Instructional Strategies | Discovery Education Nurture Curiosity Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:01:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 What is a School Improvement Plan? https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/educational-leadership/school-improvement-plan/ Mon, 24 Nov 2025 19:35:04 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=203850 Key takeaways A strong school improvement plan gives schools clarity, focus, and a shared direction for meaningful progress. The best practices for school improvement planning include using data well, setting a small number of high-impact goals, and selecting strategies that directly support those goals. A school improvement plan works best when progress is monitored regularly, […]

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Key takeaways

  • A strong school improvement plan gives schools clarity, focus, and a shared direction for meaningful progress.

  • The best practices for school improvement planning include using data well, setting a small number of high-impact goals, and selecting strategies that directly support those goals.

  • A school improvement plan works best when progress is monitored regularly, and the plan is adjusted as needed to keep improvement moving forward.

school improvement

Successful schools don’t improve on their own—they improve when clarity, focus, and a well-defined plan guide every decision. Over the years, both as a principal and a superintendent, I’ve seen firsthand how a well-designed school improvement plan becomes one of the most effective tools a school can use to strengthen teaching, learning, and school culture. When done right, it focuses your staff, clarifies district priorities, and turns goals into actions that improve student learning.  

Much like your school’s mission and vision, a school improvement plan should guide every significant decision you make—not only when challenges arise.

What is a School Improvement Plan?

A school improvement plan—or SIP—is a strategic, data-driven guide a school uses to improve student achievement and strengthen its overall performance. While every district has its own format and style, the goal of an SIP remains the same: to identify what’s working, determine what needs improvement, and outline specific actionable steps, timelines, and measures of success.

In short, a school improvement plan is your school’s blueprint for progress.

What is the Purpose of a School Improvement Plan?

If many educators were asked, “What is a school improvement plan?”, they might reference state requirements or mandated accountability systems. While that might be true in some cases, it is not the true purpose of a SIP.

I’ve always believed that strong local school improvement efforts—when done well—are exactly what keep schools off the radar of federal or state accountability systems. The real purpose of a SIP is to align what a school values, how it allocates its resources, and how it supports students every day.

A school improvement plan ensures that:

  • Everyone knows the school’s goals and priorities.
  • Initiatives are connected and not competing with one another.
  • Staff can focus on a few high-leverage goals (rather than being overwhelmed by too many initiatives).
  • People understand their roles, responsibilities, and how progress will be measured.
  • The school follows a clear and structured approach to improvement.

How to Create a School Improvement Plan

Creating a meaningful school improvement plan in your district requires analysis, collaboration, and a clear structure. Throughout my career, I’ve seen that schools are most successful when they follow a structured approach, are data-driven, and stay focused on strategies that actually impact students.

Here are some of the best practices for school improvement planning:

1. Use Data to Establish a Baseline

The first step is to understand where your school currently stands. That starts with analyzing data from sources, including:

  • Student achievement data
  • Attendance and behavior data
  • Graduation rates
  • Student subgroup performance
  • School climate and culture survey results

While reviewing this information, look for patterns, gaps, and strengths. Share these findings with staff so everyone understands where your school or district currently stands. For school leaders working to strengthen their data practices, resources such as data-informed decision-making tools can support a deeper look at patterns and needs.

2. Identify the Goals That Matter Most

Effective school improvement plans focus on a small number of goals that will make a meaningful difference in student learning and strengthen the overall school environment.

Examples of these goals often include:

  • Strengthening math achievement across grade levels
  • Improving school climate and culture
  • Reducing chronic absenteeism
  • Creating opportunities for student engagement and participation

Make sure your goals are clearly defined, easily measurable, achievable within the school year, and written in language that staff and families can easily understand.

3. Establish Clear Ways to Monitor Progress

After your school’s goals are set, determine how you will measure success. Defining clear outcomes helps monitor progress and ensures the school can refine its approach when necessary. These measures usually reflect general indicators such as improvements in student learning, shifts in engagement or attendance, stronger school climate data, or growth in instructional practice—signals that the work is having the intended impact.

4. Choose Strategies That Work

This is where many school improvement plans run into trouble. A plan is only as effective as the strategies it includes, and those strategies need to be realistic, fit your school’s needs, and be supported by research and what we know works. Districts can benefit from reviewing research-backed instructional practices to ensure the strategies they select are evidence-based.

Examples of these strategies might include:

  • Implementing a high-quality math or literacy program
  • Using common formative assessments
  • Improving tiered intervention systems
  • Increasing student engagement opportunities

It’s important to select strategies that are clearly connected to the results you want to see.

5. Create Clear Action Steps, Timelines, and Roles

Once you’ve selected your strategies, break each down into clear, actionable steps. This includes identifying who is responsible for each task, when the work will be completed, and what resources or professional development may be required.

Having these details in place allows you to turn big ideas into organized, actionable work that staff can implement and your administrators can monitor.

6. Make Your School Improvement Plan Clear and Accessible

Families, staff, and community members all benefit from knowing the school’s priorities. Share your School Improvement Plan in clear, easy-to-understand language and communicate it through newsletters, meetings, and district communication channels. Many schools also use an educational resource or learning platform to keep the plan visible and accessible throughout the year. When everyone understands your school improvement plan, it becomes a shared effort.

7. Monitor and Adjust Progress

An effective school improvement plan is not written once and revisited at the end of the year.

Progress monitoring should be ongoing through:

  • Data review meetings
  • Walk-through observations
  • PLC discussions
  • Quarterly progress updates

If your strategies aren’t producing the results you expected, don’t hesitate to adjust them. Remember, revising your SIP isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a necessary part of the improvement process.

FAQs About School Improvement Plans

SIPs typically include several key components: a data summary outlining student achievement and school needs, two to four priority goals, and evidence-based strategies to support those goals. It also details the action steps, timelines, and staff responsibilities needed to carry out the work, along with professional development plans, progress-monitoring tools, measures of success tied to student outcomes, and any budget or resource considerations required for implementation.

In short, an effective school improvement plan includes everything a school needs to move from goals to results.

Good ideas are always data-driven, practical, and connected to student needs. Some examples include:

  • Implementing structured literacy in early grades
  • Expanding tutoring or intervention blocks
  • Creating a teacher collaboration initiative to strengthen instruction and align classroom practices
  • Building a culture-focused initiative around belonging and relationships
  • Strengthening student attendance

The key is to choose a few ideas that make the biggest difference.

Different states and organizations use slightly different frameworks, but most SIPs focus on four essential domains:

  • Leadership – How school leaders guide the improvement process and support staff.
  • Instruction – The quality of teaching and learning happening in classrooms.
  • Culture and Climate – The overall environment that students and staff experience each day.
  • Student Supports – The systems and resources that help meet students’ academic and social needs.

These four domains ensure every part of the school community is considered and supported.

An effective school improvement plan creates focus and shared responsibility. It brings teachers, leaders, students, and families together around a shared vision for progress. When schools set aligned goals, use clear measures, and follow strong planning practices, they build the conditions for steady, meaningful growth.

