Reaching Struggling Learners

Send us a Text Message.Ever wondered why math and writing seem to get overshadowed in educational interventions? It's time to change the narrative. Join us as we explore the pressing need to broaden the MTSS framework beyond its usual focus on reading. We'll delve into the significance of effective Tier 1 curriculums for math and writing and highlight the current gaps in educational support systems. Learn how to identify struggling students through targeted screeners and assessments and advocate for the robust curricula they deserve. We aim to arm educators with the tools and understanding needed to support their students in every subject comprehensively.In this episode, we also tackle the unique challenges faced by writing intervention teachers who operate without a scripted program. Discover the benefits of customizing interventions to meet individual student needs and the critical importance of progress monitoring in subjects often neglected. We emphasize the necessity for regular data chats and dedicated meetings to ensure math and writing get the attention they truly deserve within the MTSS framework. As a bonus, get a sneak peek into our upcoming episode focused on MTSS strategies for managing and improving student behavior, promising educators strong coffee, calm students, and an amazing summer ahead.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Send us a Text Message.Are standardized intervention programs failing your struggling readers? Join me, on this enlightening episode of the Reaching Struggling Learners podcast, where we uncover how the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) can be the game-changer in boosting reading skills. We emphasize the critical role of phonics in the Tier 1 curriculum to establish a robust foundation for all students. Learn how universal screeners are the key to pinpointing struggling readers and seamlessly transitioning them to Tier 2 or Tier 3 interventions. This is particularly crucial for older students in middle and high school, who need targeted, intensive support to catch up and succeed.Discover why one-size-fits-all programs often fall short and how tailoring interventions to meet specific needs can make all the difference. I'll share tried-and-true strategies for effective progress monitoring, including how to record and graph data to derive actionable insights. Plus, we discuss the importance of structured MTSS meetings with clear agendas to ensure timely and efficient implementation of interventions. Our ultimate goal? To equip you with the tools and strategies to provide the most effective support, ensuring every student achieves reading proficiency. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to making MTSS work for your struggling readers!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Send us a Text Message.How can educators effectively support struggling students without drowning in procedural tasks? Join me, as we uncover the secrets behind the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) on today's episode of the Reaching Struggling Learners podcast. We start with a deep understanding of how systems, whether in teaching or daily routines, help streamline processes. Then, we dissect the three-tiered MTSS structure, from the foundational curriculum for all students (Tier 1) to more tailored support for those requiring extra attention (Tier 2 and Tier 3). Learn how different levels of intervention play a crucial role in providing timely, systematic support to students in need.In the second half of this episode, I offer practical tips to make the implementation of MTSS more efficient and less time-consuming for educators. Imagine reducing procedural workload through simple strategies like checklists, allowing more time to focus on the unique needs of each student. We'll discuss various tools and resources to further streamline your MTSS process and preview future topics that will continue to enhance your educational systems. Engaging, insightful, and packed with actionable advice, this episode promises to be a game-changer for anyone committed to improving student outcomes.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Ever wondered how educators can pinpoint and tackle the unique challenges faced by struggling students? Join me on the Reaching Struggling Learners podcast, where we unravel the mysteries of educational interventions within MTSS and RTI frameworks. We delve into what it takes to set realistic student progress expectations and the art of crafting targeted goals that connect with the core of a student's learning gaps. With the right interventions in play, we observe the transformative journey of student improvement, where meaningful strides become noticeable in as little as six to nine weeks. But what happens when improvement stalls? We'll explore the common pitfalls and how to steer clear, ensuring that your teaching strategies are not only effective but also adaptable to the evolving needs of every learner. So, pull up a chair, pour that much-needed coffee, and let's prepare to close out the year with strategies that aren't just theories but practical tools for real classroom heroes like you. Together, we're setting the stage for success, not just for the final stretch but for the journey ahead.