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 Has Technology Changed Education?

Here we take a deep dive into the question, “How has technology changed education?” and uncover tech’s role in opening up new possibilities for teaching and learning.

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The Impact of AI On One School District: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Jerry Almendarez

The Impact of AI On One School District: A Conversation with Dr. Kecia Ray and Jerry Almendarez

Edtech expert, Dr. Kecia Ray, recently sat down with Jerry Almendarez, the superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District in California, to discuss embracing AI with the help of teachers and stakeholders.

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Summer learning activities for elementary and middle school students

15 Fun Summer School Activities for Elementary and Middle School Students

As the school year ends, keep kids engaged with these fun summer school activities for elementary and middle school students.

Brenda Iasevoli

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What Is RTI in Elementary School? A Powerful Tool, Reimagined

This blog post explores the question, “What is RTI in elementary school?” and how RTI serves as a powerful framework to ensure all students have the right support they need to succeed.

Dr. Bonnie Cochran

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How a Texas District Achieved Literacy Growth with Integrated Edtech Solutions

When Galveston ISD leaders saw a notable dip in student performance, they decided to set forth on a growth journey—starting with the implementation of integrated edtech solutions. We sat down with Galveston leaders and educators to discuss the district's plan of action that resulted in incredible student gains.

Jennifer Corujo

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Latest Posts

Diverse library

6 Tips for Building a Diverse Classroom Library

Explore tips and resources that will help you build a culturally diverse classroom library and foster an inclusive classroom environment.

Carey Blankenship-Kramer
Shaped Staff

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Anti-Bias Resources for the Classroom

Confronting bias in ourselves and in our classrooms is an important ongoing process. Help combat discrimination in all its forms with this collection of resources.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

Ali Habashi
Former Shaped Editor

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Quick Conversations: Equity in Education, Interrupted Learning, and More

Watch interviews with education leaders and business owners about culturally responsive education, recovery in schools, and developing an entrepreneurial mindset.

Shaped Staff

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Against All Odds: Alexandria Middle Magnet School’s Success Story

Nobody believed Alexandria Middle Magnet School had a promising future. With Principal Dennis Stewart and his leadership team's guidance and the support of turnaround specialists and the ICLE, the school transformed in three years against all odds.

Shaped Staff

School Culture new

How to Reset School Culture Post-COVID: Tips for Education Leaders

The pandemic has made it a challenge to bolster school spirit. You need a solid plan now to build a positive school culture post-COVID. Get our tips.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Q and a with sharroky hollie culturally responsive teaching

Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching: Q&A with Dr. Sharroky Hollie

Dr. Sharroky Hollie, an expert on culturally and linguistically responsive teaching and learning, shares his insights on resilience during a pandemic, trends in education, and advice for education leaders.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

Summer school admins

Q&A: How Administrators Are Preparing for Summer School Amid the Pandemic

Get expert insights into how school leaders can best address pandemic learning loss this summer and the bold choices they will have to make going forward.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Equity in education

What Is Equity in Education?

It's a term used often, but what is equity in education? Hear from experts on their definition of the term and what role access plays in achieving equitable education.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Education Trends 2021

8 Education Trends to Watch in 2021

We asked ed leaders from across the country to weigh in on education trends for 2021. Here's what they had to say.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

WF1304039 Shaped 2020 Blog Post Virtual Summit Speakers Blog

Think Connected Virtual Summit: Experts on Equity, Remote Learning, and More

Equity, growth mindset, instructional planning, and remote learning during a pandemic were some of the themes covered at HMH's Think Connected Virtual Summit in October 2020.

Shaped Staff

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11 Most-Read Shaped Blogs of 2020

Before we say goodbye to 2020, we want to highlight the most-read Shaped blogs, written with you in mind as you navigated this most unusual year.

Christine Condon
Shaped Editor-in-Chief

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7 Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies and Instructional Practices

Implement these culturally responsive teaching strategies and instruction practices in the classroom to help students feel included, validated, valued, and safe.

Dr. Tyrone C. Howard
Professor, UCLA; Senior Fellow, The Center for Model Schools; HMH Learning Sciences & Research Advisory Board

David oconnor

Don't Just Teach About Cultures—Teach Culturally. Here's the Difference

Teaching culturally means that the educator acts as a guide for students and is actively learning alongside them in their understanding of the content.

David J. O’Connor
American Indian Studies Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

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Creating Equity in Math: Q&A with Dr. Adrian Mims, Founder of The Calculus Project

Dr. Adrian Mims is the founder of The Calculus Project, an initiative to increase equity in mathematics and get students of color in a calculus class before finishing high school. Mims shares his convictions on access to mathematics and equity in math education, along with his efforts that were responsible for his success in college and founding The Calculus Project.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

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Fostering Safe Spaces: How to Start a GSA in Your High School

Learn how to start a GSA in your high school (or middle school or university). Educators can host a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) club and help students feel safe and supported when they identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. GSAs provide a safe, supportive space for students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, along with their cisgender allies.

Shaped Staff

WF1287913 ED Tech

How Has COVID-19 Impacted K-12 Education? Four Experts Weigh In

Education experts discussed how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the work they do every day at a panel discussion at this year's ASU GSV Summit.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Steps to Improve Outcomes HERO

Steps to Improve Outcomes for Students with Disabilities

Find out how to move beyond "Can all students use this?" to "Can all students succeed using this?"

Janna Sakson
Shaped Contributor

NEW March Wash

What to Know About the 2020 March on Washington and How to Teach It

Get all the details about this year’s March on Washington, plus activities to engage elementary, middle, and high school students in the cause.

Shaped Staff

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.