Shaped

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

Latest Posts

Virtual back to school night

4 Virtual Back-to-School Night Ideas for 2021

These 2021 virtual Back-to-School Night ideas during COVID-19, including activities for parents and students, will help you start off the year on the right foot.

Rachel Swartz
Sixth Grade Teacher, Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy (MS/HS 141), Bronx, New York

Strategies for a good school year esther wojcicki

7 Strategies to Start the New School Year Right

Have students interview each other. In the next class, whether it's online or not, let students share their interests, experiences, and feelings. There are many back-to-school activities that teachers can use as icebreakers, but this one is my favorite because the kids get to know each other, which makes them excited about your class.

Esther Wojcicki
Journalist and Teacher; Founder, Palo Alto High Media Arts Program

Racial justice in education

Racial Justice in Education: How Can We Assess Racial Climate in Schools?

Education leaders can assess how they are doing when it comes to racial justice in education and equity in the classroom by examining these five crucial areas.

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

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Starting the School Year During COVID-19: Action Items for K-12 Administrators

In addition to figuring out the complexities behind general reopening details, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a number of new priorities for education leaders.

Jordan Friedman
Former Shaped Editor

Innovation for Equity Panelists

5 Takeaways from Innovation For Equity’s Talk on Black Learners and COVID-19

Find out what leaders in the education space had to say at the July 15 Innovation For Equity online event.

Janna Sakson
Shaped Contributor

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5 Tips to Ensure Connected Professional Learning for Teachers This Fall

This fall, education leaders should encourage a culture of reflection among their staff and tailor professional development to the current situation amid COVID-19.

Dr. Grant Atkins
Education Research Director, Professional Services

Miami Dade Madison

Phoenix Rising: A Story of School Transformation

Florida’s Miami-Dade County Public Schools' story of transformation is one of dedication, inspiration, and building a bridge to the future.

Glenn Greenberg
Shaped Contributor

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Read by Grade 3: Developing Foundational Skills for All Children

Dr. Shane Templeton explains how students can be well on their way to reading proficiency by the end of Grade 3.

Dr. Shane Templeton
Foundation Professor Emeritus, Literacy Studies, University of Nevada, Reno; Into Reading Program Author

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Foundations of Reading: Change Everyday Moments into Robust Literacy Lessons

Reading development expert Dr. Anne E. Cunningham offers tips to help teachers and parents foster a love of reading in students.

Dr. Anne Cunningham
Professor, University of California, Berkeley; HMH Author

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Racial Literacy: A Call to Action for Teachers

What is racial literacy? Dr. Tyrone Howard, ICLE senior fellow and professor of education at UCLA, calls on teachers to develop the racial literacy needed to talk about race in their classrooms.

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

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4 Ways Educators Can Address Race with Students

Dr. Tyrone Howard shares insights for educators on leading difficult race-related discussions in the classroom.

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

Help LGBTQ students feel safe and welcomed in school

Help LGBTQ Students Feel Safe and Welcomed in School

Show support for LGBTQ students and help them feel safe and welcomed in schools with these six strategies for educators.

Jamie Kubiak
(he/him/his); High School Chemistry Teacher, Park East High School, New York

Andrea Barnes photo

Collaboration Is Crucial: Words of Wisdom from a Retiring Teacher

Andrea Barnes is retiring after nearly 30 years in the classroom. In this post she shares parting words of wisdom for future teachers, especially the need for collaboration during the current COVID-19 crisis.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

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A Former Chief Academic Officer’s View on the Future of K-12 Education

Tammy Clementi, National Director of Planning and Analytics for HMH, shared her perspective on how the COVID-19 pandemic will shape school as we know it.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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4 Lessons This Principal Learned from His School's Switch to Remote Teaching

Principal David Huber discusses how he came to realize that now is an opportunity for his district to make many lasting changes in how its schools operate.

David Huber
Principal, South Side Elementary School, Connecticut

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Do Your Students Have a Fixed Mindset or Growth Mindset? The Answer Is Both

Get the truth about fixed vs. growth mindsets and try our strategies to foster an environment where students feel empowered to learn.

Rachel L. Schechter, PhD
VP Learning Sciences, Learning Sciences and Research Advisory Board Chair

Jessica McKeown, PhD
HMH Senior Learning Scientist, Math and Science

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Wrapping Up the School Year Remotely: Tips for K–12 Administrators

We must marshal the courage to close out this most unusual school year with an eye toward planning for 2020–2021.

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

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How This Superintendent Works to Ensure Educational Equity Amid a Crisis

Sharon Johnson-Shirley shares how her Indiana district meets students’ needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the steps she will take to prepare for future emergencies.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

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