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The Blog


From Hiding to Shining: Strategies to Support Full Participation in Every Lesson
One of the challenges facing educators today is ensuring that all students are active participants in the learning process. We do that through engaging hands-on activities, as well as through thoughtful class discussions. But, what do you do when you call on a student - even one with a hand raised - and you get one of these responses:
“I forgot.”
“I don’t know.”
“Um.”
No child learns by opting out!
Dianne McKinley
Jun 303 min read


Building Better Behavior
Creating effective classroom behavior expectations can feel overwhelming. While most educators understand the importance of solid classroom management, establishing rules that actually work requires a strategic approach. Here are six proven steps to transform your classroom management experience.
Dianne McKinley
Jun 232 min read


Building a Strong MTSS Framework: The FOUR Essential Assessment Elements
Schools and districts can establish strong systems to ensure students receive targeted instruction and support.
Dianne McKinley
Jun 23 min read


7 Essential Strategies to Integrate STEM in Your Middle School Math Classroom
Here are seven easy-to-implement strategies that will integrate STEM into your middle school math lessons.
Dianne McKinley
May 193 min read


Doing More with Less: Why Special Education Program Evaluation Matters Now More Than Ever
Special education programs are more than just mandated services; they are investments in our students' futures.
Dianne McKinley
Apr 73 min read


10 Effective Strategies to Reset Classroom Routines After an Extended Break
By using these 10 strategies, educators can foster a productive, organized, and positive classroom environment that supports student success
Dianne McKinley
Mar 243 min read


Revitalize Your Passion for Teaching: Self-Care and Reconnecting with Your Subject
By indulging in your subject and engaging in positive habits, you can reignite your passion and maintain a healthy mindset.
Dianne McKinley
Mar 103 min read


Mastering the Just-Right Reading Block: Strategies for Success
Managing a reading block can be challenging. The key is balancing structure with flexibility to ensure effective instruction.
Dianne McKinley
Mar 32 min read


5 Top Tips to Ensure Active Learning by Your Students
To prepare students for this modern world, we must shift away from passive, "sit-and-get" instruction and focus on cultivating active learne
Dianne McKinley
Feb 103 min read


7 Ideas for Relentless Book Matching
Knowing the power of good “read” motivates educators and their continuous efforts to book match relentlessly. Teachers everywhere know...
Dianne McKinley
Feb 29, 20243 min read


Cultivating Inclusive Learning Environments: Best Practices for Educational Leaders
Inclusivity in education is not just a buzzword; it's a fundamental commitment to providing every student with an equitable learning...
Dianne McKinley
Feb 20, 20242 min read


Don’t Assume, Be Sure!
Too many times we assume students know or have experienced things that they have either forgotten or never been exposed to. Every year in...
Dianne McKinley
Feb 2, 20246 min read


Transitions and Change
This is a time for transitions. We just transitioned from Thanksgiving toward Christmas. We will be transitioning from 2023 to 2024 very...
Dianne McKinley
Dec 11, 20235 min read


Nurturing Organizational Wellness: A Leadership Imperative
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape of the world, leaders play a pivotal role in steering their organizations toward success....
Dianne McKinley
Dec 6, 20232 min read


From Levels to Skills: Fostering Growth in Advanced Readers
I recently received an email from an educator asking a question that I think might be on the minds of many teachers. I’m rephrasing the...
Dianne McKinley
Dec 1, 20234 min read


Cross-Curricular Connections
Cross-curricular connections in education refer to the intentional integration of concepts, themes, or skills from different subject...
Dianne McKinley
Oct 30, 20235 min read


6 Steps to Prepare for Powerful Read Alouds
Teachers and students alike often name the time set aside for reading aloud as their favorite time of the school day! There are so many...
Dianne McKinley
Oct 30, 20233 min read


Lesson Plans “Must Haves”
I think most people have heard the old saying; “Failing to plan, is planning to fail!” This is especially true for teachers and their...
Dianne McKinley
Oct 2, 20235 min read


Getting Started with Indiana’s 2023 Streamlined Standards
Sometimes things can seem overwhelming so we avoid them. For example, my hall closet was a mess and I was desperate, so desperate I...
Dianne McKinley
Sep 30, 20232 min read


Challenging Automatic Negative Thoughts: A Guide to Empowering Student
Have you ever noticed some students seem to dwell on the negative? Perhaps you’ve even experienced times in your life when you were...
Dianne McKinley
Sep 18, 20233 min read
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