Resources

As the end of the school year approaches, staff evaluations can feel like a heavy lift for school leaders. Between walkthroughs, evidence collection, and reporting, it’s easy for the process to become overwhelming. In this Conversations with Educators session, we spoke with Brian Johnson, Director of Learning Design and Development at The Danielson Group, to explore practical, time-saving strategies—and how reflective practice can shift the focus from compliance to growth.

If you’ve ever been a campus testing coordinator, you know what I mean when I say: it’s not a job—it’s an event. And you? You’re the planner. You’re in charge of the venue, the schedule, the guests, the security, the weather, the backup plan, and making sure no one walks in with a weed-eater during the reading section.

Seventeen years in public education will teach you a lot—and being a high school testing coordinator taught me this: when you’re in the thick of testing season, you don’t have time for clunky systems or unreturned phone calls. You need tools that work and people you can count on.

For over a decade, STEM education has been a focal point in K-12 schools across the country. Yet, for many, it remains confined to specific courses—robotics, engineering, coding, or advanced science classes. But what if we told you that STEM isn’t just a class you take, but a way of thinking?

High school educators face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Supporting adolescents through academic pressures, social complexities, and personal growth requires a nuanced approach. We know that student success is multifaceted, encompassing both academic achievement and emotional well-being. From navigating rigorous coursework to fostering motivation, teachers play an indispensable role in shaping the trajectory of their students' lives. In this post, we'll explore seven actionable strategies designed to empower high school educators and help their students thrive.

My wife and I both come from a family of educators. As such we benefited from the mentorship of not just our family but also from some great mentor teachers and administrators. But if I’m being honest, I didn’t stumble on these people, I was set up for success in the classroom through connections and relationships. When I transitioned from the classroom into an administrative role, I had so many conversations with disillusioned teachers on the verge of burnout, that it made my pathway feel all the more blessed. I knew that supporting teachers would need to be my top priority and that it should be for every school leader.

TNReady is Tennessee’s statewide assessment designed to measure students’ genuine understanding of fundamental subjects rather than mere memorization and test-taking skills. The test provides teachers, parents, and policymakers with critical insights into student progress and how well they are meeting state academic standards.

504 accommodations are adjustments made to a school’s learning environment, testing methods, or curriculum so students with disabilities can participate fully in school activities in the same way as those without disabilities. These adjustments are designed to prevent discrimination against students with disabilities and are backed by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, 1976.

In our recent webinar, Is Your Evaluation System Failing? 3 Critical Mistakes K-12 Leaders Make (and How to Fix Them), we sat down with Nathan Tuttle, Principal at Matchbook Learning in Indianapolis, to discuss how to improve evaluation systems and avoid common pitfalls.

Teacher burnout happens when job-related stress becomes so overwhelming that teachers struggle to perform their duties effectively. This condition can lead to several problems, such as teachers being less productive and effective in class, losing enthusiasm for teaching, and having more absences or leaving their positions altogether.

Teacher turnover is a pressing issue in education, with significant financial and instructional costs. The Learning Policy Institute reports that beginning teachers with little preparation are 2.5 times more likely to leave the classroom after just one year. Furthermore, new teachers without mentoring or support leave at more than twice the rate of their supported peers.

Graduation tracking includes monitoring students’ academic progress to make sure they meet all the requirements to graduate on time. This process involves regularly checking their coursework, grades, and progress towards state requirements. It also looks at other important indicators to identify any potential issues early on. This allows schools to give students the support they need to succeed.

I’ve walked the hallways as a high school teacher, fine arts director, and guidance counselor. Now, in my current role at Education Advanced, I’m working with educators in a different way, but with the same mission at heart: helping students succeed.

I didn’t start my career expecting to work in school assessment; however, my background in psychology and counseling led me to a job as a school counselor, where I quickly realized just how much accountability and testing impact both students and educators.

Testing season can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. In our latest "Conversations with Educators" webinar, we gathered experienced testing leaders from multiple districts across the nation to share their insights and strategies for handling the complexities of student assessment.

Indiana’s new diploma requirements have arrived, bringing a mix of challenges and opportunities for educators, students, and families. In a recent webinar hosted by Education Advanced, Inc., we sat down with a panel of experts to discuss the key changes, practical strategies, and tools to help schools successfully implement the new graduation pathways.

State funding for education is an important financial resource that determines how well schools can provide quality education to students. This funding comes from state governments and is key to deciding what resources, programs, and opportunities high schools across the United States can offer.

