Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning are the cornerstones of the K-12 education system. A broad range of instructional methods, curriculum materials, and tools can be used to support learning at school, home, and in the community. Use the navigation on the left to take a deeper dive into this topic.
Timely Information
The National Center and the Accelerated Learning Work Group created A Guide to Accelerated Learning. This introductory guide offers descriptions, resources, and examples of state education agencies implementing Accelerated Learning into their programs. It also answers questions, such as:
- How should Accelerated Learning be implemented?
- How are educators best supported during implementation?
- Is there a different approach to implementing Accelerated Learning for students with diverse needs?
- How should families and other stakeholders be engaged during the acceleration process?

Bright Ideas Across the Network
Did You Ask the Students?
R17CC teamed up with the Montana Office of Public Instruction to build adult workgroups geared toward students’ needs and went directly to the source to learn whether their efforts were making an impact. They developed a system to support the conversation and encourage youth voice with a three-part learning series which included the Youth Voice Continuum. Download the Youth Voice Continuum and discover more ways R17CC is engaging youth voice.

Supporting Integrated English Learner Student Instruction
This guide from R15CC and REL West is comprised of two tools, the Teacher Self-Reflection Tool and the Classroom Observation Tool, and outlines a 10-step process to identify the most beneficial professional-learning decisions for districts so teachers can gain the skills they need to instruct their multilingual learners.

High-Quality Instructional Materials: What are They, and How can We Support Implementation?
In this blog post, R7CC stresses the value and importance of using high-quality instructional material (HQIM). In fact, teachers identified HQIM as part of their top-five funding priorities. Using a top-ranked instructional program has been shown to raise percentile points, increase standard deviation, and boost success levels similar to smaller class sizes.
Getting Oriented to Teaching and Learning
Below you will find research evidence and other helpful resources to orient you to this topic. Use the navigation on the left to take a deeper dive.
Research Evidence and Policy
The U.S. Department of Education has issued non-regulatory guidance on using evidence-based strategies to support students under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and the What Works Clearinghouse offers a searchable database of evidence on curricula and programs. Additional teaching and learning resources are included here.
CCNetwork Resources
Supporting Students in Poverty with High-Impact Instructional Strategies Toolkit
The Supporting Students in Poverty with High-Impact Instructional Strategies Toolkit provides teachers, principals, district staff, and state agencies with evidence-based, high-impact strategies and supportive actions that have the potential to decrease the negative impacts of poverty on student achievement. The toolkit identifies five high-impact instructional strategies that teachers can implement with the support of their principals.

State Policy Levers for Improving Literacy

Literacy Priorities in Local District ARP Plans

Reimagining Education
External Resources
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The Assessment Workshop - Video Lessons
The purpose of the Assessment Workshop is to help educators improve assessment practices. We cover some assessment basics but aim to go deeper on key concepts, including many that are often misunderstood and overlooked.
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Help Kids Recover Campaign
This website provides information on American Rescue Plan funding and evidence-based practices for community-based afterschool and summer programs to accelerate student learning.
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Regional Educational Laboratory Mid-Atlantic - A Review of the Literature on Social and Emotional Learning for Students Ages 3-8: Characteristics of Effective Social and Emotional Learning Programs
This is the first in a series of four related reports about what is known about SEL programs for students ages 3-8.
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Institute of Education Sciences - Assisting Students Struggling with Mathematics: Intervention in the Elementary Grades
This practice guide, developed by the What Works Clearinghouse™ and an expert panel, distills the latest mathematics intervention research into practical recommendations for teachers.
Accelerated Learning/Tutoring
In response to learning loss, states and jurisdictions are investing their relief funds into high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), high-dosage tutoring, extended learning out of school and during summer, and initiatives to support pre-kindergarten through fifth grade literacy development.
CCNetwork Resources

Guide to Accelerated Learning
The Accelerated Learning Work Group’s introductory Guide to Accelerated Learning offers descriptions, resources, and examples of state education agencies implementing Accelerated Learning into their programs. It also answers questions, such as:

