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Shaped

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

 

OVER 10 MILLION READS

Featured Posts

Black image with sunburst that reads HMH Pulse Foundations

Closing the Gap Between Data and Decisions: From Scattered Data to One Clear Picture

Tier 1 instruction is where learning happens, but too often, data doesn’t translate into action. Discover how HMH Pulse turns assessment insights into clear, next-day instructional decisions teachers can trust.

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How to align multilingual instruction with the science of reading

Is AI improving learning—or just performance?

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

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Two educators talking with a laptop open in front of them

The 2026 Educator Confidence Report (ECR) Findings You Might Have Scrolled Past

We break down three data points from the 2026 ECR and what they mean for your AI strategy.

Brenda Iasevoli

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Hillsborough's Results-Driven Reading Growth Strategy

Discover how Hillsborough County Public Schools partnered with HMH to improve literacy outcomes through Read 180, implementation fidelity, and shared accountability.

Richard Blankman

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Reframing MTSS for Multilingual Learners: Designing Systems That Build on Students’ Strengths

Learn how to reframe MTSS for multilingual learners through an asset-based approach that strengthens tier 1 instruction and guides effective intervention and support

Rosanna Morillo

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Latest Posts

Student writing during class

Writing Articles and Resources for Teachers

Browse writing articles and resources for educators, featuring instructional strategies, writing prompts, and tools to support student writers.

Christen Spehr
Shaped Editor

Marrcook

How Marr Cook Elementary Avoided the Implementation Dip During a Major Literacy Shift 

See how one district approached curriculum implementation with intention, supporting teachers and building the foundation for lasting instructional change.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Students reading

Literacy & ELA Articles for Teachers

Discover literacy articles and resources covering the science of reading, reading instruction, intervention, comprehension, and literacy best practices.

Christen Spehr
Shaped Editor

Students engage in learning during National Dyslexia Awareness Month

National Dyslexia Awareness Month 2026

Honor 2026 National Dyslexia Awareness Month this October by better understanding how learning differences can affect your students.

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

Teacher supports student learning with dyslexia teaching resources

Dyslexia Articles and Resources for Teachers

Check out these resources to help you navigate new strategies for teaching your students with dyslexia.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Illustration of educator using edtech tools

What Makes Stronger Literacy Growth Possible?

Learn how coherent, evidence-based literacy instruction and integrated supports help more students access and succeed in grade-level learning.

Jim O’Neill
President, Core and Supplemental Solutions

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What We Learned from an Independent Review of Into Reading

Learn what an independent review revealed about Into Reading and how evidence-based evaluation supports high-quality literacy instruction.

Jim O’Neill
President, Core and Supplemental Solutions

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Why Knowledge Building Matters in the Science of Reading

Explore how knowledge building supports reading comprehension within the science of reading, plus get practical strategies for building background knowledge.

Kellee Joseph
HMH Curriculum and Content Manager

Teacher works with students using Tier 2 intervention support

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

Students reading

2026 Science of Reading Articles and Resources for Teachers

Discover science of reading articles and resources for teachers that connect research to instruction with practical strategies and expert insights.

Christen Spehr
Shaped Editor

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AI Tools for Text Scaffolding: Supporting Access Without Lowering Expectations 

See how HMH’s Text Scaffolder can help teachers create possible entry points into complex texts, support language development, and make rigorous learning more accessible.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

Students engage with digital learning in 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

Scaffolding Reading Instruction Hero Image

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

WF1417802 BTS Writing Prompts HS and MS Hero

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

Second grade student writing.

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

Student engaged in independent reading during whole-book instruction

Making Whole Book Instruction Work 

Carol Jago explores how engaging students with full-length texts can build deeper reading skills, stamina, and a genuine love of reading.

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

Students engage in phonics and phonological awareness learning activities

Phonics vs. Phonological Awareness

Phonics vs. phonological awareness—what’s the difference? This article breaks down what each skill involves and how to use both in the classroom.

Danielle Bouchard
Shaped Contributor

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Multilingual Learners and the Science of Reading: Blending Code-Based and Language-Based Instruction

Explore how the science of reading supports multilingual learners and how integrating code-based and language-based instruction helps MLs become confident readers, writers, listeners, and speakers.

Stephanie Nash
Product Marketing Director, K–12 ELD and Multilingual Learners

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.