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Understanding What Makes Digital Practice Effective in Schools

Written by HES Marketing on .

Looking Beyond Technology

Digital learning tools are now part of everyday instruction in many K–12 classrooms. But as schools continue expanding their use of educational technology, the conversation is shifting away from simply using digital tools and toward a more important question: what actually makes digital practice effective for teachers and students?

On the surface, digital practice may seem straightforward. Students complete assignments online, teachers collect data, and schools track progress. But in practice, meaningful implementation is far more complex. Technology can exist in classrooms without improving instruction if it feels disconnected from how teachers actually teach or how students learn best.

Many educators are balancing increasing instructional demands while trying to keep students engaged, personalize learning, monitor progress, and prepare students for assessments. At the same time, teachers are often navigating multiple systems, disconnected workflows, and limited instructional time.

That is why schools are beginning to focus less on adding more tools and more on how digital practice fits into the instructional experience itself.

Why Implementation Often Falls Short

One of the biggest misconceptions about digital practice is that successful implementation depends mostly on the technology. In reality, many challenges come from usability, instructional alignment, and consistency.

Teachers are more likely to regularly use digital tools when they fit naturally into classroom routines and help simplify instructional tasks. However, when platforms require excessive setup, duplicate work, or complicated workflows, even strong instructional tools can become difficult to sustain long term.

Another challenge is visibility into student understanding while learning is still happening. Traditional assessment models often provide feedback after instruction has already moved forward. By the time gaps are identified, students may already be struggling with foundational concepts that impact future learning.

As a result, schools are increasingly looking for ways to make digital practice more responsive, manageable, and connected to everyday instruction.

Making Digital Practice More Meaningful

The most effective digital practice strategies are often rooted in small instructional improvements rather than large classroom transformations.

In many classrooms, teachers use digital practice to strengthen instructional responsiveness throughout the learning process. A teacher may use a quick formative assessment during a lesson to identify misconceptions before moving forward. Another may assign targeted practice opportunities based on student readiness levels so students can reinforce skills at an appropriate pace.

These types of strategies help make learning more flexible while giving teachers greater visibility into student progress.

Consistent digital practice also helps students build confidence over time. When students regularly engage with standards aligned questions and receive immediate feedback, they become more familiar with academic expectations and assessment formats before larger tests arrive. Rather than approaching test preparation as a separate event, practice becomes part of the everyday learning experience.

Why Simplicity and Data Matter

One of the greatest advantages of digital practice is the ability to provide actionable instructional data.

However, the value of that data depends heavily on accessibility and simplicity. Overly complicated reporting systems can create additional barriers instead of supporting instruction.

That is why many schools are prioritizing solutions that streamline assignment creation, simplify reporting, and reduce manual work for teachers. In many cases, long term success depends less on the number of platform features and more on how naturally a system supports daily instruction.

Support Matters

Professional development is most effective when it focuses not only on how a platform works, but on how it supports real instructional goals such as differentiation, formative assessment, student engagement, and assessment preparation.

Teachers are also far more likely to confidently and consistently integrate digital tools when they have access to responsive support teams, clear implementation guidance, and ongoing training that evolves alongside their instructional needs. This kind of support helps ensure educators are not left to figure things out alone but instead have a partner they can rely on for questions, troubleshooting, and deeper instructional guidance when needed.

That is why choosing the right solution matters. Schools need tools backed by teams that are present, responsive, and committed to helping educators succeed in real classroom conditions, not just during initial setup.

As a result, schools are increasingly recognizing that successful digital learning initiatives require partnership and long-term support rather than one time implementation.

More Effective Digital Learning

As schools continue evolving instructional practices, digital tools should strengthen teaching and learning without adding unnecessary complexity for educators.

Platforms like Castle Learning support this approach by helping teachers create standards-aligned quizzes and assignments, deliver meaningful practice, and access real-time reporting that informs instructional decisions. Students benefit from ongoing opportunities to practice skills, receive immediate feedback, and build confidence ahead of larger assessments and state testing.

When paired with responsive support, ongoing training, and thoughtful implementation guidance, digital practice becomes more than a standalone tool. It becomes part of a connected instructional system that helps teachers respond to student needs more effectively and improves learning outcomes over time.

By Danielle Cox

Danielle is a New York State Education Solutions Consultant for Harris Education Solutions, bringing more than 28 years of experience in education. Prior to joining HES, Danielle served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and school administrator. She now partners with school and district leaders to deliver tailored solutions that support student success, data-informed decision-making, and operational efficiency.