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Ever wondered how a school ecosystem can adapt to better serve both students and educators? This episode is a deep dive into the world of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) and its profound impact on the educational journey. Join me, as we unravel the skepticism and spotlight the true transformative power of MTSS within education. You'll come away with a fresh understanding of how MTSS not only propels students into becoming active participants in their learning but also strengthens their resolve to tackle academic challenges. It's about building resilience, motivation, and a community that supports each learner's unique path.Our conversation goes beyond the student desk to the heart of our schools—the teachers and administrators. Delve into the collaborative spirit that MTSS fosters among educators, providing them with an arsenal of strategies against burnout and isolation. We'll share stories from the frontlines, including how MTSS is not a shortcut to special education but a bastion for targeted support, easing the load on those resources. For parents tuning in, this episode sheds light on the clarity and empowerment MTSS brings to understanding and engaging with your child's educational needs. Together, we're painting a picture of a healthier, more supportive educational system for all.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Are you ready to uncover the true power of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports and how it's reshaping education? Join me, as we peel back the layers of MTSS, revealing its core as an invaluable tool for keeping students on track and minimizing the leap to special education. We'll explore the real success stories of MTSS and why identifying and addressing skill gaps across all subjects—including those beyond reading—can change the trajectory of a student's academic journey. Plus, we dive into the necessity of behavioral supports within the MTSS framework, crucial for navigating today's educational challenges and fostering an environment where every student can succeed.This episode isn't just about student support; it's a call to arms for a collaborative teaching revolution that can transform our schools into thriving educational communities. As we discuss, MTSS isn't a platform for critique but a springboard for teacher growth and satisfaction. We're tearing down the walls of isolation in teaching, showcasing how a united front can lead to a healthy school culture and retain passionate educators. Open your ears and your minds to a discussion that questions, enlightens, and advocates for an educational system where teachers are empowered and students flourish—all through the lens of MTSS.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Embark on an educational journey with me, as we unravel the complexities of the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework, a cornerstone in supporting the diverse needs of students. Guaranteed to enlighten educators and parents alike, this episode is a deep dive into the world of MTSS, where we break down the essential tiers that frame a student's learning environment. From the all-encompassing Tier 1, which sets the stage with core curriculum and behavior expectations, to Tier 2's targeted strategies for students needing that extra push, we leave no stone unturned. With an emphasis on refining core instruction to enhance support for every learner, particularly in critical areas like phonics and math fluency, this conversation promises to arm you with the insights necessary for building a robust educational foundation.As we progress through the tiers, the spotlight turns to the often-overlooked champions of education: paraprofessionals and aides. Despite the absence of certification, their role in delivering individualized, data-driven support through Tier 3 interventions is instrumental in helping students who are significantly trailing their peers. And while we acknowledge the hurdles educators face, especially in sourcing quality interventions for math and writing, the conversation is imbued with appreciation for these dedicated individuals who often lead the charge in driving student success. Make sure to tune in for a heartfelt tribute to those who shape our learners' futures, and a sneak peek into our next discussion that aims to dispel common misconceptions about the MTSS framework while celebrating the continuous advancement of our students.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Ever felt like the education system might be failing our kids in reading, writing, and arithmetic? That's exactly what we're tackling in this episode, where I shed light on the imperative for a revitalized Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) that can truly meet the needs of an unexpected majority of students demanding additional help. Through in-depth discussion, you'll gain insights into why a one-size-fits-all curriculum is a myth and how we, as a collective, can arm our educators with top-shelf resources, superior teaching techniques, and the kind of training that makes tailoring learning to each unique student a reality.With over 70% of students now leaning on an MTSS framework initially designed for just a quarter of the population, the call for action has never been louder. Next week's promise of demystifying MTSS and its role in special education direction is just the beginning. But for now, let's focus on the here and now—identifying the cracks in the current system and laying down the roadmap for a more robust, effective MTSS that teachers can implement with confidence. So, pour yourself a strong cup of coffee and join me on this quest for serene students and thriving learners. Goodbye for now, but stay tuned for our next educational deep dive!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 

