Teachers from all grade levels and subjects are continuously seeking effective instructional strategies to help students learn. Mnemonics represent a diverse set of research-based methods that help students remember primarily factual information. Teachers can infuse various types of mnemonics within their instruction to support student learning.…

To bolster science instruction in early childhood and elementary classrooms, teachers can implement practices that focus on big ideas, engage students in science processes, and differentiate instruction.

Formative assessment is the process of gathering student data "during" instruction, so teachers can make adjustments to facilitate student learning. Despite the benefits of formative assessment for teachers and students, some teachers do not view formative assessment as an integral part of their instruction. Therefore, this article…

Writing is a complex and difficult skill for many middle-level students. Therefore, teachers must invest considerable time and apply evidence-based instructional approaches when teaching writing. This article describes the self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) approach to teaching writing and provides examples of each step of the approach…

As students advance to and through middle school, teachers expect them to meet higher academic expectations. Students' ability to meet these expectations depends, in part, on their use of effective study skills. Using notecards represents one study skill that students can use flexibly in many subjects to prepare for upcoming assessments. With some…

Students with disabilities are increasingly participating in co-taught classes where they have access to the general curriculum. However, researchers have discovered that co-teaching often resembles solo teaching and does not include specially designed instruction shown to be effective for students with disabilities. How can middle and secondary…

Mnemonics represent a diverse group of research-based instructional methods with wide application for middle school teachers and students. Teachers can model how to use mnemonics and infuse them in their instruction. Students can use mnemonics as a study skills memory prompt in any class. Due to their potential as a highly effective instructional…

With a clear understanding of the terms, along with examples of their appropriate use, all educators can make wise decisions about the application of accommodations, modifications, and interventions.

The most recent Kindergarten Common Core Mathematics State Standards include an emphasis on teaching geometry skills, such as recognizing, describing, naming, and composing shapes. This article provides five effective ideas for teachers of young children as they introduce and teach shapes.

As a flexible instructional tool, cue cards offer support for students with and without disabilities. By providing different amounts of support, they also can be used to differentiate instruction in a variety of subject areas and grade levels. This article describes various strategies for using cue cards and includes examples from K-12 classrooms.

As students with disabilities increasingly are included into the general education classroom, teachers at all grade levels need to be knowledgeable about supports that promote student success. An assistive technology (AT) is any device or program that promotes the success of students with disabilities. This article provides an overview of ATs and…

Students with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) are increasingly receiving more of their instruction in the general education classroom where they have access to a rigorous curriculum and a highly qualified teacher. In some cases, a co-taught classroom (one in which a general educator and a special service provider equally co-plan,…

The accountability movement in education has caused school administrators and teachers to think differently about how they report, interpret, and use student assessment data. For example, legislative measures such as No Child Left Behind require school officials to report how all students are progressing toward established standards typically…

Despite the popularity of co-teaching and widespread professional literature describing exemplary co-teaching practices, this instructional approach has yet to realize its potential. One way to increase the effectiveness of co-teaching is for special educators to contribute meaningfully by assuming the role of strategy leader in the co-taught…

In early childhood and primary (PreK-2) grades, subitizing is a critical skill that helps children meet early mathematics standards. Discover ways teachers can infuse this critical skill into their math curriculum.