A More Connected Approach to HIB Reporting in K-12 Schools

Written by HES Marketing on .

by Joe Brislin.

What a connected process looks like

HIB incident management tools can help districts organize reporting and improve consistency across cases. But in practice, the process becomes even more effective when it is part of the systems staff already use every day.

When HIB reporting is built into your Student Information System (SIS), everything is already connected in one place. Staff are not switching between tools or duplicating information across systems. Instead, a report can be logged, reviewed, investigated, and resolved within a single workflow that naturally fits into their daily work. Solutions like Realtime support this approach by bringing HIB reporting directly into the same environment as student data and everyday administrative workflows.

This creates a more consistent experience across cases and gives staff a clearer, real-time understanding of where each incident stands. It also reduces the risk of missed details or delays as information moves through the process.

Why this matters beyond compliance

While meeting requirements is important, the benefits extend far beyond reporting.

When systems are easier to use, schools are better equipped to respond quickly and consistently. Staff can spend less time managing paperwork and more time focusing on prevention, intervention, and student support. Communication with families also becomes clearer, which helps build stronger trust between schools and home.

Over time, this contributes to a healthier school climate where issues are addressed more efficiently and students feel more supported.

Take the Next Step

As expectations around HIB reporting and school transparency continue to grow, many districts are being asked to do more with limited time and resources. Having connected systems in place can help ease that pressure by reducing complexity, improving consistency, and supporting compliance requirements while keeping student safety at the center of the work.

At its core, this is about helping schools respond with care, communicate more clearly, and support students in meaningful and timely ways. When HIB reporting is part of a Student Information System with HIB built in, it becomes easier for staff to stay aligned and for information to move in a clear and consistent way.

Realtime by Harris Education Solutions brings HIB reporting, student data, and everyday workflows together in one place, helping districts focus more on students and less on systems.

Joseph (Joe) Brislin 

With 27 years in public education, Joe Brislin has worn many hats—starting as a K-8 Physical Education and Health teacher, moving into roles as a middle school Vice-Principal and elementary Principal, and eventually leading technology efforts as a district Technology Director. He holds a bachelor’s in physical education and health, a master’s in physical education and coaching administration, and a master’s in educational administration. Joe brings a rich blend of experience to every role he takes on — from his current work as a Regional Sales professional at Harris Education Solutions to 47 years of coaching across various school and community sports levels. 

Harris Education Solutions Announces New Partnership with BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative

Written by HES Marketing on .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The BuyBoard National Purchasing Cooperative is a cooperative formed by governmental entities to streamline the buying process for public schools, municipalities, and other governmental entities. Through BuyBoard, member districts can now purchase Tango and eWalk solutions from Liberty Source, under a competitively awarded, fully compliant contract, reducing the time and administrative cost of issuing separate bids. Tango provides innovative student assessment, personalized practice and data analytics software and eWalk provides intuitive classroom walkthroughs and teacher evaluation software available on devices such as tablets and mobile phones.

“Districts need trustworthy, easy‑to‑implement tools that support student success and operational efficiency,” said Chris Donnelly, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Harris Education Solutions. “Being on BuyBoard allows schools to adopt our solutions faster while maintaining transparency and compliance in their purchasing process.”

BuyBoard members can use the Liberty Source contract to acquire:

  • Student information and data tools 
  • Assessment and progress monitoring
  • Curriculum and instruction support
  • Family and community engagement tools
  • Professional learning and implementation services – training, onboarding, and ongoing support for district staff.

For more information, contact us or visit www.buyboard.com.

What Gets Measured Gets Improved: The Role of Data in Teacher Development

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by Dr. Brad Hunter, Vice President of Operations and Product & former Assistant Superintendent.

“Measurement” can be a loaded word in education. Done poorly, it can feel like a compliance exercise. Done well, it becomes a catalyst for professional growth, stronger instruction, and better student outcomes. The difference isn’t the presence of data—it’s how that data is organized, surfaced, and used in daily practice. 

That’s where eDoctrina’s Accountability Suite stands out. It’s designed less as a scoreboard and more as a coaching system—giving educators timely, trustworthy information they can act on, and giving leaders a clear, coherent picture of progress without burying anyone in paperwork. 

