Books represent just a part of the early literacy equation. Districts and community organizations now provide transportation, meals, summer lessons and family activities to prepare children for kindergarten reading. "The biggest challenge for closing the literacy gap is to address its cause: an opportunity gap" says Nell Duke, professor of literacy, language and culture at […]

What does research reveal about independent reading and overall reading performance? We've known that kids who read the most do the best overall, but we've recently learned that students who read 15 or more minutes per day tend to grow at a rate that keeps them on pace with rising expectations and national norms. That […]

Shawn Stover helps principals move beyond what he calls "the tyranny of the urgent." Stover, an instructional superintendent in District of Columbia Public Schools, says it's all too easy for principals to devote the bulk of their days to busing, athletic schedules, discipline, building maintenance and other issues that can demand immediate attention. Yet mounds […]

Sharing special events, celebrating student accomplishments and telling stories of the small moments from a school day are all part of the role of educators. Social media platforms are powerful tools for educators who are committed to connecting with stakeholders in a meaningful, consistent manner. It gives them information in the spaces they are already […]