Are our schools equipped to prepare the next generation for the future? Today's episode confronts a harrowing crisis in education, with stark realities that can no longer be ignored. As I share my grave concerns, you'll discover how a staggering number of students are failing to meet basic reading and math benchmarks, and why the reduction of subjects like art and music is suffocating the joy of learning. The pressure-cooker environment that teachers endure has led to an unacceptable turnover rate, signaling a system on the brink of collapse. You'll learn why reinforcing a robust Tier 1 curriculum and foundational skills, such as phonics, is not just necessary but critical in preventing an academic avalanche.This conversation is a rallying cry for change, a commitment to not only spotlight the issues but to actively seek solutions. Together, we acknowledge the multifaceted failure of our education system—a system that has let down teachers, students, administrators, and parents alike. It's clear that transformative approaches are essential to mend what's broken. Join me as we embark on a mission to revitalize education, beginning with a promise that our next episode will tackle the first major area in need of repair. If you care about the future of our children and the health of our educational institutions, this is the journey we must undertake together.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 

Unlock the full potential of educational data with me. This episode, I peel back the curtain on how numbers and charts become the undeniable champions for student support. We delve into the art of turning data into a persuasive narrative that can sway even the most budget-conscious administrators. Experience the power of data through my own stories, as I showcase how I've leveraged statistics to secure better resources, interventions, and accommodations for my students.Learn to craft compelling data presentations that make your case irrefutable. Whether you're facing academic hurdles like sight word fluency or behavioral challenges, I'll demonstrate the transformative impact that clear, visual data can have during those critical meetings. You'll see firsthand how the right graph can speak volumes, opening doors for the necessary support your students deserve. Join me for a journey through the maze of educational bureaucracy, armed with the most powerful tool at a teacher's disposal—data.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 

Unlock the secrets to seamless communication with parents in the education sphere, as I share empowering strategies that turn potential conflicts into partnerships. In this riveting discussion, we dissect the art of crafting precise, measurable goals, shining a light on how IEPs can serve as a common language to bridge the gap between educators and parents. You'll be equipped with the knowledge to use data effectively, transforming graphs and evidence into a compelling narrative that supports your student's progress and fosters a collaborative spirit with even the most challenging parents.Step into a world where teachers and parents align for the triumph of every child's educational journey. We explore the pivotal use of data as a beacon of advocacy, empowering both educators and parents to stride confidently on a united front. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone invested in the academic success of our young learners. With these tools at your disposal, every conversation can evolve into a constructive problem-solving venture, ensuring that our children emerge as the ultimate victors.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 

Are special education goals leaving our students in a lurch? That's the burning question I tackle head-on as I dissect the pitfalls of nonsensical goals and the cookie-cutter 80% accuracy benchmark that's often accepted as the norm. Through my experiences at Teaching Struggling Learners, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of setting precise, foundational goals. We'll break down why aiming for less than 100% mastery in critical skills can do a disservice to learners, and how committing to complete understanding can revolutionize interventions and streamline progress monitoring.Next up, I'll lay out the roadmap for articulating student progress in a manner that resonates with parents and provides a solid basis for advocating for additional resources and support. Stay tuned as I share strategies to help educators be the catalyst for their students' educational success. With these insights, you'll be equipped to forge ahead with confidence, ensuring that every piece of data is not just a number but a stepping stone towards meaningful achievements for your students. So refill that coffee cup and get ready for a session that's set to change the game for you and your scholars.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 

Ever felt like the educational support system is a maze without an exit? I'm Jessica Curtis, and in this episode, I confront the tangle head-on, dissecting the complexities of MTSS and RTI in schools. Join me as I make the case for these frameworks to be more than mere pathways to special education, advocating for a synergistic relationship where shared insights and strategies lead to student success. With a focus on the parallels between MTSS and special education, I call attention to the importance of data-driven decisions, periodic reviews, and targeted goals, all crucial for meaningful progress. It's a mission to ensure that the commitment schools make to support student learning is not just a promise, but a practice.This conversation is an urgent one, with implications that reach far beyond individual classrooms. As the new year unfolds, it's time to rethink our approach to educational support, aiming for consistency and resource-sharing that can uplift both MTSS and special education. By exploring interventions like the Orton-Gillingham approach, which may serve to elevate all students, we can begin to address the deep-seated issues that leave too many students lagging in basic skills. I'm calling for a year of innovation to combat teacher burnout and reverse the exodus from this critical profession, crafting an educational experience that's as fulfilling for educators as it is for students. Tune in for a candid discussion about shaping an educational future where every learner is equipped for success.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Ever feel like you're playing detective when it comes to monitoring math progress? Well, grab your magnifying glass because on today's episode, I, Jessica Curtis, am your guide to unraveling the mystery of effective math intervention. With a spotlight on choosing students with aligned needs and deciphering assessment data, we lay out an actionable plan to reinforce those foundational math skills that are so often the culprits of confusion. And let's not forget the significance of prerequisite skills – we ensure these are locked in place, setting up our students for a smoother climb up the math mountain.As we navigate the twists and turns of math education, you'll discover how a splash of color and the vroom of miniature cars can transform a daunting concept into an 'aha!' moment. Sharing my personal toolkit of creative strategies, I invite you to join me in thinking outside the traditional teaching box. Stay tuned for a sneak peek at our next episode where I'll stir the pot with some controversial math opinions. Until then, may your coffee be strong and your breaks be restorative. Let's toast to a year where math struggles meet their match!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

