For Kids 2

13 Fun Black History Month Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students

Download these fun Black History Month activities for elementary and middle school students to teach your class about African American history.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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2026 Professional Development Topics for Teachers

Discover the professional development topics shaping teaching in 2026, including AI, teacher leadership, and instructional strategies designed to support growth, collaboration, and better outcomes for students.

Christina Lastoria
HMH Instructional Coach

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Scaffolding and Differentiation for ELL Students in Math 

Learn how scaffolding and differentiation for ELL students in math support multilingual learners in accessing grade-level content while strengthening both language development and conceptual understanding.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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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

Teacher with students in middle school classroom

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

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.