Shaped

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

 

OVER 10 MILLION READS

Featured Posts

Black image with sunburst that reads HMH Pulse Foundations

Closing the Gap Between Data and Decisions: From Scattered Data to One Clear Picture

Tier 1 instruction is where learning happens, but too often, data doesn’t translate into action. Discover how HMH Pulse turns assessment insights into clear, next-day instructional decisions teachers can trust.

Read More
How to align multilingual instruction with the science of reading

Is AI improving learning—or just performance?

AI can make learning faster—but are we improving performance or deep thinking where it matters most?

Read Now
Two educators talking with a laptop open in front of them

The 2026 Educator Confidence Report (ECR) Findings You Might Have Scrolled Past

We break down three data points from the 2026 ECR and what they mean for your AI strategy.

Brenda Iasevoli

Read More
WF2907450 OBC 2026 Hillsborough County Success Story Blog Post hero color 01

Hillsborough's Results-Driven Reading Growth Strategy

Discover how Hillsborough County Public Schools partnered with HMH to improve literacy outcomes through Read 180, implementation fidelity, and shared accountability.

Richard Blankman

Read More
Educator works alongside students during a hands-on classroom activity

Reframing MTSS for Multilingual Learners: Designing Systems That Build on Students’ Strengths

Learn how to reframe MTSS for multilingual learners through an asset-based approach that strengthens tier 1 instruction and guides effective intervention and support

Rosanna Morillo

Read More

Latest Posts

Student learning with high-quality instructional materials

Why AI Must Be Connected to High-Quality Instructional Materials 

High-quality instructional materials give AI the context it needs to support teachers, adapt instruction, and keep learning goals consistent across classrooms.

Tess Reiche
Senior Director of Marketing at HMH

Illustration of educator using edtech tools

Technology Works Best When It Helps Make Learning More Human

Explore what educators want from classroom technology and why human connection should remain at the heart of teaching and learning.

Francie Alexander
Senior Vice President, Efficacy & Consulting Research

District leaders discuss outcomes-based contracts and shared accountability

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

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

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

Students using technology during class

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Articles & Resources for Teachers

Explore AI articles and resources for educators, including classroom strategies, ethical AI use, and emerging trends in education.

Christen Ware
Shaped Editor

Policyin Motion hero dyslexia

Why a New Definition of Dyslexia Matters

The revised definition of dyslexia reflects what we've learned from years of research and helps correct common misconceptions about identification. Learn what the changes mean for educators and how they can support earlier, more effective intervention for struggling readers.

Tiffany Peltier

WF2762150 Shaped 2026 Pulse Blog Series Hero Images Concepting Ontology

What is Ontology and Why It Matters to Educators 

Learn how the Pulse ontology connects standards, skills, assessments, and curriculum to help educators make more informed instructional decisions.

Dr. Tyler Matta
Vice President of Learning Science Engineering, NWEA

Ottawa ESD school implementing a districtwide literacy improvement initiative

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

See how Ottawa ESD partnered with HMH to connect instruction, assessment, and data through HMH Performance Suite Into Reading, helping students achieve nearly a year's expected literacy growth by midyear.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

HMH Brand Photos 2024 Lifestyle PL 252 16x9

AI Tools for Text Scaffolding: Supporting Access Without Lowering Expectations 

See how HMH’s Text Scaffolder can help teachers create possible entry points into complex texts, support language development, and make rigorous learning more accessible.

Onalee Smith
Shaped Contributor

Text HMH Pulse Foundations with a solar sunburst black and red

Closing the Gap Between Data and Decisions: From Scattered Data to One Clear Picture

Tier 1 instruction is where learning happens, but too often, data doesn’t translate into action. Discover how HMH Pulse turns assessment insights into clear, next-day instructional decisions teachers can trust.

Dr. Tyler Matta
Vice President of Learning Science Engineering, NWEA

Teacher working alongside a student at a laptop

The Hidden Risks of Teacher-Built AI Chatbots and What to Consider Instead

Teacher-built AI chatbots offer flexibility, but they also come with tradeoffs. Here's why curriculum-based AI offers more reliable, instructionally sound support.

Brenda Iasevoli
Shaped Executive Editor

WF1608885 back to school activities resources 2024 aggregate hero

2026 Back-to-School Articles for Educators

Bookmark this page featuring our 2026 back-to-school articles for educators. It’s filled with the resources you need to start the school year off strong, from prepping for the first day, to classroom management strategies, and more.

Shaped Staff

Teacher supports students working on computers during a classroom lesson.

Pros and Cons of AI in Education

This article discusses the pros and cons of AI in education. Additionally, it explores what can be done to turn those shortcomings into benefits—drawing on perspectives from HMH leaders, classroom teachers, and education researchers.

Alicia Ivory
Shaped Editor

Illustration highlighting the relationship between AI, efficiency, and the learning process.

Is AI improving learning—or just performance?

AI can make learning faster—but are we improving performance or deep thinking where it matters most?

Andrew Goldman
Executive Vice President, HMH Labs

Students and an educator working together with classroom technology

Educational Technology Articles and Resources

Stay up-to-date on the latest in EdTech with educational technology articles and resources for teachers on trending topics.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

HMH Brand Photos 2024 Lifestyle G7 243 1600x900

Designing Learning for a Neuroinclusive Classroom

See how accessibility can be a made a part of classroom design, especially for neurodivergent students.

Stacey Lawson
Executive Administrator, Core & Supplemental Solutions, HMH

Francie Alexander
Senior Vice President, Efficacy & Consulting Research

Illustration showing digital tools connected through purposeful classroom technology use

Fewer, Better, More Connected Tools: How Purpose Shapes Technology Use in Classrooms

Not all technology use is the same. Learn why thoughtful, instructionally designed tools—used with purpose and guardrails—can support student learning when leaders focus on quality, safety, and outcomes.

Keith Krueger
CEO Consortium for School Networking (CoSN)

Smiling middle school student sitting with a teacher in class

New Study: Performance Suite Drives Significant Student Achievement Gains 

Third party research study finds students using Performance Suite increased ELA proficiency by 12%—more than double a comparison school’s gains. See the results.

Zoe Del Mar
Shaped Executive Editor

Teacher smiling as they work with student

Time Management Strategies for Teachers

Discover practical time management strategies for teachers to stay organized, protect planning time, and make the most of every instructional minute.

Christen Ware
Shaped Editor

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

Shorty Audience Honor 1x1 png

Shorty Awards

Audience Honor, 2023, Shaped

Digiday Finalist Awards 1x1 png

Digiday Content Marketing Awards

Finalist, 2023, Shaped

Podcast Awards Peoples Choice Awards 1x1 png

People’s Choice Podcast Awards

Finalist, 2021 & 2023, Teachers in America

*The views expressed in our blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.