The process of analyzing student data to determine an appropriate instructional decision is crucial for student academic growth. This article details how teachers can make data-driven decisions to carefully design writing instruction. Steps are presented for teachers to follow throughout the data driven decision-making process in order to meet…

All students deserve access to a rich and meaningful math curriculum. This book guides middle and high school teachers toward providing all learners -- including neurodiverse students -- with the support necessary to engage in rewarding math content. Students who receive special education services often experience a limited curriculum through…

Despite abundant research on effective reading instruction, many teachers struggle to meet the diverse needs of their students, particularly those with dyslexia. Even though reading is an essential skill for academic success, according to the 2019 "Nation's Report Card" published by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP),…

Schools need their writing instruction "simplified." Most classrooms share writing time with another subject, making it difficult for students to receive the direct writing instruction they need. Between the lack of time, increased gaps in writing skills, and inconsistent writing curriculum, teachers are struggling to bring their…

The current emphasis on data-based decision-making ties discussions of accountability, school improvement and educational reform to the notion that gathering and using evidence addresses questions of rigor in our schools and classrooms. The purpose of this research was to survey secondary (middle and high school) general educators (n = 126) to…

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of how students with disabilities, including students with significant cognitive disabilities and English learners with disabilities, can be included in local assessments used for instructional and programmatic decision making--that is, for formative purposes. This article focuses on formative…

In this paper we describe the development of an online tool for assessing the foundational knowledge and competencies essential to understanding money and building financial literacy. We present findings from an initial study using the tool to (i) measure basic skills with money among secondary students with intellectual disability (N = 85) and…

Gateway Public Schools--a middle and high school serving a diverse group of about 800 students in San Francisco--was founded in 1998 by parents of students with learning disabilities seeking a supportive environment for their children. As a public charter organization with a lottery entrance system, Gateway seeks to admit a student body that…

Students with severe and persistent academic or behavioral challenges may benefit from data-based individualization (DBI). Starting with an evidence-based standard protocol and systematic progress monitoring, teachers can evaluate growth and implement individualized interventions to meet students' needs. Specifically, this article addresses the…

This "Success Gaps Rubric: Addressing Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity" is designed to help any school district or school identify the root causes for success gaps, which are gaps in performance between groups of children in a district or school. The rubric uses the term children because, although the children may range in age from…