Posts by Compass PD, LLC
From Overwhelmed to Aligned: Building a Data-Driven Curriculum Cycle
By Dr. Carrie Hepburn and Dr. Sherri Lorton Introduction: Why Data Matters in Curriculum Decisions Educational leaders face a myriad of challenges when trying to ensure high-quality learning for every student. Yet, a common thread in successful districts is the intentional use of data to guide decisions. From state assessments and federal requirements to classroom…
Read MoreAssess, Analyze, Adjust: Using Mid-Year Data to Drive Student Growth
By Dr. Natalie Fallert It is January, and many secondary teachers have just finished their semester finals or are getting ready to give them. For middle school teachers, if you didn’t offer a mid-year content exam, you are probably embarking on some universal screener1 like STAR, i-Ready, AIMSweb, etc. Hopefully, you are using the data…
Read MoreSetting the Stage for Success: Goal Setting in the Secondary Math Classroom
By Constance Hallemeier Research consistently demonstrates the power of mastery-oriented goals in fostering deep learning, motivation, and student growth. Still, no one teaches educators how to set, monitor, or maintain those goals, especially in content-based classrooms. In my years of practice in secondary mathematics, I have learned that effective goal setting is more than just…
Read MoreUnlocking Early Math Success: The Power of Subitizing in the Classroom
By Dr. Sherri Lorton Subitizing—the ability to instantly recognize the number of objects in a small group without counting—is a foundational skill in early mathematics education. This cognitive process enables children to perceive quantities rapidly, fostering number sense and setting the stage for more complex mathematical reasoning Understanding Subitizing Derived from the Latin word subitus,…
Read MoreThe Gift of Learning
By Dr. Natalie Fallert When I first had the idea of this blog, I wanted to call it “The Gift of Knowledge”; however, after thinking about it, I felt it more important to focus on learning, not knowledge. Let’s face it: knowledge can be something that comes pretty quickly. Knowing something doesn’t mean we took…
Read MoreMaking the Most of Elementary Transitions: Quick and Easy Ideas for Teachers
By Dr. Carrie Hepburn and Dr. Sherri Lorton Transitions. We all know them, live them, and let’s be honest—we’ve all wondered how to make them smoother. Whether it’s lining up to go to specials, waiting in the hallway to enter the cafeteria, or managing the moments before the buses arrive, transitions are a part of…
Read MoreFeedback in Secondary Math: It’s More Than a Grade Pt. 2
By Constance Hallemeier In Feedback in Secondary Math: It’s More Than a Grade, Pt. 1, we explored how timely, specific feedback can transform student learning, even when time is tight. Strategies like prioritizing feedback, leveraging technology, and fostering peer-to-peer discussions were just the beginning. But time isn’t the only challenge secondary math teachers face. With…
Read MoreFeedback in Secondary Math: It’s More Than a Grade Pt. 1
By Constance Hallemeier Secondary math teachers often find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities: having a limited amount of time with students, managing a large number of students, and teaching a multitude of standards. Amidst these challenges, providing effective feedback can seem like a daunting task. As a former high school math classroom teacher, I struggled with…
Read MoreMaking Math Feedback Count Part 2: Enhancing Student Progress in Math
By Dr. Sherri Lorton In Part 1 of this series, we explored the powerful role of data in guiding math instruction. We illustrated why tying data collection and feedback to standards supports planning and the feedback process. Now, in Part 2, we dive deeper into the various types of data that can inform feedback practices,…
Read MoreMaking Math Feedback Count, Part 1: The Power of Data
By Dr. Sherri Lorton Making Math Feedback Count, Part 1: The Power of Data In today’s classrooms, data is far more than just a tool for assessing student performance—it is a vital resource for guiding instruction, improving teaching strategies, and fostering student growth. When it comes to mathematics, a subject that often challenges our young…
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