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]]> school-improvement Celebrating National STEM Day: Igniting Curiosity, Building Futures https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/teaching-and-learning/national-stem-day-activities-resources/ Tue, 04 Nov 2025 21:56:49 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=202613 Every year on November 8th, National STEM Day shines a spotlight on the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in shaping the future. This year, were thrilled to offer a dynamic lineup of resources and events designed to spark curiosity and connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities: Futures Fair: A Gateway to […]

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Every year on November 8th, National STEM Day shines a spotlight on the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in shaping the future. This year, were thrilled to offer a dynamic lineup of resources and events designed to spark curiosity and connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities:

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Futures Fair: A Gateway to Career Exploration

On November 5th, students nationwide will tune into the Futures Fair, a free virtual event featuring 30-minute interactive presentations from professionals across industries. Partners like Verizon, Honda, LIV Golf, The Home Depot, and Warner Bros. Discovery will share insights into their fields, helping students envision their future careers and understand the skills needed to succeed.

Sign Up for a Session!

Immersive Learning Experiences

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  • STEM Careers Coalition (SCC): Through engaging tools like Operation Communication and the Career Finder, SCC helps students explore workplace dynamics and discover career paths aligned with their interests.
  • Verizon: TimePod Adventures uses augmented reality to immerse students in STEM challenges guided by an AI assistant.
  • Niagara Cares: Salvage Safari, a Roblox-based game, teaches students about recycling and environmental science in a fun, interactive way.

Virtual Field Trips That Inspire

  • Sesame Workshop: Partnering on virtual field trips that make science accessible and exciting for younger learners.
    • Meet the Magnets heading to the U.S. National Science Foundation National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
    • Meet a Solar Telescope at the U.S. National Science Foundation Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope 
  • LEGO Group: Amphibian Adventures explores frog conservation and ecosystem health in Georgias wetlands.
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STEM in Action: Classroom Resources

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  • Honda: Safety in Action brings motorsports into the classroom to teach safety and technology through real-world examples.
  • LIV Golf: LIV to Learn offers digital resources that blend STEM, life skills, and sustainability.
  • The Home Depot: Science Fair Central provides over 100 project starters and hands-on activities to inspire innovation and creativity.
  • Itron: Conservation Station explores the energy-water connection and smart city innovations, encouraging students to think sustainably.
  • Freeport-McMoRan: Dig into Mining introduces students to the science, technology, and sustainability behind modern mining through interactive tools and real-world STEM applications.

More Engaging Resources for Exciting STEM Activities

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Engineering Dreams

ASME and Discovery Education are partnering to engage K-12 students nationwide in the biggest challenges of today while helping them unlock success tomorrow using the universal key of Engineering. Join us as we teach students to turn passion into an in-demand career in Engineering with standards-aligned resources designed for ALL learners and communities.
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American Petroleum Institute

Explore the American Petroleum Institute, the only national trade association representing all facets of the natural gas and oil industry, with career profiles and instructional activities. API’s more than 600 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms.
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STEM Careers Coalition

Did you know November is Career Development Month? Celebrate National STEM Day and Career Development Month with the STEM Careers Coalition! The STEM Careers Coalition's mission is to empower educators to teach STEM effectively in the classroom, focusing on equity and access to quality education, and building the next generation of solution-seekers at no cost to schools.

What are some ways you show students how STEM skills can lead to life-changing careers? Perhaps you can invite local STEM professionals to give a presentation on their career paths and how they achieved it or ask students to select a famous STEM professional for a report! There are many creative ways to engage students with STEM career paths, starting with the career resources in Discovery Education Experience.

National STEM Day is a reminder of the power of education to transform lives and communities. With these resources, educators can inspire students to dream big, explore boldly, and build the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Looking for more STEM ideas? Check out ideas from other educators on the DE Blog! ​

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]]> what-does-curiosity-look-like.png Verizon-NextGenPD-Webinar-400×300-1.png Sesame-VFT-Magnets-Thumbnail-700×500-1 Home Depot_500x700 engineering-dreams-scaled.jpg API.png SCC-Twitter-1200x675a.png Get Students Moving: Why Physical Immersive Activities Boost Engagement and Learning https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/teaching-and-learning/get-students-moving-to-boost-engagement-and-learning/ Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:33:28 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=202201 As educators know, sitting still for hours isn’t how children learn best. Decades of research and modern neuroscience all point to the same conclusion: physical movement improves attention, memory, motivation – and ultimately academic performance. A 2023 meta‑analysis of over 7,300 participants found cognitively engaging physical activities (like movement requiring decision-making and rule-following) produced improvements in working […]

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As educators know, sitting still for hours isn’t how children learn best. Decades of research and modern neuroscience all point to the same conclusion: physical movement improves attention, memory, motivation – and ultimately academic performance.

  • A 2023 meta‑analysis of over 7,300 participants found cognitively engaging physical activities (like movement requiring decision-making and rule-following) produced improvements in working memory, fluid intelligence, on-task behaviour, and creativity.
  • Less than 42% of U.S. children ages  6–11 meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity – impacting health and classroom focus.
  • A campus tech‑services team sums it up: just ten minutes of standing or gentle movement raises concentration, reduces stress, and improves retention – even at the college level.
  • A 2025 systematic review of children with ADHD found physical activity interventions improved working memory.
VR Lesson with Teacher and Elementary Students
Movement doesn’t have to mean aerobic exercise mini-breaks. Simply having freedom of movement is enough.

Movement enhances brain function by increasing circulation, activating cerebellar coordination centers, and strengthening recall pathways. When students move – whether via brain breaks, gesture-based math, or kinesthetic games – they stay alert and motivated, and they process concepts more deeply.

Immersive Learning: AR/VR Experiences Provide Opportunities for Movement

Immersive learning environments – think augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), simulations, role‑plays – are natural allies of physical, experiential learning. These technologies encourage learners to move through scenarios, manipulate virtual objects, and act out scenarios in ways that traditional instruction simply can’t.

When students move, they don’t just activate their muscles – they awaken a network of senses that feeds the brain with rich, multisensory input. Shifting position, changing perspective, and engaging in tactile interaction stimulates sight, sound, touch, and even balance, creating a layered sensory experience. These moments act as cognitive attractors – memorable, high‑engagement events where attention sharpens and information “sticks” more deeply. In immersive learning, physical movement amplifies this effect, making the experience feel real, personal, and memorable.

Discovery Education’s immersive learning platform makes these ideas practical and accessible. Two standout AR tools that provide opportunities for physical movement and experiential learning are:

TimePod Adventures

Timepod Time Machine in AR
The TimePod time machine lands in the student’s real space and can be walked around in 360 degrees.

TimePod Adventures turns students into the main character in narrative‑driven, 3D storylines – such as historic journeys or scientific explorations – played out in AR on an iPad or iPhone. Students physically move through space to investigate clues, collaborate in groups, and solve problems. The combination of spatial movement, story immersion, and peer interaction naturally promotes engagement, memory retention, and higher order thinking.