I still remember the day when algebra went from being my nemesis to my ally, a transformation that wouldn't have been possible without a firm grasp of basic math. Now, I want to help you navigate the same challenges, as we explore the impact of foundational skills on mastering algebra. In the heart of our discussion, I take you back to my high school special education teaching days, sharing firsthand insights into how students' struggles with fundamental math operations can create barriers to grasping more complex mathematical concepts. Together, we'll confront the sobering reality facing today's students and the educational system, emphasizing the urgent need to prioritize these critical skills for academic success.As the episode winds down, I can't help but look forward to the upcoming break, and I'm sure you're feeling the same. Sending out a wave of tranquility to all of you hard workers out there, I hope this episode leaves you feeling prepared to tackle the challenges ahead and then unwind in the peace of your well-deserved time off. Keep that coffee strong and your spirits higher. Wishing you all a restful pause from the daily grind, we'll reunite on the other side, refreshed and ready to satisfy our shared curiosity once more. Thank you for sharing this journey with me, and remember to cherish the calm that comes with a break well earned.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Ever found yourself tangled in the complexities of math goals within IEPs, particularly those pesky word problems? You're in for a revelation as we tackle the misconceptions and unveil a more strategic approach. Word problems have been the go-to for encompassing multiple skills, but as I've experienced firsthand, this method isn't the golden ticket we thought it was. Through an eye-opening discussion, learn how I pivoted from using word problems as catch-all goals to focusing on specific foundational skills, leading to crystal-clear objectives and remarkable student progress. We'll dissect the essence of crafting math goals that truly cater to the needs of struggling learners and leave those overly broad targets behind.Hold onto your calculators, because this episode is also your gateway to mastering progress monitoring in math. I'm thrilled to share a math progress monitoring bundle that's been a game-changer in my teaching arsenal, and you won't want to miss the free guide I've put together. It's a succinct five-step walkthrough to kickstart your progress monitoring journey with confidence, tailored to fit even the most jam-packed academic schedules. Discover how to harness the power of focused, strategic intervention, and give your students the boost they need to excel in math, all without the overwhelm. Join us for this enlightening conversation and equip yourself with the tools to make measurable strides in your students' math abilities.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Ever feel like math gets the short end of the stick when it comes to educational support? Join me, Jessica Curtis, as I shine a spotlight on the shadowed world of math intervention, ensuring that students receive the balanced educational support they desperately need. In a realm where reading intervention takes center stage, I lead a charge to champion the cause of those wrestling with numbers. We'll unpack the necessity of foundational math skills, discussing how educators can identify and tackle deficits in students' understanding, from basic number recognition to complex geometrical concepts. This isn't just talk; it's a battle cry for action, urging teachers to spearhead effective math intervention strategies in their classrooms and ensure no child is left behind as they navigate the tricky waters of mathematics within the MTSS and RTI frameworks.Data isn't just numbers on a page – it's the compass that guides our teaching strategies and the lifeline that connects us to the resources our students need. In this heart-to-heart, I walk you through "Five Steps to Progress Monitoring," a toolkit designed to empower educators with the know-how to track and assess student progress confidently. Through charts and observation tools, we look into how data informs decision-making and communication with parents and colleagues. As we gear up for a fresh start post-holiday season, I'll share insights on the strategic timing for implementing these interventions, seeking to foster a robust environment of growth and achievement in the classroom. So, take my hand as we step into the world of data-driven instruction and advocacy, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to excel.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Ever felt overwhelmed by the task of progress monitoring? Rest easy, friends! We're here to demystify the process and arm you with some strategic tips to maximize your intervention time. We kick off our enlightening discussion with an in-depth exploration of ensuring your goals are precise and skill-focused. We'll also touch on the importance of time-boxing lengthy skills, knowing what exactly you're monitoring, and making certain your interventions are in alignment with your goals. The second part of our chat is just as illuminating, as we provide a blueprint to help you efficiently organize your progress monitoring efforts. Learn why the key to a streamlined process lies in setting skill-focused goals and aligning your monitoring with them. We also reveal handy resources that will be instrumental in maximizing your progress monitoring efficacy. And just a heads up - we're going to start diving into the world of mathematics in the context of MTSS next week. So, whether you're a seasoned educator or a rookie, this episode is your ticket to mastering the art of progress monitoring. Stay tuned!