Turning accountability into growth

When teachers can see where they’re thriving and where they can improve—in real time—they can adjust instruction, seek targeted support, and track the impact of changes. eDoctrina’s approach is to put that kind of clarity at educators’ fingertips. Instead of waiting for end-of-year summations, teachers and leaders can engage in ongoing, evidence-based conversations. The most important person to influence student achievement other than teachers is the school principal, through their ability to give teachers quality feedback, whether it be affirmation, or suggestions for improvement and change. This shifts accountability from a once-a-year event to a continuous cycle of feedback, reflection, and improvement.  

Bringing everything into one coherent picture 

In many districts, important evidence lives everywhere: observation notes in one system, student learning goals in another, growth measures in a third. That fragmentation makes it hard to see patterns or build a shared understanding of progress. A core strength of eDoctrina’s Accountability Suite is how it brings the most important pieces together. The result is a single, consistent “source of truth” that reduces guesswork and eliminates the spreadsheet chaos that too often derails meaningful dialogue.

Clarity that builds trust

Data only improves practice when educators trust it. eDoctrina helps build that trust by making expectations visible and evidence easy to understand. Teachers can see how goals connect to daily practice, how observations track against agreed-upon criteria, and how student outcomes relate to instructional decisions. That transparency fosters psychological safety: educators know what’s being measured, why it matters, and how to move the needle.

Consistency that supports equity

One of the quiet challenges in any evaluation system is consistency—ensuring that feedback is fair across classrooms, grade levels, and schools. eDoctrina supports leaders in providing calibrated, consistent feedback so educators are evaluated on the same standards in the same way. That consistency amplifies equity, reduces ambiguity, and makes recognition, growth plans, and decisions feel more defensible and fair.

Real-time insight, real-time course correction

Instruction moves fast. Teachers need to know what’s working now, not months later. With clear views of progress throughout the cycle, educators can adjust strategies midstream, and leaders can pinpoint who needs support and who is ready to stretch further. Professional learning communities, department teams, and instructional coaches all benefit from having a current, shared view of performance. It accelerates improvement because it shortens the feedback loop.

Less friction, more coaching time

The administrative burden of observation, goal-setting, and progress monitoring can sap time and energy from the work that matters most: coaching and teaching. eDoctrina reduces that friction with streamlined workflows and intuitive tracking. When the busywork fades into the background, leaders can spend more time in classrooms, giving targeted feedback and supporting instructional practice. Teachers gain back time for planning and collaboration.

Teacher ownership and agency

Growth sticks when it’s owned by the person doing the growing. eDoctrina is designed to make teachers active participants in their development—setting goals, monitoring progress, reflecting on evidence, and celebrating wins. That sense of ownership transforms data from something done to teachers into something used by teachers. It nurtures a culture where reflection is habitual and improvement feels attainable.

From the classroom to the district office

The same qualities that help individual educators grow also help district leaders steer improvement at scale. Clear, aggregated views of progress make it easier to spot system-wide strengths and gaps, align professional learning, and allocate resources where they’ll have the biggest impact. When leaders can see patterns without losing the nuance of individual classrooms, they’re better positioned to support both equity and excellence. 

A practical scenario

Imagine a teacher starts the year by identifying a student learning goal aligned to local priorities. Early observations surface specific strengths and a couple of growth areas tied to instructional moves. Rather than waiting for a final rating, the teacher and coach review evidence mid-cycle, adjust strategies, and check back a few weeks later to see what changed. By spring, the teacher can point to clear, documented growth—supported by classroom evidence, student outcomes, and aligned feedback. It’s not about chasing points/ratings; it’s about telling a credible story of progress that everyone can see. 

In short, eDoctrina helps districts turn accountability into a lever for professional learning. It’s the difference between measuring for compliance and measuring for growth—and it’s how schools make “what gets measured gets improved” true in practice.

With 33 years of education experience, Dr. Brad Hunter has built his expertise from the ground up. Starting as a paraprofessional, he moved through essential roles like teacher, principal, and director for various departments including Federal Programs and Pre-K. He eventually took on the role of Assistant Superintendent for K-12 Operations and Curriculum in Lee County, Alabama. Brad’s academic credentials are a perfect match for this practical experience. He holds a range of degrees, from bachelor’s in psychology and human services to master’s degrees in education and reading, all the way to an Education Specialist in Administration and a Ph.D. in Curriculum Development. His experience has given him firsthand insight into the challenges school systems face every day. As Vice President of Operations and Product at Harris Education Solutions, Brad’s goal is to partner with the HES team to design software that not only addresses these challenges but also empowers educators and students to thrive. 