Sandbox AR

Sandbox AR enables students to build, share, and inhabit virtual topical worlds using augmented reality on an iPad. Whether constructing ecosystems, exploring ancient civilizations, or modeling scientific phenomena, learners physically move around their creations, manipulate objects in 3D space, and collaborate with classmates. It transforms abstract concepts into tactile, shared experiences – driving engagement and deep understanding.

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Sandbox AR reaches students who engage fully in activities that involve physical activity. Credit: London Grid for Learning

Connecting Research to Practice

So how do these AR tools bridge the gap between research on movement and real classroom application?

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The New Hampshire state capitol building sits on a school sports field in Sandbox AR.

Movement-Inspired Engagement & Retention

Stepping into a TimePod Adventures scene or walking around a Sandbox AR build turns learning into a physical experience. This movement taps into embodied cognition – boosting attention, memory, and concept retention.

Intrinsic Motivation and Autonomy

Physically active learning has been shown to raise motivation, independence, and mastery. Both apps put students in the driver’s seat, letting them explore, create, choose paths, and solve problems in ways that feel personally meaningful.

Active Collaboration and Social Interaction

Group work comes naturally here. Students move together, share observations, and make real‑time decisions. These moments mirror the benefits seen in active learning research, where collaboration, role‑play, and simulation strengthen critical thinking and achievement.

Classroom Management Support

Movement doesn’t have to mean chaos. Sandbox AR’s “table scale” mode keeps students seated while they build, discuss, and explain their choices, then “life scale” mode delivers that big immersive moment. TimePod Adventures’ 10‑minute AR episodes pair with full‑length classroom activities, giving students a structured, reflective segment to settle, focus, and capture their learning on paper.

Tips for Educators: Putting AR Movement to Work in Your Classroom

  • Plan for shared space: Clear an area where students can stand and move with tablets. Let them rotate roles – navigator, clue‑tracker, builder – to keep energy flowing.
  • Blend movement with content: Ask students to gesture concepts – map routes, act out historical events, or build with Sandbox pieces. Embedding learning in physical activity strengthens memory.
  • Reflect on experience: After each AR session, invite groups to discuss: What did moving around reveal? How did acting it out help you remember or understand?
  • Alternate formats: Use TimePod Adventures for narrative exploration, and Sandbox AR for creative building. That variety keeps engagement high and supports different learning objectives.
Historical Artifact in 3D Space
A historical artifact floats in 3D space, waiting for students to walk right up to and analyze it.

Ready to Get Your Students Moving?

Bringing physical movement into the classroom isn’t about turning lessons into PE class – it’s about following the science. Students who move stay more alert, engaged, motivated, and they learn better. Immersive learning tools like TimePod Adventures and Sandbox AR deliver movement-rich, experiential learning that echoes what decades of research tell us: embodied, active classrooms help students thrive.

By combining high‑quality AR experiences with flexible classroom design and purposeful reflection, educators can turn content into lived experiences – boosting engagement, memory, and outcomes in ways that traditional methods simply can’t match.

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Hannah McNaughton-Hussain

David has spent over 10 years in various roles with companies seeking to improve lives through effective teaching and learning. He values the empowering nature of adding knowledge and strengthening understanding, whether personal or professional.

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]]> Blog-ES-Teacher-VR-Lesson-with-Students Blog-Timepod-Time-Machine-in-AR Blog-Teacher-and-MS-Student-Using-Sandbox-AR Blog-New-Hampshire-State-Capitol-Building-Sandbox-AR Blog-Historical-Artifact-in-3D-Space Picture of Hannah McNaughton-Hussain Watch On Demand: Educator-Led Webinars to Power Your Classroom  https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/teaching-and-learning/educator-led-webinars/ Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:13:07 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=201426 Faced with teaching a unit on bacteria, two seventh-grade teachers paused to consider how their students would best learn the information. Watching a video? Exploring interactive simulations? Reading engaging content?  They quickly realized the answer was—all of these options. Or maybe just one of them. It simply depended on each student’s particular learning style. Enter […]

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Faced with teaching a unit on bacteria, two seventh-grade teachers paused to consider how their students would best learn the information. Watching a video? Exploring interactive simulations? Reading engaging content? 

They quickly realized the answer was—all of these options. Or maybe just one of them. It simply depended on each student’s particular learning style. Enter Discovery Education’s choice boards, interactive “digital menus” which allow students to choose how they learn a topic or standard. Choice boards cater to different learning styles, foster deep engagement, and allow students ownership of their learning. They’re one of the many curriculum-aligned tools our educator panelists will be discussing in our upcoming Educator Essentials Fall Webinar Series.

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Real Classrooms. Real Solutions. Real Impact.

Our Educator Essentials Webinar Series will feature short, practical sessions led by educators in our Discovery Educator Network (DEN) and aim to provide a deeper understanding of how to use DE tools in a meaningful way. They’ll focus on real classrooms, real solutions, and real impact, and you’ll walk away with fresh strategies you can put into practice immediately.  

The Presenters

Rita A Mortenson

Rita Mortenson

Instructional Coach, Verona Area High School, Wisconsin

The Experience webinars will be hosted by Rita Mortenson, Instructional Coach at Verona Area High School in Wisconsin. Rita is a 20-year veteran user of Discovery Education and incredible advocate for Experience solutions. She brings a wealth of classroom insight and professional development expertise, making her uniquely equipped to guide educators in leveraging Experience solutions for transformative learning. Rita’s co-presenter will be Jessie Erickson.  

Sarah Yonts

Library Media Specialist, L.I. Wilder Elementary School, Wisconsin

The DreamBox Math webinars will be hosted by Sarah Yonts, Library Media Specialist at L.I. Wilder Elementary School in Wisconsin. Sarah is in her 23rd year with Green Bay Area Public Schools, and has also worked as a music educator, classroom teacher, and middle school ELA teacher. A longtime DEN member, Sarah started using DreamBox Math in 2020 and acts as her school’s tech lead, helping teachers and students navigate its powerful features. Sarah’s co-presenter will be Kelsy Rusch. 

 

Join us live to ask questions or watch on-demand when it fits your schedule! 

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The Lineup

Power Up Your Practice with Discovery Education Experience

Tuesday, October 28, 7:00 PM ET

Explore how Discovery Education Experience can elevate your instructional practice and boost student engagement. This session will spotlight the Instructional Strategy Center, Careers Hub, and Curriculum-Aligned Resources—three powerful tools designed to save time, personalize learning, and connect classroom content to real-world relevance. 

Engaging Every Learner with Discovery Education Experience

Monday, November 3, 7:00 PM ET

Student engagement is at the heart of effective teaching—and Discovery Education Experience offers flexible, standards-aligned resources to help you reach every learner. This webinar will explore how to use  Experience to personalize instruction, support core curriculum, and close learning gaps in literacy and math. 
 

Unlocking the Power of DreamBox Math Features

Tuesday, November 4, 7:00 PM ET

Explore how DreamBox Math’s most powerful features—Curriculum Guide, Assignments, and Progress Monitoring—can streamline instruction and elevate student engagement. This session will walk educators through how to plan, assign, and monitor learning with DreamBox Math, all while keeping students at the center of the experience.  