What if the progress monitoring tool you are using is not aligned with your academic goals? How will this impact the data you collect and the progress you can report? Let's explore these questions and more in this enlightening episode where we delve into the nitty-gritty of progress monitoring for academic goals. We'll shed light on the importance of focusing on the skill area pertinent to the goal and offer valuable insights on how to review goals effectively and select the correct progress monitoring collection tool.Imagine having a five-step guide to kickstart your progress monitoring, complete with the right materials, examples, and actionable tips. That's exactly what we have for you in this episode! Get ready to learn how to prep your progress monitoring in advance, dodge printer jams and paper shortages, and organize your materials with intervention materials for stress-free access when you need them. As a bonus, we're also going to reveal how you can get your progress monitoring done in less than an hour a week in our next episode. So, stay tuned and let's master progress monitoring together.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Are you ready to rewrite the playbook on student goal setting and progress monitoring? Join Jessica from Teaching Struggling Learners shifts the focus from tests to practical skills. We'll unpack strategies for setting meaningful yet attainable goals for students, centered around mastering foundational skills. We'll also explore effective ways to track these goals and ensure students can perform beyond the test environment.On today's episode, we're challenging the conventional wisdom that test-focused goals are the gold standard in education. Jessica will shed light on the significance of setting skill-focused goals that promote thorough mastery of foundational skills, rather than merely gearing up for passing tests. Get a sneak peek into our next episode where we'll delve deeper into progress monitoring these skill-focused goals. Tune in, and let's rethink student goal setting together!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

What if the answer to a student's reading struggle was hidden in plain sight? Join me, Jessica Curtis of Teaching Struggling Learners, as we unravel the mystery behind identifying the root cause of reading problems in students. We discuss how essential it is to dig deep to find the real cause before introducing any interventions. You'll gain insights into how collecting data, far beyond the usual academic screening, can offer clues as to when and potentially why your student started struggling.We also delve into the need for updated screeners, specifically those that check for foundational phonemic or phonological awareness. Uncover how pre-test practice may camouflage ongoing issues and why attendance and behavior problems can be a two-sided coin. Plus, I'll be guiding you through an actionable, step-by-step process that will empower you to support your struggling readers better. So tune in, and let's make a difference in our learners' lives together!

Last week we talked about how reading comprehension and the fight to increase reading skills and all of the interventions the math interventions the reading interventions all of these things are impacting the enjoyment the kids are finding in their reading and in school in general. That begs the question why are the reading comprehension interventions that we've been doing for years not working? So many kids are getting interventions for successive years and years yet, they're still not making progress. Why is that? Well that's what we're going to talk about today!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Do you remember how much fun it was to learn about the solar system, plants or the states of matter? I can still remember doing experiments in my elementary classrooms, as well as learning about all these really cool, smart, brave people from history. Going home and telling my family about all of the interesting facts that I learned that day was actually pretty cool, and man did my friends and I love to one-up each other on our knowledge about facts we learned in school. But, that isn't the reality in classrooms anymore. The fact is that we spend almost all of our time focused on reading and math, and almost no time teaching about science or history/social studies. The fact is, it's boring! Practicing a skill over and over again, but never having anything to show for it is incredibly frustrating, and I can only imagine how boring it is for kids to sit through day after day of skill practice when they never get to actually go home and say “Today, I learned something about____”  Today, we are going to talk about what we have been doing in schools in regards to reading and math skill focus, and what we COULD do to make school motivating again!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Obviously I talk a lot about intervention plans, how important they are and how effective they can be…but I didn't always have a good intervention plan, or quite frankly an intervention plan at all! My first year teaching, I was a special education teacher for elementary and it was quite an adventure. I wasn't given a curriculum or anything other than a scope and sequence for when different things were going to be taught and told to use that and the very random resources in my classroom to teach my students. There really was no official curriculum for that grade at that time, so the teachers were supposed to work together to plan for what they would do. Unfortunately, the climate in this school was very competitive so the teachers used their own materials, or maybe shared with their one friend, but there really was no overall plan or sharing of materials within the grade level….so I was left really in the dark on what materials or resources my students would be using in their individual classrooms. As a first year teacher, that REALLY made my life difficult. So, I did what new teachers do best….I found free resources wherever I could (this was before Teachers Pay Teachers to give you an idea of how long I've been teaching) and I made it work. Guys, it was so bad! I had a general idea for what the kids were supposed to be learning in their classes, and what the IEP goals were, but other than that….I really didn't know where to start or what to do! I was constantly trying new resources out to see if they worked on this goal or that one, but there really wasn't a cohesive plan behind what I was trying to do….other than I wanted my students to succeed. And I absolutely wrecked myself trying to make it all work…. It wasn't until my second year teacher, changing schools and seeing a more cohesive plan or mindset for how interventions could be managed that I was able to pull my poor little ducks in a row and start figuring out my own cohesive plan to provide quality interventions for my students. But man, making that shift changed my entire teaching career, and honestly if I hadn't made that change I don't think I would have stayed in teaching past that second year….yeah….having an intervention plan that worked really was and still is THAT important. Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Summer is the perfect time to get ahead of setting up your progress monitoring interventions! This week, we talk about how to get things all set up to save yourself some headache when the school year starts! Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Last week, I was talking to a friend of mine who teaches high school and she is one of the most caring teachers I have ever met. The amount of time that this woman spends worrying about her students and finding ways to meet them where they are is, well it's almost obsessive. She is an extrovert like I have never known before and she really is one of those teachers that somehow always finds a way to make a real connection or relationship with all of her students. Except, when I was talking to her last week, she was so down on herself and when she finally got down to why it was because she just can't seem to find a way to connect with her students this year. It has been harder since the pandemic closed schools, but this year has been especially difficult for her. She and I talked about how she tries to engage her students in conversations and the best she gets is 1 word answers, and usually it's grunts. She is losing that spark for teaching because she wants those connections with her students to really enjoy the teaching process, but with how hard she's working, she just isn't seeing any results…. We know that students are most disconnected with school and teachers. We also know that this has a negative impact on classroom community, reduces teacher motivation, makes it harder to motivate kids, and obviously impacts academics. The fact is teaching is the art of connection, but how do we do this when the to do lists pile up, we have too many kids, and too little time? Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com Trauma Freebie for Anyone Needing Help Working With Students Who Have Experienced TraumaSEL in all ClassroomsRelationships Determine ProgressBuilding Relationships in the classroomSupporting Students With a Trauma History

