Home-School Connections

12 Essentials for Phonics Success

September 9, 2025| Posted in Literacy, Best Practices| Benchmark Education| 2182

As districts nationwide grapple with implementing Science of Reading research, education leaders face critical decisions about phonics instruction. This blog identifies 12 essential elements every high-quality phonics solution should include—crucial factors that can transform literacy outcomes from modest improvements to remarkable success. Discover the key components that align with evidence-based practices and help you make informed decisions to significantly enhance reading proficiency across your school or district.

Designated & Integrated ELD: Complementary Paths to Language Proficiency

September 9, 2025| Posted in Literacy, Best Practices| Benchmark Education| 2219

This blog examines how Designated and Integrated English Language Development work together to support English Learners. Readers will discover the key differences between these complementary approaches and learn practical strategies to implement both effectively for enhanced language acquisition and academic success.

10 Effective Ways to Help English Learners Excel with Grade-Level Content

February 14, 2025| Posted in Literacy, Best Practices| Silvia Dorta-Duque de Reyes, Ed. M.| 4126

Discover 10 effective strategies to help English Learners succeed with grade-level content. Learn how to use primary language resources, visual supports, and strategic grouping to bridge language and content learning, creating an inclusive classroom where ELs thrive.

Five Considerations When Choosing Early Literacy Assessment Tools

January 6, 2025| Posted in Literacy, Best Practices| Benchmark Education| 4455

Five Considerations When Choosing Early Literacy Assessment Tools

Co-Planning: 5 Capacity-Building Ideas That Go the Long Distance

January 3, 2025| Posted in Literacy, Best Practices| Julie Wright| 3073

Co-Planning: 5 Capacity-Building Ideas That Go the Long Distance

Effective and Fun: 5 Ideas to Engage Students In and Out of the Classroom

September 17, 2024| Posted in Literacy, Best Practices| Nancy Young, Ed.D.| 11860

Every student should be provided effective and fun classroom instruction that is differentiated for their intellectual ability and academic readiness. Learn 5 ways this can be accomplished in and out of the classroom while addressing the critical skills that underpin fluent reading and writing.

Exchanging Heart Language: Moving Families and Educators from Acquaintances to Partners

November 18, 2021| Posted in On the Blog| Jennifer Miller| 8893

You could say these are hard times or you could say these are heart times — times that unmistakably, undeniably involve our hearts in showing up, in accepting and managing challenging emotions, and in growing and sustaining our nourishing relationships. Here are some specific ideas for using heart language as a way to build authentic partnerships with families/caregivers.

Empowering Growth Mindsets Through Home-School Connections

December 9, 2020| Posted in On the Blog| Benchmark Education| 24433

Since so much of our society promotes a fixed mindset, educating caregivers about a growth mindset and helping them see how their language can impact their children’s understanding of themselves is key to supporting educator and student success in the classroom.