Engaging Every Learner with DreamBox Math

Thursday November 6 7:00 PM ET

Student engagement is the key to meaningful learning—and DreamBox Math is designed to meet every learner where they are. This webinar will explore how DreamBox Math supports differentiation, connects to core curriculum, and helps close gaps in math understanding. Learn how to use DreamBox Math to foster confidence, personalize instruction, and make math meaningful for all students.  

Ready to energize your classroom with tools that help every learner? Join us! 

Learn more about Discovery Education Experience and DreamBox Math today!

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]]> Blog post image 1 Rita A- Mortenson S- Yonts Headshot 2025 -1 DB Math DB Math Fueling Growth: How Student Engagement Drives Math and Reading Success https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/teaching-and-learning/how-student-engagement-drives-math-and-reading-success/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 22:40:13 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=200004 Oliver is a third grader who loves playing soccer and wants to be a firefighter someday. He gets excited about reading when he can choose from a selection of books, especially those about helping others. His teacher has noticed that Oliver is more likely to complete his comprehension check worksheets when he’s responding to these […]

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MS Girl and Classmates Working at Desk

Oliver is a third grader who loves playing soccer and wants to be a firefighter someday. He gets excited about reading when he can choose from a selection of books, especially those about helping others. His teacher has noticed that Oliver is more likely to complete his comprehension check worksheets when he’s responding to these types of books. In addition, Oliver really seems to enjoy working through supplemental lessons offering adaptive literacy tools that adjust to his pace.

Sofia is an eighth-grade student who enjoys movies and plans on studying mechanical engineering in college. Her favorite part of Algebra class is when her teacher incorporates interactive problem-solving games that allow teams to compete against each other. She often volunteers to be a team leader and submit their answers during the games.

Both Oliver and Sofia are actively engaged in learning, although each responds to different strategies for building interest, motivation, and confidence. We know that engagement is critical for student achievement based on years of research. As noted in our recent Education Insights report, “when students are deeply engaged, knowledge retention improves, skills transfer, and deeper understanding takes place. These are outcomes that matter not just for end of course or grade level outcomes, but for real-world readiness.”

Ideally, each classroom in a school would be set up to meet a broad range of student engagement needs, but not everyone will know what instructional options exist and how much of a difference they can make. Let’s start by identifying what engagement is, explore strategies to strengthen it, and then look at real-world evidence that it leads to student growth in both math and reading.

What Are the Three Types of Student Engagement?

Oliver and Sofia’s stories illustrate that engagement takes many forms. Research shows it falls into three categories: cognitive, behavioral, and personal. “Cognitive” refers to thinking and learning, and it applies when students are:  

  • Doing critical thinking and problem solving  
  • Using deep learning strategies  
  • Setting goals and monitoring their progress 

For example, giving elementary students problem-based addition and subtraction tasks helps them understand the reasoning behind the math, especially when asked to show their thinking and represent answers in more than one way.

“Behavioral” refers to what students do at school, and it applies when students are: 

  • Attending school consistently and on time 
  • Actively participating in class 
  • Completing assignments on time 

We can see students participating in class in a variety of ways, such as asking questions when they aren’t sure what worksheet instructions mean or taking notes during a class discussion that they use to write an essay later.

“Personal” refers to how students feel about school, teachers, and peers, and it applies when students: 

  • Are enthusiastic and motivated to learn 
  • Feel connected 
  • Enjoy positive relationships with other students and teachers 

Here, students may feel more comfortable providing answers to teacher questions in class when they know it’s ok to be wrong. 

How Can We Foster Student Engagement?

Educators have many ways to establish and strengthen the three types of student engagement, such as: 

  • Setting clear expectations and establishing routines (cognitive) 
  • Including student choice and voice (cognitive) 
  • Using a curriculum that is challenging and culturally relevant (behavioral) 
  • Encouraging social learning (behavioral) 
  • Creating a supportive environment in the classroom (personal) 
  • Using frequent, timely, and specific feedback (personal) 

In addition, removing barriers to learning is essential for students to make progress. This could take the form of added scaffolding, or it may involve incorporating alternative formats such as audio or video content. And rather than doing it all by themselves, teachers can lean on instructional technology solutions more than ever. For instance, adaptive tools like DreamBox Math personalize pacing and content for each student, so they stay motivated. 

How Can Technology Boost Student Engagement?

Technology by itself isn’t necessarily engaging, so it’s critical that educators evaluate educational programs based on whether they include approaches proven to boost engagement. The most effective tools go beyond digitizing content and instead adapt to each learner’s needs. For example, DreamBox Reading uses real-time data to adjust instruction, giving students the right level of challenge and support while keeping them motivated. Plus, since students learn in different ways and often have strong preferences for learning, it’s best to either have a variety of tools on hand or resources that offer built-in flexibility to teach using a variety of modalities and/or content. 

This translates into students discovering practical applications of knowledge, taking ownership of their learning, avoiding boredom and frustration, working at the right pace for them, and feeling that it’s ok to make mistakes—all of which can positively affect student progress to an eye-opening extent sometimes. 

 

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Real-World Success

What are some examples of technology improving student engagement?  

  • Real-life context aligned to curriculum, including examples, anecdotes, problem-based learning, and interviews 
  • Vetted, age-appropriate videos and audiobook options, supporting different styles of absorbing information
  • A set of choices in assigned reading materials or methodology for solving problems, such as virtual manipulatives for math 
  • Game-like experiences for individual, small-group, or whole-class learning that reading comprehension or math problem-solving 
  • Adaptive software that personalizes learning based on student interactions, such as adjusting the difficulty level or offering different types of problems 

Teachers may look to supplemental materials to strengthen student engagement, and since many are digital, they can quickly and easily implement one or more of the strategies previously mentioned. 

One example of a supplemental program is DreamBox Math. It provides an interactive set of activities and adapts to each student as they progress through lessons, adjusting the level of challenge to keep learners motivated. What’s more, it closely tracks each student’s personalized learning, giving teachers insights into their progress with strengths, struggles, and opportunities for growth highlighted. Schools and districts across the country have reported significant student growth after adding DreamBox Math to their toolkit: 

  • Denton Public Schools: The percentage of kindergarten students proficient in math grew from 63% one year to 75% the next year 
  • Salem School District: Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) testing scores in 2022–2023 were some of the highest Salem had ever seen, and state testing (Wisconsin Forward) scores also improved 
  • Harbison West Elementary School: In one grade level, 86% of students met their MAP goal with 80% median conditional growth compared to all other grade levels (70% range) 

For literacy instruction, Reading Plus provides personalized instruction and intervention for students in grades 3–12. It includes texts that reflect their own lives and experiences and texts from global sources to add to cross-curricular knowledge, giving learners choice and agency in their journey. Recent school and district successes with this solution include: 

  • Holman Middle School: Tier 2 students averaged two reading-level gains and Tier 3 students averaged 2.5 level gains in just their first year 
  • Waterford Graded School District: Students who completed 80+ lessons grew an average of 3.2 reading levels, and those who completed 100+ lessons averaged 4.0 reading-level gains 
  • Henderson Collegiate Middle School: In one year, the entire school saw 2.6 reading-level gains with 47% of students at or close to reading level, up from 15% previously 

What to Explore Next

Even though we’ve looked at the three types of student engagement, strategies for meeting different needs, what technology has to offer, and real-world gains at schools and districts, there’s still more to learn. The 2025–2026 Education Insights report presents key findings about engagement based on feedback from thousands of K–12 superintendents, principals, teachers, parents, and students across the United States. It answers questions like “What percentage of students are bored each week?” and “How well do student and teacher observations of high student engagement match up?” Dig into the data and insights in the report to gain a better understanding of how to support stronger student engagement in your school or district. 