The student to teacher ratio refers to the total number of students in a school compared to the number of teachers. It is typically expressed as a ratio, such as 20:1, meaning there are 20 students for every teacher. Ideally, schools should strive for a lower ratio, to create smaller class sizes and promote student-teacher relationships that allow for individualized instruction that can bolster student achievement.

Teacher recruitment means finding, selecting, and hiring qualified teachers to fill roles in schools. It’s a vital process that directly affects the quality of education students receive. With teacher shortages and growing demands in education, having the right recruitment strategies is more important than ever.

Testing season can be one of the most stressful times for school districts, and especially test coordinators, but with the right strategies, coordination, and tools, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

This year’s Counselor Appreciation Week, running from February 3 to 7, 2025, underscores the important role school counselors play in guiding students to academic success and assisting them with career planning.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which replaced and updated the No Child Left Behind Act in 2015, helps schools set high standards and offer the right support to students and teachers alike.

High schools can prepare students for fulfilling careers by offering programs like career exploration activities, internships, and skills-building workshops. These opportunities teach students useful skills and help them discover what they enjoy, setting them up for success after graduation.

Besides taking away valuable experience, student learning and achievement can be disrupted when teachers leave. Keeping good teachers helps create a steady learning space where students can grow, and school communities can flourish.

504 plan examples show the various ways schools can make adjustments to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Rooted in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 504 plans ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to education as their peers in a regular classroom.

Retaining teachers is a major challenge for many schools, especially high schools. Besides ensuring the quality of education is top-notch, keeping skilled teachers is important for maintaining a stable learning space where students can thrive. 

Career planning tools for high school students are valuable resources that help young individuals prepare for their future careers. These tools give students a better understanding of their interests, strengths, and possible career paths, helping them make informed choices about their education and work goals.

In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, counselors play a more vital role than ever in empowering students to navigate their postsecondary journeys. To shed light on this critical topic, we recently hosted a webinar featuring Libby Ritchie, a seasoned Academic Counselor from Liberty-Perry School District in Indiana.

The Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) is an important part of Tennessee’s education system. TCAP tracks student progress and ensures that schools are meeting performance expectations. This article gives a closer look at TCAP, including how it’s set up, what tests are required, the grade levels involved, and key testing dates to keep in mind.

Ohio's K-12 assessment landscape is evolving, bringing both exciting opportunities and new challenges for educators. To help educators navigate these changes, we recently hosted a webinar, Decoding Ohio's Next Generation Assessments, featuring insightful perspectives from Dr. Crystal Aker and Chris Thompson.

High school counselors utilize essential tools and resources to effectively support their students. These resources include websites, apps, books, and more, improving how professionals guide and assist students. Both experienced counselors and those new to the field, especially in high school settings, will find the following resources particularly helpful.

Halloween may be long over, but the spooky season of assessments continues! Just because PM1 is behind you doesn't mean the anxieties disappear.

Growth mindset for teachers means believing they can enhance their abilities and intelligence through dedication and consistent effort. In addition to promoting a love for learning, a growth mindset also builds resilience—qualities that are important for tackling the daily challenges of the classroom.

Ohio State Tests assess students in grades 3-8 and high school to measure how well they have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state’s learning standards. These standardized assessments provide important information about student progress, helping schools, teachers, and families identify areas where students may need extra support or where they are excelling.

The College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) Outcomes Bonus, established by House Bill 3 (HB 3) of the 86th Texas Legislature, is a powerful tool to support districts in aligning with Texas’s 60x30 goals. Here's how you can ensure your district maximizes the impact of these funds.

CTE pathways (Career and Technical Education pathways) are educational programs that combine academic learning with real-world skills to help students prepare for their future careers. These programs guide students through a series of courses focused on specific career fields. They also allow students to explore what they love while picking up practical skills that employers are looking for.

Teacher evaluations are essential for assessing how effectively educators support student learning and development. These evaluations play a crucial role in enhancing teaching quality, providing constructive feedback, and ensuring accountability within schools.

Preparing students for success in the 21st-century workforce is a top priority for educators nationwide. But with the rapid evolution of industries and technology, how can schools ensure their programs of study truly equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive?

