Modeling Fluency Instruction

Tim Shanahan

Teacher Question

At our school, we test students oral reading fluency three times a year (aimswebPlus), and we teach fluency in both our Tier 1 and Tier 2 programs. I believe that I have a good understanding of how to teach fluency using repeated reading. However, one step in that process that I’m unsure of is modeling. How much fluency modeling should a teacher do…

How to do the Best Benchmark Testing

Tim Shanahan

Teacher’s Question:

Dear Dr. Shanahan,

I have been searching for research around student testing. Could you point me in the direction of relevant research:

• Does testing time of the day make a difference?
• Does it matter if the testing proctor is that student's teacher for that…

The Silent Killer of Innovation and Change

A Principal's Reflections by Eric Sheninger

Jul 6, 2025

Eric Sheninger’s article, The Silent Killer of Innovation and Change, explores the dangerous allure of “idea voodoo”—the belief that a good idea, by itself, can catalyze change without the methodical labor of implementation. This mindset, common in schools and other organizations, undermines meaningful progress by…

Summary for Educators: “Trust the Process – Sitting in the Discomfort (and Why That’s Okay)”

In their June 29, 2025 post titled “Trust the Process”, Nicole and Trici from Beyond the Box offer educators a reflective, transformative approach to leadership and collaboration by centering the work around a shared vision and a powerful framework they call the Gameboard of Change. This tool is not just a strategic model—it’s a…

Should Reading Be Taught Whole Class or Small Group?

Tim Shanahan

Blast from the Past: This blog first posted on April 28, 2018, and was re-posted on November 23, 2019. It is now being reposted again (and updated) on June 7, 2025. Original content has been adjusted, new content has been added, and the original posting included no research references.

Teacher question…

I have been coaching school leaders and aspiring leaders in preparation for their interviews for more than 15 years. My clients frequently ask me how to answer questions that they struggle with during an interview. Here’s a sampling of a few of those questions, my strategies as to how to answer, and my suggested answers:

1.  “What would your direct supervisor say about you if I called her?” (You think you might not get a positive recommendation from…

From Andy Murphy

Thanks to Joseph Dragone

1. “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts”

For when I have peaceful thoughts, I’m more open and compassionate. When I have angry thoughts, I’m more closed and irritable.

2. “You have power over your mind — not outside events”…

Autism and Reading Part II: Lessons to be Learned from Special Kids

Tim Shanahan

In my previous blog, I explored what is known about the decoding abilities of students plagued with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Here we’ll explore what is known about their reading comprehension abilities – both with an eye towards providing helpful guidance to teachers who work with these children and to consider what that work has to say about…

Study:  Seniors Drinking Less

42 percent of 12th graders reported alcohol consumption in the last year, down from 75 percent in 1997. Among 10th graders, it fell to 26 percent from 65 percent…