White Papers

Decades of research have demonstrated that a student’s mindset is a critical factor that impacts how comfortable and motivated they are when posed with a new or difficult problem to solve. This paper explores what it means to have a growth mindset and how supporting this perspective in students can be enhanced in the context of educational technology.

Student motivation in the classroom is of critical concern because students who are motivated by their own learning perform considerably higher academically than unmotivated and unengaged peers. This paper highlights well-researched methods of supporting students’ intrinsic motivation in educational settings, and applies that research to selecting and using educational technologies.

The widespread collection of data in education has given rise to vast amounts of information. This white paper examines three areas in which district leaders can use valuable school data to uncover opportunities for improvement: (1) curriculum (2) resource allocation (3) professional development.

In order to gain knowledge through independent reading and participate in meaningful discussions in the classroom, students must master the complex words and phrases that characterize the language of school. This paper discusses why proficiency in these skills, otherwise known as academic language, is critical for reading comprehension and overall academic success.

English Language Learners (ELLs) are one of the fastest-growing subgroups among the school-aged population in the United States and are diverse due to differences in students’ exposure to English and individual competence in their first language. This white paper covers the unique Instructional needs of these students to help educators close the academic gap.

This white paper explores the importance of assessment competency and how when assessments are properly administered and integrated into instruction, the resulting data can provide valuable information about progress towards instructional goals, success of interventions, and overall curriculum implementation. 

Unlike mathematics or science, reading is the only academic area in which we expect children to arrive as kindergarteners with a basic skill level. Research has shown that oral language—the foundations of which are developed by age four—has a profound impact on children’s preparedness for kindergarten and on their success throughout their academic career. This white paper will examine the critical role of oral language in reading instruction and assessment and the implications for classroom teachers. 

A growing number of schools are piloting or implementing blended learning programs. However, many educators are unfamiliar with the different aspects of this new approach and how the various implementation models of blended learning differ. This paper will review the critical success factors to keep in mind if your district is in the process of exploring or implementing a blended learning approach. 

Strong fundamental literacy skills are essential for students’ success, and third-grade reading proficiency is one of the most important indicators of future academic success. This whitepaper examines the methodologies for monitoring student progress and targeting skill gaps, and the critical elements of high-quality instruction that accelerate skill development for on-level and struggling students.

At the heart of teacher effectiveness is the teacher’s ability to understand the individual profiles of every student in the classroom. Although data-driven instruction has long been a focus of districts across the country, this white paper outlines the complex challenge of connecting student data to instructional strategies remains an obstacle to teacher effectiveness.