Teaching and learning

Teaching and learning are the cornerstones of the K-12 education system. A broad range of instructional methods, curriculum materials, and tools can be used to support learning at school, home, and in the community. Use the navigation on the left to take a deeper dive into this topic.
Bright Ideas Across the Network

Creating a Comprehensive K-8 Master School Schedule
Although we are only at the midpoint of this current school year, it is time for schools to start planning for the next school year. Seriously!? Yes, seriously! It is time to think about creating the “master schedule.” Check out this blog from Region 9 Comprehensive Center to see recommendations for school leaders starting to develop their comprehensive school schedule.

Alaska's Reading Playbook
Alaska's Reading Playbook: This playbook from Region 16 Comprehensive Center is a guide for educators teaching in Alaska’s unique educational landscape. The playbook combines decades of nationwide research with examples and resources developed by educators in Alaska.

State Policy Considerations for 3rd Grade Literacy
This brief prepared by Region 8 Comprehensive Center summarizes information on comprehensive state policies and practices to help meet expectations and mandates for 3rd grade literacy in Indiana.
Read the brief from R8CC here.
Getting Oriented to Teaching and Learning
Below you will find research evidence and other helpful resources to orient you to this topic. Use the navigation on the left to take a deeper dive.
Research Evidence and Policy
The U.S. Department of Education has issued non-regulatory guidance on using evidence-based strategies to support students under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and the What Works Clearinghouse offers a searchable database of evidence on curricula and programs. Additional teaching and learning resources are included here.
CCNetwork Resources

State Policy Levers for Improving Literacy

Literacy Priorities in Local District ARP Plans

Reimagining Education
External Resources
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The Assessment Workshop - Video Lessons
The purpose of the Assessment Workshop is to help educators improve assessment practices. We cover some assessment basics but aim to go deeper on key concepts, including many that are often misunderstood and overlooked.
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Help Kids Recover Campaign
This website provides information on American Rescue Plan funding and evidence-based practices for community-based afterschool and summer programs to accelerate student learning.
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Regional Educational Laboratory Mid-Atlantic - A Review of the Literature on Social and Emotional Learning for Students Ages 3-8: Characteristics of Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs
This is the first in a series of four related reports about what is known about SEL programs for students ages 3-8.
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Institute of Education Sciences - Assisting Students Struggling with Mathematics: Intervention in the Elementary Grades
This practice guide, developed by the What Works Clearinghouse™ and an expert panel, distills the latest mathematics intervention research into practical recommendations for teachers.
Literacy and Early Learning
High-quality early learning is one of the most powerful and effective strategies for promoting success in school and in life. Early learning standards and guidelines help parents and educators identify the developmental and learning goals and outcomes that children should achieve during early years.
Whether in the classroom, at home, or in other remote learning situations, literacy remains a key component of education.
Tips
Share early learning standards widely for teachers, families, school systems, communities, businesses, and other stakeholders to understand child learning and development and to inform their work with young children.
Equip parents as reading partners:
- Provide information on selecting appropriate reading material
- Outline strategies to check for comprehension
- Describe fun ways to practice reading at home
CCNetwork Resources

Literacy Leads, Setting Follows – Advice for Grades 1-3 Literacy Leaders in Disrupted Environments

Evidence-based Literacy Instruction within Remote and Blended/Hybrid Learning Environments

Considerations and Models in Presenting Early Learning Standards: Prepared for the Indiana Department of Education

Evidence-Based Practices for Improving Adolescent Literacy

Comprehensive Centers' Support for Implementing Literacy Programs

Assessment, Instruction, and Intervention to Accelerate Learning for Students with or At Risk for Disabilities that Impact Literacy Skills
A presentation for the National Comprehensive Center’s Accelerated Learning Work Group. Presented on February 28, 2022 by Dr. Nancy J. Nelson, NCIL Deputy Director and Professional Development & Technical Assistance Lead and Assistant Professor, Boston University
This presentation provides information on key issues for learning recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. It describes what accelerated learning is, what it is not and how schools and state agencies are addressing learning loss within each of the 3 tiers of intervention (RTI tiers).
External Resources
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American Psychological Association - Early Learning Guidelines Educator Toolkit
Using the Head Start Framework, the toolkit serves as a roadmap to early educators looking for national and state resources that are based on research and evidence-based practices.
Online/Distance Learning
Online/distance learning is a useful instructional delivery method and may have a greater impact than in-person models for some students.
Tips
- Include breaks between classwork that allows students to move and re-focus
- Use activities that can be completed away from the screen to reduce fatigue and boost engagement
CCNetwork Resources