The Importance of Morning Walkthroughs

Written by HES Marketing on .

by Joe Brislin.

In the hustle of a school day, it’s easy for leaders to get caught up in meetings, emails, and urgent issues. But one of the most powerful tools a school leader has is simple: being present. Morning walkthroughs aren’t just about visibility—they’re about connection. When principals take time to greet students, step into classrooms, and engage with staff, they’re doing more than making rounds. They’re building trust, gathering insight, and shaping a culture where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued. 

Building Trust Through Presence 

Culture means a lot within a school. During morning walkthroughs, greeting students with high-fives or fist-bumps and saying hello to staff helps break down barriers. It shows that administrators aren’t just tucked away in offices or only visible during crises—they’re active participants in the daily rhythm of the school. 

For teachers, a simple “good morning” from a principal can open the door to meaningful conversations. It’s a chance to connect, to show interest in their work, and to listen to concerns that might otherwise go unheard. This consistent presence fosters a sense of trust and support. 

A Pulse on the Building 

Morning walkthroughs also serve as a diagnostic tool. They allow leaders to spot early signs of instructional gaps, classroom management challenges, or students who may need extra support. By being consistently present, leaders aren’t just monitoring—they’re cultivating an environment that feels safe, proactive, and responsive. 

These insights can also inform coaching conversations and shape professional development plans, making walkthroughs a strategic asset as well as a cultural one. 

Presence Is Powerful 

When school leaders make morning walkthroughs a daily habit, they’re doing more than checking boxes—they’re shaping the heartbeat of the school. Visibility fosters trust, and trust fuels collaboration, growth, and a sense of belonging. By simply showing up, listening, and engaging, leaders send a clear message: We’re in this together. And that message can transform a school’s culture from the inside out. 

Joseph (Joe) Brislin 

With 27 years in public education, Joe Brislin has worn many hats—starting as a K-8 Physical Education and Health teacher, moving into roles as a middle school Vice-Principal and elementary Principal, and eventually leading technology efforts as a district Technology Director. He holds a bachelor’s in physical education and health, a master’s in physical education and coaching administration, and a master’s in educational administration. Joe brings a rich blend of experience to every role he takes on — from his current work as a Regional Sales professional at Harris Education Solutions to 47 years of coaching across various school and community sports levels. 

Harris Education Solutions Announces Strategic Leadership Appointments to Drive Innovation in K-12 Education

Written by HES Marketing on .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Harris Education Solutions Announces Strategic Leadership Appointments to Drive Innovation in K-12 Education

January 31, 2025 – Harris Education Solutions (HES), a division of Harris Computer Corporation dedicated to advancing student success, is excited to announce key leadership appointments aimed at strengthening its support for K-12 education district clients.

Diva Mayeau – Executive Vice President

Diva Mayeau has been appointed as the Executive Vice President of Harris Education Solutions since 2024. With over 25 years in the public technology software sector, Ms. Mayeau brings extensive experience in strategic planning, business operations, financial management, and leadership. Her tenure at Harris Computers includes roles such as Vice President of Professional Services and Vice President of Operations. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering, along with a Workplace Mental Health Leadership Certificate and various other management certifications, Ms. Mayeau is dedicated to providing exceptional support to partners, empowering employees, and driving business growth. Her commitment to operational excellence, employee professional growth, and continuous expansion with existing and prospecting clients sets HES towards continuing to be an enduring Business Unit.

Anthony Siciliano – Vice President of Research and Development

With 25 years in the education industry, Anthony Siciliano is a visionary leader in research and product development, dedicated to driving innovation in K-12 technology. His deep understanding of educational challenges and technology trends positions him to enhance and expand Harris Education Solutions’ suite of products, ensuring they evolve to meet the real-world needs of educators and students. Anthony’s expertise in data-driven solutions and user-focused development will play a critical role in shaping the next generation of HES offerings.

Based in New Jersey, Anthony is a hockey fan and sports enthusiast. When he’s not leading innovation at HES, he is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his three children—Anthony, Cameron, and Sydney—and his cat, Wallee.

Dr. Brad Hunter – Vice President of Operations

Dr. Brad Hunter brings extensive experience in K-12 education leadership, having served as Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education for Lee County Schools in Alabama. A dedicated advocate for student success, he has been instrumental in shaping district operations, policy implementation, and school leadership. Dr. Hunter was also recognized by the Alabama Music Educators Association for his contributions to music education, highlighting his commitment to fostering well-rounded learning experiences for students. His expertise in managing district-wide initiatives and improving operational efficiencies will strengthen Harris Education Solutions’ ability to align its solutions with the real needs of schools and districts.