The post Fueling Growth: How Student Engagement Drives Math and Reading Success appeared first on Discovery Education.

]]> MS Girl and Classmates Working at Desk MS Girl Using Laptop Next to Teacher Literacy and Math Strategies in the U.S.: What’s Working and What Isn’t https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/educational-leadership/literacy-and-math-strategies-whats-working-and-what-isnt/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 22:39:38 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=199958 Taking Time to Assess Instructional Impact Educators must always balance urgent needs in classrooms with the longer-term goal of improving student outcomes. As part of a regular series on the state of education in the U.S., we asked four passionate leaders in K–12 education to join us for a conversation about literacy and math instruction […]

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Taking Time to Assess Instructional Impact

Educators Collaborating

Educators must always balance urgent needs in classrooms with the longer-term goal of improving student outcomes. As part of a regular series on the state of education in the U.S., we asked four passionate leaders in K–12 education to join us for a conversation about literacy and math instruction and student achievement: 

  • Dr. Emily Hare, Director of PreK–12 Mathematics for Guilford County Schools 
  • Dr. Amanda Malone, K–12 Literacy Director for the Mississippi Department of Education 
  • Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association and professor at Northern Arizona University 
  • Dr. Rufus Hill, State Director of K–12 Mathematics Coaching for the Mississippi Department of Education 

Host Dr. Karen Beerer, Senior Vice President of State and Strategic Partnerships at Discovery Education, opened the discussion by outlining what educators are observing and the pressures they’re experiencing in schools and districts of all kinds: 

  • The declines evident in the 2024 NAEP reading and math scores 
  • Legislation in many states that requires evidence-based instruction in curricula and sets aside funding for curriculum, tutoring, and acceleration efforts.  
  • Technology fatigue for educators driving demand for simpler, integrated solutions 
  • Teacher shortages and the effects on educators, schools, and districts 

But these challenges also create opportunities for using personalization and data-driven strategies to close gaps, making conversations like this one essential for driving progress in literacy and math.

What’s Currently Working?

Dr. Beerer said, “I thought we’d start with Mississippi, because when you read about the amazing growth that Mississippi students have achieved over the past decade, they often call it the ‘Mississippi Miracle.’ [But] it really wasn’t a miracle. It was planned, strategic systems of change.” Dr. Amanda Malone explained that everything began with legislation focused on K–3. Now schools throughout the state have literacy coaches who focus on “the whole child and the whole teacher.” In addition, they’ve found having access to high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) is key. 

For rural communities, relationships remain the foundation. Dr. Melissa Sadorf shared, “Teachers know their students and their families on a very personal level, and that allows those instructors to be highly responsive to student needs, even when formal resources are scarce.” By necessity, teachers wear multiple hats and can use technology to be a bridge that levels the playing field for students.

At the district level, Dr. Emily Hare explained that they are “intentional about aligning their work to a shared vision and value about what math instruction is and the experience each student should have” in her district. This shared vision guides curriculum development, HQIM choices, and professional learning, resulting in consistency across classrooms. 

What Needs More Attention?

“Too many students are leaving high school without the skills they need to succeed, especially in rural and high-poverty schools,” remarked Dr. Sadorf. Teacher shortages are making sustained improvement difficult, and a reliance on short-term grants and pilot programs means gains are hard to hold onto. 

Dr. Hare agreed, adding: “We’ve articulated clear commitments at the state and district level, but how do we ensure that our supports and resources are consistent across all of those schools? It’s really not a question of effort—I think we all know that—but of sustaining and scaling that vision so that it lives in daily practice.”

In Mississippi, coaches are actively building teacher capacity around HQIM, but sometimes teachers are trained and then leave. Dr. Malone emphasized that using resources most effectively will help, especially when technology is involved.

Dr. Rufus Hill pointed out that using resources with fidelity is important for success, especially since the teacher shortage means not everyone has the specific background in what they’re teaching. He mentioned one math teacher with an ELA background who has “been able to kind of teach herself to teach the students” using HQIM. 

Strategies and Real-World Examples of Change

The panelists shared programs, approaches, and partnerships that are driving real gains in literacy and numeracy. 

Dr. Malone identified: 

  • Using and training educators on structured literacy, which is based on the Science of Reading 
  • Helping students learn to read in the most efficient way 
  • Continually evolving and learning as educators 

Dr. Hill noted: 

  • Implementing the Mathematics Instruction Observational Protocol (MIOP)  
  • Creating a coaching academy with instructional leaders and coaches 
  • Starting a partnership with the Dana Center at the University of Texas 

Dr. Hare emphasized: 

  • Implementing HQIM with integrity for children that are traditionally underserved 
  • Supporting collaborative math leadership teams at school and district levels 
  • Seeking input from cross-collaborative district teams multiple times per year 

Dr. Sadorf then concluded that collaboration is a multiplier: partnering increases impact, closes gaps, and “ensures educator voices shape solutions that benefit everyone.” 

Supplemental Resources

Regarding HQIM and supplemental resources, Dr. Beerer asked how educators assess them and then implement them in the classroom. Dr. Malone noted that while each district chooses its own resources, state department level administrators can “see commonalities and provide coaching around those.” She recommended using supplemental resources to elevate math and literacy instruction.

Innovation in Math and Literacy

The panelists each offered a single word or phrase to capture what innovation in math and literacy means to them.

  • Dr. Sadorf chose the word connected, saying, “Innovation in literacy math has to connect students to engaging, relevant learning.” 
  • Dr. Hare chose alignment, explaining, “It’s about aligning to our vision, our values.” 
  • Dr. Hill came up with purposeful, noting, “I just think that with every decision that we make, we need to make sure that we have a purpose for that.” 
  • Dr. Malone’s phrase was “Effectively partnering what we know with what we have, with a learner in mind.” 

Engagement’s Role in Learning

In closing, Dr. Beerer brought up the “big topic” of engagement, something that always seems to come up in discussions about ways to improve learning. She noted that the 2025–2026 Education Insights Report, with a focus on engagement, offers key insights about education, motivation, and challenges in today’s classrooms. The report is free to download.

There’s so much more to learn from the full discussion!

