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.

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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?

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District education leaders collaborating to connect instructional systems and reduce complexity.

Better Systems, Less Complexity: The Role of Instructional Coherence

Discover how instructional coherence connects curriculum, assessment, planning, and teacher support to reduce complexity and strengthen instruction.

Zoe Del Mar

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Educator supports students during structured literacy classroom instruction

Structured Literacy Approach for Dyslexia

Learn how structured literacy supports students with dyslexia through explicit, systematic instruction grounded in the science of reading.

Christen Ware

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Building Effective Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in High School

Learn practical strategies for implementing professional learning communities (PLCs) in high school to strengthen teacher collaboration and improve student learning.

Jennifer Corujo

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Latest Posts

District education leaders collaborating to connect instructional systems and reduce complexity.

Better Systems, Less Complexity: The Role of Instructional Coherence 

Discover how instructional coherence connects curriculum, assessment, planning, and teacher support to reduce complexity and strengthen instruction.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Child in a classroom working towards stronger literacy outcomes.

The First Year is Just the Beginning: One District’s Curriculum Implementation Story

See how Savannah-Chatham County Public School System approached curriculum implementation with intention, supporting teachers and building the foundation for lasting instructional change.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

District leaders discuss outcomes-based contracts and shared accountability

What Are Outcomes-Based Contracts in Education? A New Approach to Shared Accountability

Outcomes-based contracts align districts and providers around shared accountability, implementation, and measurable student outcomes.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

Exterior of the red-brick school building with the school name displayed

How Marr Cook Elementary Avoided the Implementation Dip During a Major Literacy Shift 

See how one district approached curriculum implementation with intention, supporting teachers and building the foundation for lasting instructional change.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Ottawa ESD school implementing a districtwide literacy improvement initiative

From Implementation to Impact: How Ottawa ESD Achieved Nearly 90% of a Year's Literacy Growth by Midyear

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

2026 180 Award winners celebrate their recognition for supporting student success through intervention.

5 Things We Can Learn from This Year’s 180 Award Winners

From goal-setting to classroom routines, here are five practices shaping the success of this year’s 180 Award-winning teachers.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Teacher supporting a student through motivation and mentorship

More Than a Teacher: Motivating and Mentoring Students with Mr. Ramon Griffin

Discover how Math 180 teacher Mr. Ramon Griffin blends teaching and mentorship to help students build confidence and achieve meaningful academic growth. Learn how his approach at Thurgood Marshall Academy is transforming student outcomes and inspiring long-term success.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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

Henry County Schools’ Strategic Approach to High-Quality Instruction in Every Classroom 

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

New Study: Performance Suite Drives Significant Student Achievement Gains 

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

Students working together during intervention

Lessons From Thurgood Marshall Academy: How Data Drives Purposeful Intervention and Growth

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

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

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

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
Shaped Editor

Student reads to support reading growth and literacy

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

Educators discuss strategies behind Dorchester School District Two success

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

Teacher supporting students working on a classroom assignment.

2025 Educator Confidence Report (ECR) Reveals a Hopeful Shift

The 2025 Educator Confidence Report (ECR) shows a hopeful shift in teacher outlook. Learn how technology is empowering educators and fueling optimism in classrooms.

Jennifer Corujo
Shaped Editor

Policyin Motion hero ecr

Educators’ confidence is rising—how do we sustain long-term growth?

Educators’ confidence isn’t just a sentiment – it’s a strategy. Learn how impacts everything from teacher retention to instructional effectiveness to willingness to adopt new tools and practices.

Francie Alexander
Senior Vice President, Efficacy & Consulting Research

Graphic illustrating literacy growth and student success in NYC schools

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

Student engages with reading materials during literacy instruction

Reading Achievement Is on the Rise in New Haven Public Schools

Reading scores for Connecticut's New Haven Public Schools reached what officials called a “crisis.” Three years later, the numbers are starting to turn around.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

Liberty Elementary leader discussing instructional improvement and student growth

Why HMH Performance Suite Is "Huge" for Liberty Elementary: A Conversation with Learning Director Lisa Nelson

Learn how HMH Performance Suite with Into Math helped Liberty Elementary students improve their math scores.

Christine Condon
Shaped Editor-in-Chief

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.