Special education teachers know that managing a caseload is a lot more than just tracking dates. It includes writing and teaching goals. Then, don't forget to collect data on those goals! Special education teachers need to progress monitor the goals weekly. They also need to report the results to school personnel and parents. Side note-graphs make it easier to report, but that is often an additional step to take. There is so much to managing a caseload! Today, I'm going to share my complete guide to managing a caseload including progress monitoring.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress MonitoringCaseload Manager in ExcelSpecial Education Mega Growing Bundle

They say that special education teachers are a “different breed” and maybe they are right, whoever “they” is. The fact is that special education teachers juggle so much every day…every hour in reality, that it is an absolute miracle that any of them make it through a week, let alone a school year. Between planning and teaching highly individualized lessons, preparing all of the materials, providing modifications or accommodations throughout the day, corresponding with other teachers, parents, specialists, and administrators, and planning for, scheduling, and writing IEPs….special education teachers are constantly buried under all the things they have to do…  Something has to give, something is going to get forgotten, unless they can get a little bit of help. Today, let's talk about how a caseload manager can make a huge difference in keeping special education teachers both sane and on top of all of their responsibilities.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress MonitoringSet Up a Caseload Management System

So, you have MTSS in your school, and there are several students in your class who are struggling in reading, and they are receiving the interventions that they need to make progress. But you have noticed that several of your students are also struggling in math. Yes, you know that you should provide support in math, but the thought of progress monitoring math seems daunting….even though you are already doing this for several of your students in reading. How do you get started with and easily maintain (or at least try to) progress monitoring math goals? That's what we will talk about today! Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

We all know that if we don't start the year with it, we aren't going to do it. So this year, let's start with progress monitoring so that we can be confident in what we do all year long.Getting our progress monitoring under control early on is important, because we know that progress monitoring closes achievement gaps. Our students have a lot of gaps in their learning right now. Filling those gaps now makes life easier later.On this episode of the podcast, we will talk about some actionable steps you can take today to get yourself prepared to start your intervention groups and progress monitoring as soon as you're ready. Let's make this the smoothest year yet together!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

The last few weeks, we've been talking about phonological awareness, and how important it is to drill down to the most basic skill deficit to make real progress in reading for our struggling students. Welcome to the Reaching Struggling Learners podcast. Today we are going to talk about how to incorporate phonics skills throughout the school day and how to improve your phonics small group time to be the best that it can be! Phonics small group time tends to be either the best or worst part of many teachers day. When small group time is run well, the transitions are seamless, and the students really get a lot of important intervention time. When it isn't run well, the frustration is REAL.So, what can we do to make sure that phonics small group time is effective and doesn't make us rip our hair out?Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Last week we talked about the difference between phonological awareness and phonics. This week, we are going to extend that conversation into talking about how to set up and manage phonological awareness small groups. You may be thinking that those skills are such baby skills, why would anyone dedicate an entire small group time to them? That's a good question, which we definitely will talk about today!Phonological awareness skills are the foundation to reading skills. They lay the groundwork for phonics. So yes, phonological awareness is important to teach and for students to master. But, dedicating an entire small group time block daily to it? That seems a little excessive doesn't it?I will say, unless you are teaching really young students or students who are very far below grade level in reading, I don't think that having a dedicated 30 minute daily phonological awareness small group just for phonological awareness is needed or necessary. Actually, if you are teaching really young students, I hope you aren't having a dedicated 30 minute small group ever….I'd hate to try to keep really young kids attention for more than 15 minutes on anything academic…..Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

