Shaped

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

 

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Featured Posts

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Unlocking the Power of Big Data in Education 

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.

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How to align instruction with the science of reading

Meeting the AI Moment in Education—and How We Get It Right

AI is reshaping education—discover how to harness its potential and ensure we get it right for learners everywhere.

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

10 Trends in Education to Watch in 2026

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

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WF2492850 Shaped 2025 Blog Post 5 Components of Structured Literacy 2

6 Components of Structured Literacy: What Every Teacher Should Know

Discover the six essential components of Structured Literacy and why they matter for every classroom.

Miah Daughtery, EdD

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WF2453650 Shaped 2025 Blog Post Arlington ISD Customer Story Hero

How Arlington ISD Built a Strong, Data‑Driven Intervention System

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

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Latest Posts

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How to Improve Reading Comprehension for Students

Learn research-based strategies for how to improve reading comprehension for students, including step-by-step guides, activities, and assessment.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

WF2517841 Shaped 2026 Blog Post Reading interventions for dyslexia

Evidence-Based Dyslexia Intervention Strategies to Support Striving Readers

Empower your instruction with research‑backed dyslexia strategies that help you support striving readers with confidence and clarity.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

HMH Read 180 Frequently Asked Questions Hero

Read 180: Frequently Asked Questions

Read 180 is an intervention reading program notably known for helping Grades 3–12 students gain one or more years of average growth in one year. Discover the answers to Read 180 frequently asked questions to learn more about this solution.

Cathy Ferrara
VP Product Management & Strategy, HMH

Policyin Motion hero wholetextexcerpts

Whole Texts vs. Excerpts: Finding the Balance

A look at why strong ELA instruction includes both whole books and well‑chosen excerpts—helping students build deep comprehension, background knowledge, and a love of reading.

Jennifer Hitt
VP, Product Management

WF2503365 Shaped 2025 Blog Post How to Teach Phonological Awareness Skills Hero

How to Teach Phonological Awareness Skills

Explore how to teach phonological awareness skills through clear instruction and hands-on activities.

Danielle Bouchard
Shaped Contributor

WF2492850 Shaped 2025 Blog Post 5 Components of Structured Literacy 2

6 Components of Structured Literacy: What Every Teacher Should Know

Discover the six essential components of Structured Literacy and why they matter for every classroom.

Miah Daughtery, EdD
NWEA VP, Content Advocacy-Literacy, HMH

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Inside a Rural West Virginia District’s Journey to Reading Growth

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

WF2445918 Dorchester SC Story Hero

Opening Doors in Dorchester 2: A Districtwide Reading Success Story

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

WF2470050 Shaped 2025 Blog Post Addressing the Middle School Reading Crisis 2

Addressing the Middle School Reading Crisis

Discover four research-based strategies that help middle school students tackle complex texts with confidence.

Miah Daughtery, EdD
NWEA VP, Content Advocacy-Literacy, HMH

WF2285225 Shaped 2025 Blog Post USVI State Teacher of the Year Interview 2 1

2024 USVI Teacher of the Year Advocates for Literacy and Supports Her Community 

2024 US Virgin Islands Teacher of the Year Ms. Astral Battiste shares her literacy initiative, family support efforts, and practical teaching tips for new educators.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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What Is the Science of Reading?

Find out the answer to the question, “What is the science of reading?” Plus, explore science of reading strategies and resources.

Amber Silverman
Shaped Contributor

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8 Fun Writing Activities for Middle School Students

These fun writing activities for middle school students address the critical writing skills students need for high school and beyond.

Stephanie Nash
Product Marketing Director, K–12 ELD and Multilingual Learners

WF2315255 Shaped 2025 Blog Post Phonological Awareness Examples Hero

Phonological Awareness Examples

Learn more about research-backed phonological awareness examples and activities.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

WF2272476 The Science of Writing Hero

What Is the Science of Writing?

Discover how evidence-based writing instruction, aka the science of writing, supports literacy development, expression, and academic success.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

Julie Richardson, M.S. Ed.
Principal Content Designer, Literacy Content Solutions, HMH

Renee Behring
Education Research Director, Core ELA

WF2367376 Shaped 2025 Blog Post Phonological Awareness Activities V2

9 Fun Phonological Awareness Activities

Learn to support all learners with these 9 phonological awareness activities that make literacy skill-building both fun and impactful.

Amber Silverman
Shaped Contributor

WF2285263 How to Teach Creative Hero

How to Teach Creative Writing

Asari Beale, writer, educator, and executive director of the Teachers & Writers Collaborative, shares tips for how to teach creative writing to students.

Asari Beale
Writer, Educator, and Executive Director of the Teachers & Writers Collaborative

WF1773850 Shaped 2023 Blog Post Halloween Writing Prompts Hero

35 Fun Halloween Writing Prompts & Ideas

Have some spooky fun with your students while exercising their critical thinking skills using these Halloween writing prompts and journal ideas.

Carey Blankenship-Kramer
Shaped Staff

NYC Literacy Success

NYC Reads Delivers Record Literacy Gains

Learn more about the success of the NYC Reads program and how it ensures every student has access to high-quality literacy materials and the support to use them well.

Lindsay Dworkin
Senior Vice President, Policy & Government Affairs

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.