How to Navigate Complex Text

Kids often have a hard time navigating the difficult texts they have to tackle in middle school and high school. Between complex ideas and challenging language, these readings can feel impenetrable. That's why Smarten Up Founder and CEO, Mara Koffmann, was so excited to speak with Alexis Ulaj about strategies for supporting students through these types of readings. After working with a wide range of learners in her classroom at Uncommon Schools, Alexis has developed a trusted set of tools and resources to support struggling readers through the complex texts they have to tackle in the classroom. Listen to their discussion below to learn more about creative approaches that parents and teachers can use to help kids tackle these types of assignments in a more strategic, confident way. And scroll down for key takeaways and resources!

Key Takeaways

• Common causes of reading challenges include …

  • A lack of schema, which can make texts feel inaccessible. Schema relates to our knowledge of and experience with a given topic, be it a place, time, event, etc! Without a strong schema to support comprehension with a text, readers are likely to struggle with engagement.

  • Technical vocabulary and complex language can also make a text feel impenetrable for many students. If reading and understanding the words is hard, kids are sure to have a difficult time understanding the big ideas.

  • Fictional texts that include multiple conflicts are also very challenging for kids. Readers often struggle to identify the main idea or message of these types of books.

• To better support readers through these sorts of reading challenges, try the following …

  • Teach kids to read nonfiction texts with a focus on claim. They should begin by identifying the topic of the reading by reviewing the title, summary or blurb, and first paragraphs. Then, kids should annotate with a focus on identifying sub-claims, or the mini arguments the author makes, by working through the text in sections. Last, readers can synthesize these details and think about why the author wrote the text in order to identify his or her primary claim. Remember, topic + sub-claim(s) = author’s claim!

  • Help students learn to read fiction with a focus on theme. At the beginning of a book, kids should read to identify the conflict that the main character must overcome. Then, as they continue reading, students can look for the changes in that protagonists’s perspective or behavior. Finally, as kids identify the resolution in the text, they can also gain a better understanding of the author’s message. By tackling the plot in chunks, readers will be able to better unpack the events in the text and the theme that they have in common.

  • Empower students to learn vocabulary in context. Once kids identify an unfamiliar word, they should underline or circle it. Next, they should identify the part of speech (i.e. adjective, noun, verb, etc.) and whether the term seems like a positive or negative one. Then, kids can use this information, along with context clues, in order to make a prediction as to the meaning of the word. This strategy will not only help students build schema to promote retention as they learn new vocabulary, it will also enable them to better understand an author’s claim and intention.

• Interested in bringing these strategies into your classroom or home? Check out Alexis’s resources below to better support readers through complex texts!

Universal Design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a teaching approach that gives every student equal access to learning in the classroom. The term “universal” is a bit misleading. While it may sound like UDL classrooms find one pathway that all learners take, this isn't the case. UDL classrooms are all about finding multiple pathways any learner can take. Teachers in UDL classrooms provide options, but more than that, they make sure the options are purposeful. They make learning universally accessible.

So what does UDL look like in the classroom? There are three guiding principles to UDL:

1. Representation

In UDL classrooms, teachers represent information to students in multiple ways. Traditional classrooms (the type you would have seen decades ago) typically used one mode of learning for all students. They would read a textbook or look at a slide, and be expected to learn the material from that one representation. With UDL, students have access to multiple modes of learning at the same time: text-based, video-based, with an audio component, with a hands-on component, etc. Assistive technologies can play a key role in accessibility.

2. Engagement

The way students are engaged in a lesson also needs to be multi-modal. Students can build skills and develop knowledge through games, physical activity, and kinesthetic movement. They can read and annotate. They can collaborate with peers. And when teachers provide choices and take students' backgrounds into account, students are always more likely to engage. These are all examples of diversifying the way in which teachers can engage students.

3. Action and Expression

In addition to varying modes of content and engagement, the way students demonstrate their learning should also be dynamic and choice-based. Instead of every student completing the same task, UDL classrooms provide students with the choice between a 5-page paper, a five-minute oral presentation, or an artistic representation of the material with captions, labels, and descriptions. 