Goal setting is a vital practice for teachers that helps improve personal and professional growth and student success. In today’s ever-changing educational environment, having clear and measurable goals lets teachers focus their efforts, monitor progress, and create a culture of ongoing improvement. When teachers set specific objectives, they can tailor their teaching methods to meet student needs and inspire a love of learning.

On a recent webinar, "Elevate Classroom Observations: From Notepads to Real-Time Insights," we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Dianna Whitlock, a seasoned educator and author of "Teacher Evaluation as a Growth Process." Dr. Whitlock shared her expertise on leveraging real-time feedback and scripting tools to transform classroom observations into impactful growth opportunities.

Florida graduation requirements outline the essential guidelines students must follow to earn their high school diploma in the Sunshine State. These requirements ensure that graduates develop the academic skills and knowledge they need to succeed in higher education or the workforce.

FAST testing Florida introduces an important change in student assessments, as it shifts from the traditional Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) to a more flexible system known as the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST).

Explore the types of grants available for school counselors and best practices for crafting successful applications to support student success and well-being.

In today’s ever-evolving educational landscape, schools are increasingly hiring non-certified teachers to address staffing shortages and bring diverse perspectives into the classroom. It is crucial for schools to develop robust onboarding and support systems to help uncertified teachers succeed.

Charter schools occupy a unique space in the education landscape. They enjoy freedoms traditional public schools don't, but they also face distinct challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is navigating the often-complex world of teacher evaluations.

Feeling a little overwhelmed by the twists and turns of CCMR? You're not alone! If you missed our recent webinar with Melisia Foster, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Mineola ISD, don't worry - we've got you covered.

Although many schools host career days for elementary students with a few brave parents and the usual suspects (doctors, lawyers, and the occasional firefighter), they’re just scratching the surface. These are great first steps, but they're simply not enough.

Feeling overwhelmed as a new test coordinator? You're not alone! In our recent webinar, "I'm a New Test Coordinator, Now What?!", Clint Shuman, Director of Assessment at Round Rock ISD, shared invaluable insights and practical tips to help you navigate your first testing season.

Starting in the 2024-25 school year, Ohio introduced the Next Generation Assessments for English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, replacing the Ohio Achievement Assessments (OAA) and the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT).

Years of attempting to alter graduation requirements and introduce different diploma types by policy makers still result with many of our students in the United States experiencing high school in much the same way as students twenty years or more prior.

Discover key CCMR indicators for student readiness, explore practical tips for boosting success, and learn how Education Advanced can help.

Explore formative assessment examples in education and learn how they enhance teaching strategies and boost student engagement.

Discover the vital role of school counselors in student success. Explore challenges, strategies, and best practices for empowering these key navigators.

Learn the benefits and drawbacks of standardized testing in U.S. schools, such as how they impact student performance, curriculum, and educational equity.

Empower students with guided career exploration — boosting engagement, sharpening decision-making, and fostering community support for a successful future.

Our recent 3-part webinar series, in collaboration with our partners at The Danielson Group with their Framework for Teaching, provided invaluable insights into how educators can move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and create learning environments where every teacher and student thrives.

Explore common accommodations and best practices to support special education students and how to leverage effective strategies and tech tools for success.

Explore key strategies for promoting equitable education with practical tips and strategies, ensuring every student thrives and feels valued.

In today's rapidly evolving job market, it is crucial for students to be adequately prepared for their post-secondary endeavors. Are your students ready?

Explore how accommodations and modifications support student success in education, including key differences, best practices, and legal guidelines.

Discover the essential qualities of effective teachers, their impact on student success, and strategies for nurturing teaching excellence at your school.

Explore the Danielson Framework, its components, and how it models teaching effectiveness. Learn how this framework shapes modern education.

As you gear up for the new school year, consider how Pathways will empower you to provide better support for your students.

Explore the importance of professional development for school counselors and discover actionable strategies to enhance their growth in 2024 and beyond.

As you head into summer break and take a well-deserved breather, we want to help you gear up for the next school year with some reporting tips and tricks for our Pathways graduation tracking tool.

Our recent webinar, "Paws for Reflection: Our Favorite Reports," led by Lara Miller and Craig Dickey (your friendly TestHound experts and former school testing pros), unveiled our top TestHound reports.

Regular teacher evaluation is crucial in spotting and retaining great teachers by providing them with valuable feedback to grow professionally.

Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones – a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. Here's to the next chapter, filled with boundless possibilities and continued success for the students and schools we serve.

