Continuous professional development (PD) fuels teacher growth, fostering engaging classrooms and brighter futures for students. This Spotlight will help readers investigate the ins and outs of effective PD; uncover the types of PD that teachers want; learn how PD can help teachers better support English learners; evaluate the debate around hybrid…

Blended learning combines traditional classroom instruction with online learning, offering personalized and engaging educational experiences. This Spotlight will help you analyze key research on school tech use; review expert tips for staying ahead of tech trends; explore strategies for engaging virtual instruction; examine how to use tech to meet…

Effective implementation of the science of reading requires robust professional development. This Spotlight explores how districts, teacher-prep programs, and states are working to equip educators with the knowledge and skills needed. From training the trainers to sharing leadership insights on implementing the science of reading, these articles…

Effective instructional coaching provides personalized guidance and support to help teachers continuously improve their instructional practices. This Spotlight will help you investigate evidence-based strategies for effective teacher PD; evaluate real examples of personalized coaching programs; discover the potential benefits of on-demand PD;…

Problem-based learning (PBL) offers a powerful approach to engage students in meaningful learning experiences by connecting classroom content to real-world challenges. This Spotlight explores how PBL can be implemented across K-12 to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. From preparing students for the workforce…

This Spotlight explores the potential of AI to enhance teaching and learning, while also addressing considerations for responsible implementation. From using AI to deliver instruction with human guidance and exploring its impact on standardized testing to providing targeted professional development on AI, these articles offer valuable…

Effective instruction creates engaging and differentiated learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs of students. This Spotlight will help you identify how connecting tutoring to curriculum can improve instruction; review new research on how to give effective feedback to students; assess ways to get students engaged; uncover quick…

The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children across the United States. The focus of this issue is "Fair Discipline." Contents include: (1) Federal School Safety Commission…

Educators are tasked with providing personalized, engaging, and equitable learning experiences. This Spotlight delves into strategies to empower teachers and equip them with the tools to foster student success, including competency-based learning, equitable tech access, and productive failure. Discover how professional development can enhance…

Effective professional development (PD) is crucial for enhancing teacher instruction and student achievement. This Spotlight explores innovative approaches to PD that prioritize teacher needs and foster meaningful learning experiences. From hybrid PD models to teacher-led initiatives and on-demand online courses, these articles offer valuable…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming traditional learning landscapes. This Spotlight will empower you with steps educators can take to be prepared for teaching in an AI-powered world; tips for using AI to plan lessons, email parents, and help struggling students; insights on principles to consider when crafting AI guidance; a guide to the…

Tier 1 Instruction provides the essential foundation for all students to succeed, alleviating the need for more intensive support later. This Spotlight will help readers learn from schools implementing multi-tiered systems of supports (MTSS); analyze new laws on math supports for struggling students; evaluate the long-term benefits of early…

The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children across the United States. The focus of this issue is "Teaching Quality." Contents include: (1) State Policy Recommendations for…

This issue of "Assessment Update" presents the following articles: (1) Promoting Faculty Engagement in Assessment: Relatively Simple Ideas (Elizabeth E. Smith and Sarah R. Gordon); (2) Comparing Trends in Graduate Assessment: Face to Face vs. Online Learning (Lesley Page and Mike Cherry); (3) Assessing Information Literacy on a Regional…

Each edition of the IDRA Newsletter strives to provide many different perspectives on the issues in education topics discussed and to define its significance in the state and national dialogue. This issue focuses on Teaching Quality and includes: (1) Three Critical Areas of Professional Development for Teaching in 21st Century Classrooms (Paula…