Three Common Myths About Standards-Based Grading – Debunked

The following blog was contributed by David Specht, Otus Senior EdTech Copywriter. For over 100 years, the grades in our schools have not communicated what students have learned. (Yes, you read that correctly.) Those are the findings that Susan M. Brookhart and her colleagues reported in their 2016 research, “A Century of Grading Research: Meaning […]

The 5 Elements of Data-Driven Instruction

Through data-driven instruction (DDI), teachers regularly gather and analyze data from both formative and summative assessments to glean insights into how well their students are understanding and mastering the material. That teacher then uses the insights that the data provides to adjust instructional methods and materials and, therefore, better provide for students’ instructional needs. Take a look at the 5 elements of data-driven instruction:

Five Decisions That Demand High-Quality Assessment Data

The following blog was contributed by NWEA. Many conditions that contribute to student skill and knowledge gaps are beyond an educator’s control. Learners bring to the classroom outside factors such as socioeconomic status, vocabulary deficits, and even past traumas. The obstacles are real but not impossible to overcome. A 2018 NWEA® study examined the connection between school […]

Effectively Using ESEA Title III, Part A Programs for English Language Learners

The following blog was contributed by Dale McDonald, PBVM, Ph.D., NCEA Vice President of Public Policy.   Do you have English Language Learners in your Catholic school? Have you heard of Title III-A?  As Catholic school educators engage in their mission to serve all students, it is important our private schools receive the aid they are […]

Committing to Cultural Responsiveness as a Catholic School Educator

The following blog was contributed by Betsy Okello, Ph.D, Assistant Professor, The Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program, University of Notre Dame. As Catholic school educators and leaders, committing to cultural responsiveness is not merely nice to do or an add on to our core curricula. It is essential to developing our students spiritually, academically, and […]