Blog

May 24, 2021

When Students Possess Conceptual Understanding of the Universal Language of Literacy, we Strengthen their Ability to Reach and Exceed Proficiency in All Content Areas

Conceptual understanding of academic language is arguably the most significant accelerator of student achievement. But why is there such a lack of attention to conceptual understanding of language in classrooms all across the country? Resolving this pervasive issue is a matter of exposing educators to the value of effective strategies for building conceptual understanding, and infusing […]
April 26, 2021

What Does it Mean to Support Literacy Development?

As I prepare each morning to speak with superintendents, chief academic officers, and other district-level leaders through virtual and in-person presentations, there is an imperative that is always in the forefront of my mind. What is that imperative, you might ask? Illiteracy. Though we have limited time in each day, we must all remain focused and […]
March 9, 2021

An Educational Epiphany on the Link between Student-Teacher Relationships and Student Achievement: From the Perspective of African American Middle School Boys

School is one of the most influential systems in a child’s ecology and it is that ecology that almost irrevocably shapes a child’s subsequent disposition toward learning and the pursuit of new knowledge. So imagine this – a child eager to explore, willing to take risks, enthusiastic about engaging his/her peers, and earnestly willing to respond […]