These leadership appointments reflect Harris Education Solutions’ commitment to providing cutting-edge, educator-driven solutions that empower K-12 schools. By strengthening its leadership team, HES continues its mission of supporting student success through innovative and effective education technology.

For more information, visit harriseducationsolutions.com.

About Harris Education Solutions

Harris Education Solutions, a division of Harris Computer Corporation, provides a suite of educational products that support all levels within a district. From administration to teachers to students, HES delivers solutions for lesson planning, assessments, curriculum, data analysis, and platforms for RTI/MTSS and teacher walkthroughs, allowing for an integrated approach to district and classroom management.

Prioritizing Security: How Harris Education Solutions Protects Your Data

Written by HES Marketing on .

In today’s digital world, data security is more important than ever—especially for school systems entrusted with sensitive student and staff information. At Harris Education Solutions (HES), we understand the critical responsibility of safeguarding your systems and data. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, and we want to share how we’re working to keep your information secure.

A Multi-Layered Approach to Security
Our commitment to data protection begins with robust infrastructure and best practices. Every aspect of our technology environment is designed with security in mind:

  • State-of-the-Art Hosting: HES systems are hosted in secure data centers equipped with advanced physical protections such as controlled access points, 24/7 video surveillance, perimeter fencing, and biometric authentication. These measures ensure only authorized personnel have access to sensitive systems.
  • Industry-Standard Encryption: To protect the confidentiality of your data, we use encryption protocols for both data in transit (using TLS standards) and at rest (via AES-256 encryption techniques). This ensures that your information is safe from unauthorized access at every stage.
  • Proactive Threat Management: Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing are conducted to identify and address potential risks. Any critical findings are prioritized and resolved by our Infrastructure and Development Teams to maintain a secure environment.

Advanced Monitoring and Protection
We employ a variety of sophisticated tools and strategies to stay ahead of potential threats:

  • Continuous monitoring of networks, servers, and services ensures rapid identification and resolution of issues to minimize disruption.
  • Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) provide an additional layer of defense against malicious activity.
  • Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection safeguards against attempts to overwhelm and disrupt systems.

Trained Teams, Trusted Practices
A secure system starts with the people behind it. At HES, we’ve built a culture of security that prioritizes data protection across all aspects of our operations:

  • Employees undergo rigorous cybersecurity training, including annual compliance education on FERPA, credential safeguarding, and social engineering prevention.
  • Strict device management protocols are enforced, including encryption of company devices and regular patching to eliminate vulnerabilities.
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and regular password updates ensure secure access to critical systems.

Commitment to a Secure Workforce
We also prioritize security from the moment an employee joins our team. All prospective employees are subject to thorough background checks, including criminal record verification and education confirmation, conducted by our Corporate Human Resources Department. This vetting process ensures we hire trustworthy and qualified individuals.

Your Security Is Our Mission
At HES, protecting your data isn’t just a technical requirement—it’s a fundamental part of our partnership with you. We continuously enhance our security measures to address evolving threats, so you can rely on our solutions with confidence.

Thank You for Trusting Us
We’re honored to support your important work in education, and we remain steadfast in our dedication to keeping your systems secure. Thank you for being a valued part of the HES community.

For a closer look at our enhanced cybersecurity measures, click here.

Harris Education Solutions Introduces Cornerstone Content Service

Written by HES Marketing on .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


November 20, 2024  

Harris Education Solutions proudly announces the launch of Cornerstone Content, a new service designed to save educators time in assessment creation while addressing student learning needs.

This collaborative service partners with districts to create premade, curated assessments aligned with curriculum goals and state exam data. These assessments integrate with Castle Learning and eDoctrina, streamlining the process for educators and providing targeted support to students.

“Cornerstone Content is about empowering educators to focus on teaching by reducing the time spent creating assessments,” said Meghan Ricketts, Content Manager at Cornerstone Content. “We’re here to make a meaningful difference in the classroom.”  

For questions about Cornerstone Content, reach out to:
Meghan Ricketts  
Content Manager
Email: mricketts@castlelearning.com

Follow Harris Education Solutions on LinkedIn for updates: [Harris Education Solutions LinkedIn]

eDoctrina’s Core Performance Management Software Officially Launches in Baltimore City Schools

Written by HES Marketing on .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Baltimore, MD – October 2024 – eDoctrina is proud to announce the official launch of its Core Performance Management software for Baltimore City Schools. This milestone follows a year-long, collaborative effort to integrate eDoctrina’s comprehensive suite of educational tools, designed to support performance management, assessment, professional development, and data analytics across the district.

