Academic Quarterly

Issue Highlights

In this edition of the Academic Quarterly, the Reading Expert discusses early screening for students who may be at risk for reading difficulties or dyslexia and evaluating a child for a diagnosis of dyslexia. The Marvelous Mathematician explores effectively utilizing student mistakes for effective learning. In the Leadership Corner, we’re spotlighting the wealth of resources available from The National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL) which focuses on providing evidence-based resources for schools, families, and state agencies to “screen, identify, and teach students with literacy-related disabilities, including dyslexia.”

Issue Highlights

In this edition of the Academic Quarterly, the Reading Expert resurfaces an important topic related to the language comprehension portion of Scarborough’s Reading Rope—language structures, or syntax. The Marvelous Mathematician explores how developing teachers as self-directed learners can help organizations make the necessary changes in teaching approaches to support the increased emphasis on exploration and investigation through equitable and engaging school experiences outlined in many of the new math frameworks and standards that are being adopted. In the Leadership Corner, you’ll find resources to help navigate next steps in hiring, training, and retaining teachers and other school staff in a time of higher-than-usual vacancies.

Issue Highlights

In this edition of the Academic Quarterly, the Reading Expert provides recommendations for Tier 2 reading interventions in a time when universal screening data show that upwards of 80 percent of first- and second-grade students are performing below grade level on foundational literacy skills. The Marvelous Mathematician shares an excerpt from Kyndall Brown and Pamela Seda’s book, Choosing to See: A Framework for Equity in the Math Classroom. In the Leadership Corner, you’ll find an overview of the academic and behavior instructional resources available from Vanderbilt University’s IRIS Center.

Issue Highlights

In this edition of the Academic Quarterly, the Reading Expert explores what has changed in our knowledge base since the International Dyslexia Association adopted a definition of dyslexia in 2003, and how a new definition can help move the needle toward more accurate ways to diagnose and intervene. The Marvelous Mathematician has a conversation with Dr. Ben Clarke, Associate Professor at the University of Oregon, about the importance of elementary math assessment, look-fors when selecting math assessments, and what actions to take when assessment data reveal gaps in learning. In the Leadership Corner you’ll find resources to help determine how well your current elementary reading/ELA curriculum, or one you’re considering adopting, aligns with the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy.

Issue Highlights

In this edition of the Academic Quarterly, the Reading Expert shares recommended practices to leverage Tier 1 reading instruction to address COVID-related learning losses. The Marvelous Mathematician provides recommendations for how to identify and prioritize unfinished learning needs so all students build their mathematical proficiency. Finally, in the Leadership Corner you’ll find a summary of The National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) recently published Intensifying Literacy Instruction: Essential Practices guide.

Issue Highlights