Host and Experts’ Backgrounds

Dr. Karen Beerer, Senior Vice President of State and Strategic Partnerships at Discovery Education. 

Dr. Emily Hare, Director of PreK–12 Mathematics for Guilford County Schools. With a Ph.D. in Teacher Education, she is dedicated to building strong systems that empower teachers and students to succeed in math. 

Dr. Amanda Malone, K–12 Literacy Director for the Mississippi Department of Education. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and coordinator, she brings deep expertise in literacy leadership. She earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration. 

Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association and professor at Northern Arizona University. She has over 30 years of experience in education as a teacher, principal, and superintendent.

Dr. Rufus Hill, State Director of K–12 Mathematics Coaching for the Mississippi Department of Education. He earned degrees from Alabama A&M, Delta State University, and completed his doctorate at National University. 

The post Literacy and Math Strategies in the U.S.: What’s Working and What Isn’t appeared first on Discovery Education.

]]> Educator Collaboration 20 Lessons from 20 Years of Professional Learning with the DEN https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/de-news/20-lessons-from-20-years-of-professional-learning-with-the-den/ Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:51:02 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=198979 In 2005, eight educators made their way through the busy halls of the NECC Conference in Philadelphia to meet one another for the first time. What brought them together wasn’t just that they all used Discovery Education and saw its power to engage students while aligning to academic standards, but a shared spark: what could […]

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In 2005, eight educators made their way through the busy halls of the NECC Conference in Philadelphia to meet one another for the first time. What brought them together wasn’t just that they all used Discovery Education and saw its power to engage students while aligning to academic standards, but a shared spark: what could happen if we learned how to get the most out of this, together? They arrived eager and hopeful, bringing stories from their classrooms and a desire to dream bigger. At that moment the DEN (Discovery Educator Network) was born. 

Now, twenty years later, the DEN is a thriving professional learning community filled with stories, connections, and shared wisdom. To celebrate our 20th birthday, we asked DEN members to reflect on what they’ve learned through their involvement. Here are 20 lessons from 20 years in the DEN. 

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Collaboration & Community: How DEN Members Inspire One Another 

1. “One of the most valuable insights I’ve gained from my time in the DEN is that teaching and learning are at their best when they are collaborative. Surrounding myself with passionate, like-minded educators has shown me that sharing ideas, resources, and encouragement not only elevates my own practice, but also creates a ripple effect that impacts students far beyond my own classroom.” – Carrie Willis, STEAM & Technology Director, CA 

2. “When I was first introduced to the DEN, I didn’t have a large professional cohort to rely on for new and innovative ideas. I think the network in the DEN is probably one of the things that is most impressive. You’re able to get together with these amazing, innovative, imaginative, creative, kinetic people to share the things they are most excited about.” -Rob Lamb, Teacher, MO 

3. “Fellow DEN members have inspired me to be more innovative and reflective in my teaching and leadership. Their diverse perspectives and shared passion for education encourage me to take risks, embrace new strategies, and prioritize collaboration. Through their support and ideas, I’ve grown more confident in leading change and fostering a student-centered learning environment.” -Emily Strickland, Middle School Teacher, SC 

4. “There’s nothing like having a group of educators who you can text, email, call, ask questions, get ideas, and ask for HELP if you need it.” -Wandalyn Jones, Academic Interventionist, SC

5. “Connecting educators to each other is so important, and as a librarian—there’s only one of me (in the building). So, to have other educators who I can connect with is really important. To ask, ‘How are you handling this? What can you share?’” – Lisa Wolski, Library Media Specialist, NY 

6. “I love being part of the DEN because it’s so positive and innovative. People are excited to share what they know, they’re excited to learn from one another, and they’re excited to grow and help the people around them.” Sarah Yonts, Librarian, WI 

7. “Some valuable insight I’ve learned in the DEN is that you’re never alone. There are plenty of other educators who have similar jobs to you, and Discovery gives you so many ways to connect.” -Anne Truger, Digital Learning Specialist, IL 

Empowering Educators: Building Confidence and Cultivating Leaders in the DEN 

8. “Being a member of the DEN has helped me step outside my comfort zone. I love teaching, but I’m shy when it comes to speaking in front of others. From presenting at virtual conferences to leading DEN workshops, I’m now comfortable presenting in front of others, whether it’s online or in person.” –Wandalyn Jones, Academic Interventionist, SC

9. One professional challenge the DEN helped me overcome was regarding funding. I heard over and over that people were getting thousands of dollars in grants and funding, but I was getting nowhere. At a regional workshop, I attended a helpful seminar. I wrote and published my first request at that session, and it was funded by the weekend.” -Mark Case, Teacher, NC

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10. “I had no idea what I was capable of until the DEN showed me. I never considered myself a leader, but slowly, through the DEN, I realized that I had potential and the right personality to both lead and guide others.” –Anne Truger, Digital Learning Specialist, IL

11. “One of my favorite memories from my time in the DEN was when I worked with teachers from another district in South Carolina to present a webinar to teachers across the state. It was wonderful to collaborate and to have a platform where we were able to share with others!” – Laney Rogers, Instructional Technology Coach, SC 

12. “After attending my first DENSI, I truly became a different educator. I realized that my calling extends beyond teaching students and supporting teachers in my own school. The DEN has shown me that I can make a difference that reaches far beyond the walls of my school and into the wider educational community—locally, nationally, and even globally.” –Carrie Willis, STEAM & Technology Director, CA 

Transforming Classrooms: How the DEN Fuels Innovation and Engagement 

13. “There are so many digital resources on Discovery Experience. Through DEN and attending DENSI, I have learned how to put them to good use. It saves so much time and aligns them with the standards.” – Shelby Kilmister, 6th Grade Science Teacher, NH 

14. “A favorite memory is when I started using the DEN’s content videos, specifically the science topics, and added them to my lessons on a regular basis. I can remember the students being more engaged and having a better ability to make connections with the content and skills.” – Lisa Gray, STEAM Specialist, PA 

15. “Collaborating with innovative educators has inspired me to design learning experiences that are more student-centered, inclusive, and engaging, especially for multilingual learners. It’s pushed me to embrace curiosity, experiment with new strategies, and model lifelong learning for my students.” – Natalia Rasavong, ESL Teacher, WI 

16. “Through the DEN, I had the opportunity to do a virtual field trip – the polar bear scientist trip via Zoom. My students got to hear from real scientists doing real work. Our class was able to ‘visit’ a place we could never take an actual field trip to. My students were able to come up with some really interesting questions for the scientists as well.” – Shawn Pashby, 4th and 5th Grade Teacher, MI 

The DEN Effect: Friendship, Innovation, and a Shared Mission to Empower Students 

17. “My favorite memory from my time in the DEN is the connections I made during collaborative sessions at DENSI 2025. [DENSI, the DEN Summer Institute, is an immersive, residential-style professional development experience for educators.] I remember sitting around a table with educators from all over the country, sharing ideas, laughing, and realizing we were all driven by the same passion—to inspire and empower our students. That mix of learning something new, testing out creative tools, and building friendships that continue beyond the event really captures the DEN spirit for me.” -Natalia Rasavong, ESL Teacher, WI 