In November 2023, Baltimore City Schools entered a three-year contract with eDoctrina to implement its Core Performance Management suite, including the OBSeRVE Module, SLO tool, student goals, educator effectiveness forms, improvement plans, the Assessment bundle, PD30 module, reporting and analytic tools, and other services. The partnership represents a shared commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through advanced, data-driven insights and streamlined performance management.

Since the start of this partnership, eDoctrina’s team dedicated over 3,900 hours to this initiative, encompassing software development, configuration, project management, and the creation of support documentation. This relentless focus and discipline by both teams led to a seamless implementation, culminating in the system going live on September 9, 2024.

“This launch is a significant achievement for both eDoctrina and Baltimore City Schools,” said Diva Mayeau, HES EVP. “The commitment, discipline, and focus demonstrated by everyone involved is a testament to the power of teamwork and shared vision. We’re thrilled to see this system live and operational and look forward to building on this momentum to further support City Schools in achieving their educational goals.”

With the eDoctrina system now fully operational, the teams look forward to continuing their collaboration and leveraging the platform’s capabilities to empower Baltimore educators and improve student success across the district.

About eDoctrina
eDoctrina is a leading provider of education technology solutions, specializing in performance management, assessment, and analytics tools designed to support educators and administrators in achieving measurable outcomes. The company is dedicated to delivering innovative software and services that enable schools to foster growth, drive accountability, and promote success.

Understanding and Implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)

Written by HES Marketing on .

One of your most essential, yet complicated, responsibilities is supporting the wide variety of learning needs of all students. Data-driven education practices continue to revolutionize the way we approach learning. Reams of data are only helpful if you can quickly see patterns. You need flexible tools that provide comprehensive, relevant, and organized information.

Students’ needs change frequently. Some students struggle with learning disabilities, some with mental health, and others with physical health. A few students face multiple challenges simultaneously. Sometimes students are doing just fine and then all of a sudden their life spins out of control. A family or personal crisis creates new needs in otherwise stable students.

Deficits are not the only reason students need extra support. Gifted students may need enrichment and acceleration. High achieving students often need encouragement when they experience a setback. Students from wealthy families have educational gaps from travel-related absences.

Supporting special needs can be so overwhelming that some administrators end up neglecting building robust foundational structures and systems. Every student needs a well-designed curriculum, high-quality instruction, and a safe environment. Without those, students end up experiencing academic and socio-emotional stress. Students experiencing stress are more likely to need more intense interventions. It becomes a vicious cycle of reactionary, rather than proactive, education solutions. Monitoring and adjusting for all aspects of student success requires a systematic approach.

To assist educators we’ve created an eBook titled “Understanding and Implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)” for your reference. Topics include:

  • Understanding the Tiering System
  • Creating an Implementation Plan
  • Software Solutions

Click on the link below to download the eBook:

DOWNLOAD PDF

Implementing the MTSS framework with fidelity takes teams equipped with adequate resources. Without proper analytical tools, you and your team will likely suffer from data overload and give up before seeing the possibilities.

Preparing Students for Computer-Based Testing

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Computer based tests (CBT) are often given in schools to test students and determine their level of preparedness for the next grade, or even the next level of school. They are also sometimes used for school ratings to exhibit the average test score of students in a school, as well as periodic state testing.Although students tend to dread computer based tests, these types of tests can help students in more ways than one. They help with concentration, focus, and critical thinking. There are a number of things teachers and administrators can do in order to prepare students for a computer based test:

  • Put together an assessment team to work together on test development discussing question formats, how many will be included on the test, test design, implementation and platform.
  • Have a practice run that includes sample questions on the same or similar topics covered on the actual assessment, as well as question formats that mimic the real test questions.
  • Design a timeline for test day so students know what to expect and how long the test will take.
  • Work with technology experts to ensure on test day everything runs smoothly (booting up computers, login details, etc.)
  • Walk through the test finalization process including submitting answers, gathering and sharing test results.

With assessment formats and question types designed by educators to mirror state testing, Castle Learning and eDoctrina are excellent instructional support resources.We’ve created a guide with helpful tips on preparing students for CBT. Click HERE to view the guide.