Read the recap of our fantastic webinar titled "Crack the Code: Effective Teacher Evaluations," featuring the esteemed Dr. Harvey Silver, Founder & President of the Thoughtful Classroom.

Discover the pivotal role of school counselors in shaping academic paths and championing student well-being. Explore how they foster nurturing environments for academic excellence and personal growth across all school levels.

Discover how pre-formulated positive comments elevate teacher evaluations, fostering growth and appreciation. Explore how administrators use them to recognize strengths, guide observations, and fuel constructive dialogue for impactful feedback.

Recently, we sat down with Dr. Corey Smith to discuss his dissertation featuring a novel use of Response to Intervention (RTI) for closing the achievement gap.

To address the need in Michigan, the Thoughtful Classroom, an Education Advanced partner, has updated their “simple and deep” framework with a new three-category rating system.

Unlock academic success by understanding learning differences. Despite challenges in writing and reading, intelligence knows no bounds. Discover the key to achievement through accommodations and multisensory instruction.

Principal comments on teacher evaluations are vital for recognizing their impact on the learning environment. They offer valuable insights, motivating teachers to excel and enhancing student development.

Unlock the secrets behind Florida's assessment system! Discover how FSA evaluations shape policies and support every student's journey.

High schools play a crucial role in preparing students for college, thus ensuring their readiness for both higher education and future careers. This blog offers strategies for high schools to effectively guide students toward college and career readiness.

Inclusive classrooms prioritize individual needs, fostering empathy and academic excellence. Creating them involves adapting teaching, promoting interaction, and fostering community collaboration.

Personalized learning tailors education to each student's needs, fostering collaboration and engagement. It offers flexible approaches, diverse pathways, and innovative tools like to enhance learning outcomes and teacher efficiency.

Dr. Brian Davis highlights nurturing educators through collaboration and feedback, emphasizing the importance of understanding teacher identity and career stages. Shift evaluations from judgment to learning for continuous growth.

Explore innovative approaches to classroom observation and discover how modern technology revolutionizes teaching feedback. Uncover strategies to enhance student learning experiences and elevate teaching practices in today's educational landscape.

In spring, counselors audit student transcripts for graduation, ensuring requirements are met. Challenges prompt tech adoption, like Pathways, streamlining the process and allowing counselors to prioritize student support.

In a recent Conversations with Educators webinar, Guiding Students to Bright Futures: Exploring Easier CCMR Tracking, resident education experts delved into the critical topic of College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) tracking in Texas.

School counselors make a profound difference in the lives of their students, create inclusive and supportive environments for a diverse range of learners, and optimize their time to ensure productive face-to-face interactions.

To ensure a seamless high school experience that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for success beyond the classroom, it's crucial to prioritize college, career, and life readiness.

This comprehensive article explores the significance, types, advantages, and essential skills in professional development for teachers.

Senate Bill 167 requires high school seniors in Indiana to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). School counselors must now track FAFSA completion. With Pathways, counselors can track graduation, including FAFSA, in one place.

Understand state testing in California, including crucial assessments and accommodations, and their impact on education.

Learn the significance of teacher mental health. Explore challenges, strategies, and tips for nurturing teacher well-being in today’s schools.

Here’s how schools can ensure fairness, data accuracy, and reliability of assessments by complying with test administration guidelines.

Oftentimes, when a principal or district administrator enters a school classroom, the teacher in the classroom assumes that he or she may be in trouble. Instead, constructive feedback should offer teachers specific steps for improvement.

Explore a wealth of essential resources to help ELLs achieve fluent proficiency and success.

Learn how schools can tackle challenges to support English Language Learners on their academic path.

Inclusive education supports diversity and equity in schools. Learn how to implement it to create a more equitable learning environment.

Dr. Langan & Lara Miller discussed new assessments, turnover, and TestHound's role in streamlining accommodations and empowering school staff for better assessment management in a recent webinar. Collaboration is key in the ever-evolving testing landscape.

As a principal, commitment to teacher growth is key for the advancement of both students and staff. These small steps will help principals support their teachers and achieve their potential.

Classroom walkthrough template – Discover what it is and why every school administrator needs it.

IEP vs 504 plan – Discover their differences, advantages, and eligibility criteria for determining which students qualify for each.

Teacher evaluation rubric for teacher performance – Discover what it is, how it works, and its role in improving student learning outcomes.

Career aptitude test for high school students: 13 tools guidance counselors can use to help their students build the future of their dreams.