18. “DENSI (The DEN Summer Institute) is such a fun experience for teachers. You’re going to meet friends that you’ll keep for life, and you’re going to have so many ‘aha’ moments yourself.” -Heather Willsey, Teacher & Tech Coach, MI 

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19. “When I first started interacting with Discovery Education, I was about 10 years into my career and starting to feel stuck. I wasn’t burnt out, and I wasn’t doing a bad job, but I was getting to the point that I wasn’t sure if this is what I wanted to do for the next 20 years. I knew that if it felt that way to me, it would certainly start to feel that way to my students. This is when I first learned about the DEN and Discovery Education. I was lucky enough to go to their STEM Institute in 2012, where I first really started talking to people who are in the DEN. I realized very quickly that these were people I needed to be around because they injected energy into me. Whenever I interact with people from the DEN, I leave feeling invigorated and more excited about going back to the classroom to try new ideas with my students.” -Rob Lamb, Teacher, MO 

20. “Becoming a DEN member has been the best decision of my career. It’s helped me grow professionally and opened new opportunities. I’ve presented at conferences, webinars, and been encouraged to become more of a leader. It’s empowered me as a teacher. It’s been truly wonderful.” – Susan Barnes, 6th Grade Science Teacher, SC 

The post 20 Lessons from 20 Years of Professional Learning with the DEN appeared first on Discovery Education.

]]> DSC04790-Edit -1 DSC04842 DSC03521-2 DSC04360-2 Explore Mars, Anywhere: New TimePod Adventures Episodes Now Available on the Web https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/teaching-and-learning/explore-mars-anywhere-new-timepod-adventures-episodes-now-available-on-the-web/ Mon, 28 Jul 2025 21:20:31 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=195606 Discovery Education is thrilled to announce a major leap forward for TimePod Adventures – the multi-platform immersive learning series that sends students back and forward in time through story-rich, game-based adventures. Just in time for Back to School, educators and students can now access the Mars 2072 series of TimePod Adventures through web episodes on any device – no app required.  Available on Discovery Education’s new TimePod Adventures website and […]

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Discovery Education is thrilled to announce a major leap forward for TimePod Adventures – the multi-platform immersive learning series that sends students back and forward in time through story-rich, game-based adventures.

Just in time for Back to School, educators and students can now access the Mars 2072 series of TimePod Adventures through web episodes on any device – no app required. 

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Available on Discovery Education’s new TimePod Adventures website and within the Discovery Education Experience platform, the essential companion for engaged PreK-12 classrooms, this exciting update brings the full experience of TimePod Adventures to any device with a web browser. Whether you’re using laptops, Chromebooks, tablets, or smartphones, the future of immersive learning is now just a click away. 

A New Chapter in the TimePod Journey

The latest release, created in partnership with Verizon, includes a web-based version of the Prologue and all three episodes of the Mars 2072 expedition, previously available only through the iOS app. These episodes follow a thrilling mission to secure water on the Red Planet and explore sustainability in space and on Earth. Each episode is approximately 10 minutes long, offering short, engaging bursts of learning that are perfect for classroom integration. Visit Verizon Innovative Learning HQ for educator support and micro-credentials relating to TimePod Adventures.

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Prologue  
A tutorial experience introducing students to the TimePod time machine and their virtual guide, ADA. 

Episode 1: Water Crisis  
Students investigate a water emergency on Mars and learn about water scarcity and conservation. 

Episode 2: Aquifer  
Learners repair a broken drill and uncover an underground water source through hands-on problem-solving. 

Episode 3: Heading Home  
A look at the future of the Mars colony and its sustainable practices, with reflections on Earth’s own resource challenges. 

This new trilogy of Mars episodes combines interactive gameplay with curriculum-linked learning, designed to support instruction in STEM, social studies, and Earth/space science. Each episode also builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills – no spaceship required. 

Why Web Access Matters

One of the most exciting aspects of this release is the move from app-only content to full web accessibility. This shift significantly increases classroom flexibility and equity, especially in environments where shared devices, Chromebooks, or BYOD policies are the norm. 

There’s no need to download anything or install software. Just visit DE Experience or timepod.discoveryeducation.com from your preferred device and start exploring. Students can dive into the experience from any device with an internet connection and audio output, making TimePod Adventures more accessible than ever before.

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The episodes are available in both English and Spanish, with fully translated audio and captions. Whether you’re teaching in a dual-language classroom or supporting multilingual learners, this added flexibility supports diverse learning needs and makes sure no student is left behind. 

Built for the Classroom, Supported by Educator Resources

Designed with educators in mind, TimePod Adventures comes with a suite of teaching materials to help you integrate these journeys into your curriculum with confidence. You’ll find: 

  • A step-by-step Educator Guide for the Prologue to help students get comfortable navigating the TimePod.
  • A comprehensive guide for the Mars 2072 series with detailed explanations, discussion prompts, and extension ideas. 
  • 12 classroom activities (four for each Mars episode) tailored to different grade bands – from K–2 up to 9–12.
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These assets align with key curriculum standards and are perfect for sparking rich discussions about space exploration, sustainability, and ethical decision-making. 

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Immersive Learning That Sticks

At its heart, TimePod Adventures is about more than just time travel. It’s about giving students agency to solve problems, explore historical and futuristic environments, and reflect on the real-world implications of their choices. 

The immersive nature of the episodes – cinematic visuals, a strong narrative voice, and interactive puzzles – makes the learning stick. Students aren’t just watching a video or reading a passage – they’re part of the story. 

When students experience the thrill of driving a Mars rover, uncovering ancient artifacts, or rewiring a broken machine, they engage deeply with scientific and social concepts. These experiences lead to meaningful conversations in the classroom and long-lasting understanding beyond it. 

Ready to Launch

The new TimePod Adventures content is live and ready to explore at timepod.discoveryeducation.com. Whether you’re using it to introduce environmental science, launch a unit on Mars, or enrich your technology curriculum, this tool gives students the chance to explore, analyze, and create meaning from immersive experiences. 

No subscriptions. No logins. No installs. Just incredible, standards-aligned learning – ready whenever you are. 

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Ready to Start Your Mission?​

Visit https://timepod.discoveryeducation.com or Discovery Education Experience to play the new episodes, download classroom guides, and bring immersive STEM learning to your students.

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]]> TimePod Hero Image VFT3D Asset Thumbnail Large -2 Chromebook mockup -3 Immersive Learning Explore Mars Generic Decorative -2 Screenshot 2025-06-17 at 09-00-33 3 Ways Adaptive Learning Supports Foundational Math and Reading for Elementary Students https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/teaching-and-learning/adaptive-learning-supports-foundational-math-and-reading/ Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:38:38 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=193626 Every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and capable of success, but in today’s classrooms, that’s easier said than done. With wide-ranging skill levels across math and reading curriculum, learning gaps, and growing demands on teacher time, it’s hard to give every learner what they need, when they need it. That’s where interactive learning platforms […]

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Every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and capable of success, but in today’s classrooms, that’s easier said than done. With wide-ranging skill levels across math and reading curriculum, learning gaps, and growing demands on teacher time, it’s hard to give every learner what they need, when they need it. That’s where interactive learning platforms with adaptive technology can play a vital role. 