Phonological awareness and phonics are two different things, but many teachers get confused between the 2. While the terms are not interchangeable, they do have some similarities.Today on the Reaching Struggling Learners podcast, we are going to talk about phonological awareness and phonics. Let's clear up any confusion there may be, so that we can figure out the most basic skills our students need to learn to succeed. Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com 5 Steps to Getting Started with Progress Monitoring

I don't know about you, but every time I've sat in PD about SMART goals, they spend a lot of time talking about the making of goals and sharing the information afterward, but not so much about actually collecting that data….which is why we talked about that in episode 59 last week. Make sure you check out that episode, if you've haven't already. This week, let's extend that discussion to talk about how we can track a caseload, or classroom's worth of SMART goals…because let's face it, teachers do not have enough time to do all the things on their plates, so we need to figure out ways to simplify and streamline what we are doing so that we can get back to teaching!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/

The last few episodes, we've been talking SMART goals….but not like what we hear in our professional development sessions. In pd, we hear all about how SMART goals are the key to school improvement. Administrators and gurus focus on how this tool can be used to raise school grades, standardized test scores, and eventually improve student learning. While all that sounds great, I respectfully disagree. SMART goals are most effective when we focus on the individual skill deficits that our students have, and filling in those gaps to make big gains.Figuring out how to actually make those gains is what we are going to talk about this week!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/

There has been a lot of hype over the last several years, especially before Covid, about SMART goals. I've sat in hours of professional development about how to create SMART goals for myself and my students. All the gurus have been pushing these things for years, but are they worth the effort? Are SMART goals worth all the hype? Let's talk about whether putting effort into creating SMART goals is really worth it for us and our students. Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/Goal Freebie

It is almost 2022, and I really cannot believe it. In full transparency, I have been SUPER MIA from the podcast and blog recently because, well…. As some of you know, my husband is in the military and in true military fashion, we got moved at THE most inconvenient time….aka the week before Christmas. We found out a few months before, but all of that completely through me for a loop. Between moving, doing the full time job thing, and covering for a coworker who has been on sick leave since last October, I won't say I was drowning, I already drowned. But now, my family has moved, my kids are getting settled, and I'm excited to say that I will be allowed to work remotely for the next 6 months sooooo no more 45 minute commute in each direction means more time to devote to serving you and the students you worry most about. All that to say….I'm back baby! And this year is going to be better than ever!Welcome to Reaching Struggling Learners Season 3, Episode 57. Today, we are going to start the year off right by getting the kids on our side. Do you ever feel like you're working against the grain when working with your struggling students? Do your students push back on the activities and goals you set for them? Let's talk about how to solve that problem so that teacher AND student are on the same page and moving in the same direction!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/Goal Freebie

Last week we talked about how we can use universal screeners to do more than stress ourselves out on how much work we need to do to get our students where they need to be. We talked about how that information can actually be used to help our students make real progress toward being on grade level. This week, let's talk about how we can set goals based on that data and get a move on meeting those goals this year!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/

The first few weeks of school are a wonderful, stressful time of the year. We get to know our new students, we get procedures and things all set up. Also, we test the students a whole lot. Wait...what? Yup, we know it's coming...the first set of assessments for the school year. Those tests are used in our evaluations, and also help us figure out how to group our students and make plans for the year. But they can also be used to help us make big improvements for our students...even getting students on grade level who are well below at the beginning of the year…..let's talk about how!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/

Standardized assessments are practically curse words in the teacher community, and for good reason. They are truly the bane of so many teachers' existences, but as much as I hate to admit it, I don't think they are going away anytime soon. So, how about we make a little bit more sense out of the chaos and find some ways to use these tests to our students' advantage!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/

In education we talk a lot about achievement or learning gaps, but what is this really? And is it really that important for teachers to understand? Today we are going to talk about achievement gaps, and how we get information about them. Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/

