Shaped

A community-driven blog supporting educators, building lifelong learners, and shaping the future of education.* 

 

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Featured Posts

Black image with sunburst that reads HMH Pulse Foundations

Closing the Gap Between Data and Decisions: From Scattered Data to One Clear Picture

Tier 1 instruction is where learning happens, but too often, data doesn’t translate into action. Discover how HMH Pulse turns assessment insights into clear, next-day instructional decisions teachers can trust.

How to align multilingual instruction with the science of reading

Is AI improving learning—or just performance?

AI can make learning faster—but are we improving performance or deep thinking where it matters most?

Latest Posts

Student completes individual assessment

Explore assessment articles and resources for educators, including strategies for measuring student progress and using results to inform instruction.

Christen Spehr
Shaped Editor

Educator using data to support student

Discover data-driven instruction articles and resources with strategies for using student data to guide teaching and support learning.

Christen Spehr
Shaped Editor

Ottawa ESD school implementing a districtwide literacy improvement initiative

See how Ottawa ESD partnered with HMH to connect instruction, assessment, and data through HMH Performance Suite Into Reading, helping students achieve nearly a year's expected literacy growth by midyear.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

Text HMH Pulse Foundations with a solar sunburst black and red

Tier 1 instruction is where learning happens, but too often, data doesn’t translate into action. Discover how HMH Pulse turns assessment insights into clear, next-day instructional decisions teachers can trust.

Dr. Tyler Matta
Vice President of Learning Science Engineering, NWEA

Characteristics High Quality Assessment HMH Brand Photos 2024 Contextual G11 164 1600x900

Learn about the characteristics of high-quality assessment in education, plus get tips for selecting them.

Jonathan Fine
Shaped Contributor

Teacher works with elementary students during classroom instruction at Henry County Schools

See how one school system created a unified approach to instruction—aligning curriculum, professional learning, and feedback into a clear, scalable playbook.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Smiling middle school student sitting with a teacher in class

Third party research study finds students using Performance Suite increased ELA proficiency by 12%—more than double a comparison school’s gains. See the results.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Policyin Motion hero k2data

New NWEA data shows K–2 reading scores remain stalled and math gaps persist—reinforcing why sustained, evidence-based early learning policies are critical.

Lindsay Dworkin
Senior Vice President, Policy & Government Affairs

Students working together during intervention

Discover how one school uses data-driven intervention to accelerate learning, close gaps, and boost student confidence.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

WF2553050 Shaped 2025 Blog Post Education trends to watch in 2026 Hero

In 2026, the top trends in education aren't about adding more technology to classrooms or chasing the next shiny idea. They’re about making better use of what schools already have. Take a look.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Arlington ISD leaders discuss creating a data-driven intervention system to support student growth.

Learn how Arlington ISD in Texas strengthened its MTSS model with data-driven practices and high‑impact interventions like Read 180 and Math 180.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

Student reads to support reading growth and literacy

Discover how Morgan County School District in rural West Virginia boosted reading proficiency through Read 180® and MAP® Growth™. Learn actionable strategies for early intervention, data-driven instruction, and fostering student confidence

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

Hero Blog Post Using assessment data to inform instruction Hero

Explore why using assessment data to inform instruction is key to making informed teaching decisions and improving student achievement.

Jonathan Fine
Shaped Contributor

Educators discuss strategies behind Dorchester School District Two success

Dorchester School District Two in South Carolina uses MTSS along with Read 180 to ensure all students find success in reading.

Richard Blankman
Shaped Executive Editor

WF2424500 Shaped 2025 Blog Post Big data in education HERO

Big data in education is reshaping how schools identify learning needs and personalize instruction. Learn how thoughtful data use can help districts take meaningful action that supports every student.

Dr. Suzanne Jimenez
Director of Academic Planning and Data Analytics at HMH

How do we make data more actionable?

Learn how education data, when used wisely, helps make great teaching possible and improves student outcomes.

Francie Alexander
Senior Vice President, Efficacy & Consulting Research

Two educators working together at a laptop.

Take our quiz to see how well your school or district uses data to inform instruction, and get resources for building a more cohesive data culture.

WF2272463 Shaped 2025 Blog Post Why is Data Important in Education Option 2 1

Explore why data is important in education through effective collection, analysis, and data-driven instruction that supports student success.

Dr. Stephan Knobloch
Sr. Director Academic Planning & Analytics, HMH

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

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Shorty Awards

Audience Honor, 2023, Shaped

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Digiday Content Marketing Awards

Finalist, 2023, Shaped

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People’s Choice Podcast Awards

Finalist, 2021 & 2023, Teachers in America

*The views expressed in our blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.