Learning Recovery: How to Develop and Implement Effective Tutoring Programs
The Americorps Tutoring Experience
From the Accelerated Learning Work Group Roundtable, Dr. David Parker from Serve Minnesota describes evidence-based tutoring programs in literacy, mathematics, and early childhood offered by Americorps members throughout the country.
Tutoring Basics to Get Results
From the Accelerated Learning Work Group Roundtable, Alan Safran from Saga Education shares what he has learned about effective tutoring with special emphasis on selecting and coaching tutors, prioritizing grades/subjects for tutoring, and low-cost models.
Tennessee Accelerating Literacy and Learning Corps
From the Accelerated Learning Work Group Roundtable, Tess Yates from the state’s Department of Education summarizes her state’s tutoring model, including required parameters such as ratios of tutors to students and the flexibilities offered to districts and schools.
Recruiting and Training for the Arkansas Tutoring Corps
From the Accelerated Learning Work Group Roundtable, Drs. Missy Walley and Tracie Jones from the Arkansas Department of Education discuss the many population segments their programs are tapping as tutors and the detailed training program they offer tutors.

The Potential of Future Educators as Tutors

3, 2, 1! High-Dosage Tutoring Takes Off with Mission Acceleration in Mississippi
This blog from Region 7 focuses on learning acceleration, highlighting Mission Acceleration, a high-dosage tutoring program in Mississippi that is generating results for its participants. The Region 7 team breaks down what exactly "high-dosage" tutoring means and provides evidence to support its effectiveness.
External Resources
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EdResearch for Recovery: Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University - Accelerating Student Learning with High-Dosage Tutoring
The report provides the evidence base for high dosage tutoring, design principles for effective tutoring, and examples of effective tutoring models.
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District of Columbia: Office of the State Superintendent of Education - High-Dosage Tutoring: A Proven Strategy to Accelerate Student Learning: Guide for Local Education Agencies
The guide provides detail on the unique features of high-dosage tutoring and practical considerations for establishing and managing a program.
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Urban Labs, University of Chicago - Not Too Late: Improving Academic Outcomes Among Adolescents
This study measured the impact of providing Chicago Public Schools students with daily 45-50 minute, two-on-one math instruction in 9th and 10th grades.
Literacy
Whether in the classroom, at home, or in other remote learning situations, literacy remains a key component of education.
Tips
Share early learning standards widely for teachers, families, school systems, communities, businesses, and other stakeholders to understand child learning and development and to inform their work with young children.
Equip parents as reading partners:
- Provide information on selecting appropriate reading material
- Outline strategies to check for comprehension
- Describe fun ways to practice reading at home
CCNetwork Resources

Literacy Leads, Learning Follows, Students Succeed: Advice for Grades 1–3 Literacy Leaders

Literacy Leads, Content Follows, Students Thrive: Advice for Grades 4–8 Literacy Leaders

Literacy Priorities in Local District ARP Plans
K–3 Literacy Guidance Framework: Instruction, Assessment, and Intervention
This policy document from the Region 11 Comprehensive Center examines the importance of early identification and instruction to prevent prolonged difficulties in learning to read and ensuring that all students are reading with proficiency by the end of third grade. The policy guide includes the following sections: Literacy Instruction, Indicators of Reading Difficulties, Multitiered System of Support, Selecting Evidence Based Resources, Legal and Statutory Requirements, District Reporting Responsibilities, and Discussion of Terms.

Evidence-Based Practices for Improving Adolescent Literacy

Comprehensive Centers' Support for Implementing Literacy Programs

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

Guidance for Designing Asynchronous Learning Experiences for Adult Learners

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

Student Engagement in Online Classes: Tips for Teachers Based on Trauma-Informed Approaches and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Strategies
District Metrics for Quality Remote/Hybrid Learning: Student Engagement and Teacher Working Conditions and Well-Being
STEM and Computer Science
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and Computer Science (CS) education are an important part of designing for equity and preparing students for college and careers. STEM/CS disciplines helps students:
- Solve problems
- Make sense of information
- Gather and evaluate evidence
Tips
- Provide STEM/CS teachers with tailored professional learning experiences
- Connect with the STEM Teacher Leadership Network, which:
- Is funded by the National Science Foundation
- Is a professional learning community
- Works to improve schools
- Networks to effect policy
- Re-envisions the future of STEM teaching and learning
CCNetwork Resources

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

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

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

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

Portfolio of Choice: Dual Enrollment

College and Career Readiness and Access Brief

Reimagining Education