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1. Adaptive Learning Solutions Fill Skill Gaps and Prevent Learning Loss​

Learning is cumulative, and small skill gaps can become major roadblocks if left unaddressed. Adaptive programs can identify missed concepts early, sometimes before a teacher even sees them, and automatically provide targeted practice or revisit foundational concepts. 

The How: Continuously Detect, Assess, and Target  
Adaptive learning programs work behind the scenes to detect when a student is struggling. The programs don’t wait for formal, summative assessment to intervene. Instead, programs like DreamBox Math and DreamBox Reading use continuous formative assessments to analyze patterns like repeated errors, hesitation, and inefficient strategies. The programs then respond instantly to offer support the moment a student needs it, without disrupting a student’s learning momentum. At the same time, these programs capture student progress and provide data-rich reports that offer educators actionable insights, enabling them to differentiate instruction, target small-group work, and make informed decisions that deepen student learning. 

Why it Matters

Catching learning gaps early keeps students on track and prevents them from falling behind. This proactive, just-in-time support is especially effective in addressing unfinished learning and avoiding costly remediation. 

Fast Fact

Many educators already know how impactful adaptive instruction can be, in fact 93% of teachers believe that adaptive learning would help students learn more effectively.

2. Meet Students Where They Are Whether Behind or Ahead of Grade Level​

Adaptive learning platforms don’t just deliver digital content. They respond in real time to how each student learns, creating personalized virtual learning experiences that boost confidence, fill knowledge gaps, and help every student grow, at their own pace, and in their own way. 

The How: Track, Analyze, Adjust in Real Time
Adaptive programs track more than just right or wrong answers, they continuously analyze how students solve problelms, how long they take, and where they hesitate. Based on this data, programs like DreamBox Math and DreamBox Reading adjust instruction in real time, tailoring the content, pacing, and scaffolding in real time.

Why it Matters

Adaptive learning solutions help create the Zone of Proximal Development, the space where learning is most effective because it’s just beyond what a student can do independently, but still within reach.

Fast Fact

Did you know that about three quarters of students say that learning at their own pace would increase the likelihood of engaging in lessons, feeling empowered in school, and feeling more prepared for the future?

3. Adaptive Learning Builds Growth Mindset and Confidence

A growth mindset is essential for learning. Adaptive learning technology reinforces this by helping students connect effort with progress. As they receive feedback and independently overcome challenges, they gain confidence that their abilities can grow with practice.

The How: Encourage Exploration, Productive Struggle, and Independence
DreamBox Math and Reading lessons are designed to support agency and progress through independent exploration and productive struggle. This type of adaptive technology offers hints and scaffolds only when necessary, allowing students to learn and grow by trying things, making mistakes, and seeing what works. As students successfully solve problems on their own, they build confidence and become more willing to take on new challenges.

Why it Matters

Students who believe they can figure things out are more likely to stay engaged, take academic risks, and develop lifelong learning habits.In this space of productive struggle, students stay motivated and make progress, challenged by content that’s appropriately difficult, not too easy, and not overwhelming.

Fast Fact

Recent research found that 94% of superintendents believe that personalized learning solutions that leverage adaptive technology to customize instruction to each student’s skills, preferences, and interests, can effectively boost student confidence.

Create Student-Centered Learning Environments with Adaptive Learning

Adaptivity isn’t just about technology. It’s about creating responsive, student-centered classrooms. By choosing adaptive learning tools like DreamBox Math and Reading, educators can support every learner, close skill gaps, and build the confidence students need to succeed, now and in the future.

Ready to learn more about adaptivity?

The post 3 Ways Adaptive Learning Supports Foundational Math and Reading for Elementary Students appeared first on Discovery Education.

]]> what-does-curiosity-look-like.png This Month at DE: May https://www.discoveryeducation.com/blog/teaching-and-learning/this-month-at-de-may/ Wed, 30 Apr 2025 01:58:25 +0000 https://www.discoveryeducation.com/?post_type=blog&p=189867 May is here and the end of school is just around the corner. While your students may have one foot out the door, keep them engaged until the last day with these fresh teaching ideas and timely content!  Pop of PL What’s New Trending Topics Magic Moment Pop of Professional Learning Literacy is a key […]

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May is here and the end of school is just around the corner. While your students may have one foot out the door, keep them engaged until the last day with these fresh teaching ideas and timely content! 

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Literacy is a key predictor of student success and essential across subjects, from reading lab instructions to solving word problems. Since reading combines language comprehension and word recognition, practicing literacy skills helps students develop these abilities beyond their ELA classes. Try these Top 10 SOS Instructional Strategies, which focus on building background knowledge, strengthening comprehension, and enhancing disciplinary vocabulary.

Timely Moments

Check out popular resources in Discovery Education Experience to keep student engaged with timely moments in May—right up until the last bell rings before summer! 

Mental Health Awareness Month
Support mental health awareness throughout the month of May with standards-aligned resources from CVS's Dose of Knowledge. Students and educators can explore wellness topics such as managing stress, peer pressure, and mindfulness, supporting meaninful conversations about mental health.
Dose of Knowledge
Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
On May 5, celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, with resources from the Cinco De Mayo Channel!
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World Turtle Day (May 23)
"Shell-ebrate" World Turtle Day by exploring the variety of engaging videos, activities, and lessons all about turtles! Students can learn about their life cycles, habitats, how to protect them, and more.
Explore Turtle Resources
Memorial Day (May 26)
Honor those who have served our country on May 26 for Memorial Day with resources from the Memorial Day Channel.
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My Digital Life

Nine out of ten tweens use social media and gaming apps! As summer approaches, help equip your students with the skills to recognize and avoid irresponsible online behaviors through an engaging animated video series. This series, created in partnership with Norton, emphasizes the importance of making responsible decisions in our digital lives.

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Operation Prevention

Grades 6-12

In honor of Take Back Day that was recently held on April 26 and organized by the DEA, we invite you to visit the Operation Prevention Channel! There, you’ll find valuable resources, including hands-on investigations where students delve into the science behind substance misuse and its effects on the brain and body.

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Ask, Listen, Learn

Grades 3-8

Created in partnership with Responsbility.org, the newly updated Ask, Listen, Learn Channel offers resources designed to uncover the science behind how alcohol affects developing brains, bodies, and behavior—empowering students to make impactful decisions on their health.

Magic Moment

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As the school year winds down, many K-12 classes have taken all kinds of field trips to museums, plays, parks, and more. And there’s still time to visit new places with Discovery Education’s Virtual Field Trips! Not sure how to incorporate them into your classroom time? Check out this recent blog Elevating Learning: Instructional Strategies for Engaging Virtual Field Trips.

Explore More Engaging Resources from Discovery Education

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