The way we read is changing. As classrooms shift from print books to screens, educators and families are asking a crucial question: Are digital tools improving how we teach reading—or complicating it? The answer, like most things in education, is nuanced. Technology has opened doors to personalization, accessibility, and engagement. It’s also introduced challenges around attention, comprehension, and equity. Here’s a balanced look at how tech is reshaping reading instruction—

Use this checklist to guide educators and students in building robust reading comprehension skills grounded in the science of reading. Check items as they are implemented and adapt to your classroom context. Classroom Planning & Instruction  Define clear comprehension goals for each unit (e.g., infer meaning, summarize, evaluate arguments).  Align texts, questions, and tasks to grade-level standards and students’ background knowledge.  Sequence instruction from explicit model

Different Subjects, Different Reading Explicit vocabulary instruction (tiered terms, morphology, word walls, Frayer models) Pre-teach and revisit key concepts with advance organizers and K-W-L charts Use graphic organizers (concept maps, Venns, flowcharts, claim-evidence-reasoning frames) Model discipline-specific reading strategies (skim/scan, text features, annotating data, sourcing/corroboration in history) Teach genre and text structures by subject (lab reports, proofs, c

One of the most powerful distinctions between my role as a contracted collaborative partner and that of on-staff coaches lies in the freedom I have to commit 100% to supporting students and teachers—without the competing demands of traditional "teacher duties." Unrestricted Focus on Observation and Support Unlike on-staff coaches who often juggle coaching responsibilities alongside teaching, planning, or administrative tasks, my cognitive load is entirely dedicated to observi

In teacher preparation, we often think of cooperating teachers as guides who mentor student teachers during their initial field experiences. But what if schools embraced the idea of having a dedicated coach on staff—not just for student teachers—but to provide ongoing, expert support for new and veteran teachers alike, throughout every season of their careers? A Coach on Staff: The Permanent Cooperating Teacher An on-staff coach serves as a consistent, embedded resource simil

In my 25 years of experience teaching and leading in inclusive classrooms and districts, I’ve seen firsthand how professional development (PD) translates into improved teaching practice—and more importantly, better student outcomes. Over the years, my focus has increasingly centered on coaching-heavy PD as the most effective way to build teacher capacity and drive meaningful change in K-8 education. Why Coaching-Heavy PD? Coaching-heavy PD is different from traditional worksh

I bring 25 years of teaching and leadership in inclusive classrooms and districts, and I use this foundation daily to guide school districts as they transform educational models into student-centered approaches, putting personalized learning at the heart of every student’s experience. Foundational Knowledge from Inclusive Education My work in inclusive environments allows me to respond to the varied ways students learn, shaping personalized systems in real time to address ind

In the evolving landscape of education, the traditional "one size fits all" approach has come under scrutiny for its inability to cater to the diverse needs of students. Every learner is unique, with different strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and interests. Enter personalized learning—a transformative educational strategy that aims to tailor the learning experience to the individual, rather than enforcing a homogenous curriculum for all. Understanding Learner Variabili

Reading is the foundation of lifelong learning and success. Yet, many children face challenges that make reading difficult. As a literacy intervention expert, I have witnessed firsthand how targeted support can transform a struggling reader into a confident learner. In South Carolina, where diverse communities and educational needs intersect, expert reading intervention is more important than ever. This post will guide you through the essentials of effective reading intervent

When it comes to nurturing a child's reading skills, the right guidance can make all the difference. Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, and finding a local reading tutor who understands the science behind reading instruction is key to unlocking a child's full potential. With decades of research backing the science of reading, tutors trained in this approach offer targeted, evidence-based strategies that build strong, confident readers. In this post, I’ll walk

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) refers specifically to applying universal design principles within educational settings to create an inclusive classroom environment that caters to the diverse needs of all learners. It focuses on providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression to ensure every student can access the curriculum effectively. Key Principles of Universal Design in an Inclusive Classroom Multiple Means of Engagement Offer variou

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is designed to meet the unique educational needs of students with disabilities. Various diagnoses can qualify a child for an IEP, and these may fall under specific categories defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Below are some common diagnoses associated with IEPs: 1. Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) Dyslexia : Affects reading fluency and comprehension due to difficulties with phonological processing. Dy

Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and communication difficulties. It manifests differently in each individual, leading to a wide range of abilities and challenges. Brain Development in Children with Autism Research suggests that children with autism experience differences in brain development, which may begin in utero and continue th

Introduction to Dyslexia  Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects reading and language processing. It is characterized by difficulties in accurate and/or fluent word recognition, as well as poor spelling and decoding abilities. Although dyslexia is often associated with challenges in acquiring literacy skills, it is not indicative of a student's overall intelligence. Neurobiological Factors  Research indicates that dyslexia arises from differences in brain str

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that significantly impacts an elementary school child's brain functioning and behavior. Here are some key aspects regarding ADHD and its effects on young children's brains: 1. Brain Structure and Function Differences in Brain Development : Children with ADHD often exhibit differences in the structure of certain brain regions. Research indicates that the prefrontal cortex, which is critical for ex

Homework is an integral part of the learning process, but its effectiveness greatly depends on how it is designed and assigned. Here are...

A recent NAEP report reveals a stark reality: in 2024, only 30% of eighth graders were reading at or above proficiency levels in reading comprehension. This represents a meager one-point increase from 1992—a sobering statistic that underscores a deeply concerning trend. It serves as a powerful reminder that the trajectory of literacy progress is not in favor of many students.

The Importance of Introducing Concepts and Skills at an Appropriate Pace In the world of education and skill development, the pace at...

Use physical counters (beans, buttons, or blocks) to model simple missing-number problems. Models in Mathematics for Missing Numbers...

Reading is the foundation of lifelong learning and success. Yet, many children face challenges that make reading difficult. As a reading...