Evidence-based Literacy Instruction within Remote and Blended/Hybrid Learning Environments

Student Engagement in Online Classes: Tips for Teachers Based on Trauma-Informed Approaches and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Strategies
District Metrics for Quality Remote/Hybrid Learning: Student Engagement and Teacher Working Conditions and Well-Being
High-Dosage Tutoring
High-dosage tutoring is an effective strategy for accelerating learning and improving outcomes for students of all ages. Effective programs provide high quality instruction to very small groups of students (3-4 maximum) at least three times per week.
Tips
- Use a consistent set of teachers, paraprofessionals, and volunteers
- Provide tutors with training and support to strengthen the student-tutor relationship and help tutors grow more attended to student needs
CCNetwork Resources

Learning Recovery: How to Develop and Implement Effective Tutoring Programs

The Potential of Future Educators as Tutors
External Resources
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EdResearch for Recovery: Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University - Accelerating Student Learning with High-Dosage Tutoring
The report provides the evidence base for high dosage tutoring, design principles for effective tutoring, and examples of effective tutoring models.
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District of Columbia: Office of the State Superintendent of Education - High-Dosage Tutoring: A Proven Strategy to Accelerate Student Learning: Guide for Local Education Agencies
The guide provides detail on the unique features of high-dosage tutoring and practical considerations for establishing and managing a program.
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Urban Labs, University of Chicago - Not Too Late: Improving Academic Outcomes Among Adolescents
This study measured the impact of providing Chicago Public Schools students with daily 45-50 minute, two-on-one math instruction in 9th and 10th grades.
STEM and Computer Science
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and Computer Science (CS) education are an important part of designing for equity and preparing students for college and careers. STEM/CS disciplines helps students:
- Solve problems
- Make sense of information
- Gather and evaluate evidence
Tips
- Provide STEM/CS teachers with tailored professional learning experiences
- Connect with the STEM Teacher Leadership Network, which:
- Is funded by the National Science Foundation
- Is a professional learning community
- Works to improve schools
- Networks to effect policy
- Re-envisions the future of STEM teaching and learning
CCNetwork Resources

Welcome to InformCS
InformCS, a National Comprehensive Center project, provides guidance and resources that can be used by district-level instructional coordinators and teacher leaders to deepen computer science educators’ content and pedagogical knowledge through focusing on formative assessment literacy. InformCS offers a five-step approach to support teachers in using formative assessment tasks to identify student challenges on specific computer science concepts and to adjust instruction accordingly.

Building Teacher Capacity in K–12 Computer Science by Promoting Formative Assessment Literacy

Practice Guide: Applying a Principled Approach to Develop and Use K–12 Computer Science Formative Assessments

Considerations for Developing Effective Math Coaches: A Content-Driven Perspective
External Resources
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U.S. Department of Education - Science, Technology, Engineering. And Math, including Computer Science
This webpage provides a comprehensive list of education priorities and resources for stem and computer science as well as grant opportunities to support related programs.
Post-Secondary Preparation
Work-based learning, career and technical education, and accelerated college credit offer students a variety of pathways to satisfy graduation requirements and pursue educational and career goals.
Tips
- Begin career awareness programming in elementary school
- Pair knowledge of career options with opportunities for students to increase their awareness of their own interests and talents
- Host learning opportunities in college and career settings
CCNetwork Resources

Portfolio of Choice: Dual Enrollment

College and Career Readiness and Access Brief

Reimagining Education