Hi! Welcome back! I've taken a few weeks off to just get caught up on things and try to enjoy a bit of summer before I jump back into helping my friends set up classrooms and behavior management systems and oh gosh all the laminating! So, for this first episode back, I wanted to talk about achievement gaps and how progress monitoring helps students. I have been very passionate about this topic for a while now, but today I want to give you a more personal view as to why I am SO passionate about this topic. Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/

Welcome to our final episode in our phonological awareness series….Onset-Rime! We have been talking about phonological awareness and phonemic awareness for a while now, and I hope that you've gained some insight into how important these skill sets are. This final installment will bring a little closure to the series, but also, I hope encourage you to really jump on the phonological awareness train for your students!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/

Teaching students to identify rhyming words is a piece of what goes on in lower elementary grades, but do any of us really know why that is an important skill to learn? Today, let's talk about that, as well as why we bother teaching alliteration….both are skills I questioned teaching myself as a teacher...but I am glad that I did! Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/

This year has been harsh...and I need a break. If you need a break, take a listen while I tell a story about my favorite restaurant and an unfortunate Publix trip....Warning...this episode includes discussion of food poisoning and I didn't figure out how to bleep out the one curse word....  But, I hope you listen and take a break from the weight of this year for a while! Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/

When students read in class, do they struggle with pronouncing words correctly? I don't mean articulation errors….as in the students have a really hard time saying s specific sound….I mean when they read words, do you know what word they mean, but they are putting too much or too little emphasis on certain pieces of the words? This can really mess with the fluidity of reading, and make a good story or piece of text terrible to listen to. The first few months of hearing my older son read were such a mixture of pride and wanting to stick earplugs in while he read….seriously….there is a fluidity with the way that we pronounce words and sentences….without the fluidity, listening to someone reading is so ugh! But, there is a way to help solve this problem...which enhances the listening experience for everyone….including the person reading...which directly impacts their comprehension...We will talk about this today!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/5 Steps to Progress Monitoring GuideFCCR Website

How many times have you read a student's writing and wondered where all the other words were? As in, connecting words were missing, or things like that. What about when looking at their writing and all the words are smooshed together with no spaces between words. Yes, part of these things could be due to other issues, such as a language impairment or poor handwriting. But another issue could be that the student is struggling with phonological awareness. In today's podcast, we are going to start talking about what may be the most basic part of phonological awareness: discriminating between words in sentences. It sounds so simple, but this really basic skill can make a big difference in later learning. Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/5 Steps to Beginning Progress Monitoring Free Ebook

Many students who are struggling in school have weak phonological awareness skills. Phonological awareness is a big concept that includes many skills that kids need before they get into phonics and reading. In this first episode of the phonological awareness series, we talk about what exactly is phonological awareness, and why teachers should teach it, even in upper grades to see some big educational impact!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/

Kindergarten and first grade teachers know the pain with this skill set. If you aren't a lower grades teacher, just know that one of the skills that these teachers have to teach is asking students to take a word and change a particular sound in the word to make a different word. The processing that this takes is huge...and struggling learners can really struggle with this skill! Today, we are going to talk about how this skill impacts more advanced skills, and what we can do to help this not be a nightmare skill to teach!Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/

Ok, so disclaimer...we aren't just going to be talking about beginning sounds...but so many of us just focus on that skill, that I figured I'd use it to grab your attention.The fact is, being able to identify the beginning, middle, and ending sound in words is super important when building phonemic and eventually phonics skills….even if we sometimes don't want to admit it. That is exactly what we're going to talk about on this week's episode.Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/

A few months ago, this student was unable to sound out words. He was completely reliant on a word bank to communicate through writing anything other than basic sight words he had memorized. But not now! We've been working on segmenting phonemes in words, and it has made a world of difference for him and his ability to write! It really is the little things that make teaching fun, isn't it?On the podcast this week, we are keeping on with the phonemic awareness series, and you guessed it, we are talking about segmenting phonemes. This skill is super helpful in a lot of ways, and I'm excited to share some ideas to teach it today! Subscribe & Review in iTunesAre you subscribed to my podcast? If you're not, I want to encourage you to do that today. I don't want you to miss an episode. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the mix and if you're not subscribed there's a good chance you'll miss out on those. Click here for iTunes. Now if you're feeling extra loving, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other people find my podcast and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Click here to leave a review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. Thank you!Links Mentioned in the Show:https://teachingstrugglinglearners.com/Phonemic Awareness Growing Bundle