When students are given the academic and environmental supports and options they need to access learning, it’s hard not to be successful.

Becoming Your Child's Best Advocate

It is heartbreaking to watch your child struggle, and it’s even more difficult when you don’t know how to help. Yet so many parents find themselves in this position each year. In some cases, families are lucky enough to be a part of a proactive school that takes action to remedy challenges a student might face. More often than not, though, parents must take the lead in order to advocate for their child. And most times, families in this situation are left wondering where to begin.

That’s why we were so excited to speak with parent advocate and educational expert Meredith Gotlin. She worked as a math teacher, assistant principal, and principal with the New York City Department of Education before becoming a parent who had to learn to advocate for her own kids. She channels that wealth of experience into her work at Someplace to Start where she provides educational planning, support, and advocacy to families. Are you curious about how to become your child’s best advocate? Listen to the interview and read on for key takeaways.

Key Takeaways

• Parents should always trust their instinct! If you think that your child is struggling in any way, be proactive. A great first step is to reach out to your child’s teacher.

• During that conversation, don’t forget to be specific about where you think your child is having a hard time. This evidence will lead to a more meaningful dialogue that is grounded in facts.

• And this will begin your education as an advocate! At this stage, the best thing a parent can do is learn. Engage your child’s teacher, review your child’s work, ask questions, and ask for evidence so you can learn more!

• Then, once you’ve identified that there is an issue, it is time to secure intervention services for your child. This process begins with an evaluation.

• After a parent has received a neuropsychological report from the doctor, it is important to understand the results of the testing. You should carefully read the document, with the help of a doctor or educator if necessary, in order to understand your child’s neuropsychological profile and learning needs.

• Then, parents should share that report with their child’s school in order to secure services by putting an IEP in place. Some schools will want to do additional testing, while others will accept the results of a private evaluation. If your school suggests the former, you should agree to specific additional testing, such as an OT evaluation or one for assistive technology, but not a completely new neuropsychological exam. It is simply unnecessary, tedious, and exhausting for the child.

• Next, parents should ask lots of questions about the intervention plan in order to make sure that it is appropriate. At this stage, it is important for you to remember that the more questions you ask, the more you will learn; and the more you know, the better positioned you will be to advocate on behalf of your child!

• Be sure to keep in mind that schools will write an IEP that suits them best because every institution has limited resources. Ultimately, though, an IEP is a document that should service the needs of the child. In this way, a noisy parent will be a more effective advocate!

• Once an intervention begins, parents should be sure to ask for updates. Check in and ask for feedback from educators. That way, you can not only monitor but actually understand progress. Plus, you’ll be in a better position to proactively advocate for additional interventions or support if necessary.

• Ultimately, the most important step a parent can take to become their child’s best advocate is to learn. And the most powerful way to learn more is to ask questions! By doing this, not only will you teach your child how to become her own best advocate, you’re also demonstrating your commitment, love and support to your child’s success.

A Better Way to Learn New Words

Developing a strong vocabulary has knock-on effects across a wide spectrum of academic subjects — and it’s something that families can work on together. But parents, who have been out of school for some time, are not always up to date on the best ways to master new words.

Anyone who has made it through the K-12 system will remember the classic method of rote vocab memorization. First, we would look up a list of words in the dictionary. Then, we would write those words and their definitions a number of times. Eventually, we would take a vocabulary test to demonstrate all we had learned. How many of us actually turned around and used those words authentically, in writing or in conversation? Not many.

Thankfully, strategies for learning vocabulary have evolved. Educators no longer consider rote memorization to be an effective method for real learning. And having students copy vocabulary for the sake of learning it is pure busywork. Now, teachers provide learning opportunities for students to explore, discover, and manipulate new words. Sometimes, they even give students a choice of new words, and ask them to select words to which they are drawn. These methods almost never involve dictionaries.

Marzano’s Method for Teaching Vocab:

Robert Marzano, a renowned educational researcher, developed the following six-step method for teaching vocabulary:

Step One: The teacher introduces the new word to students through examples, imagery, and connections to students’ prior knowledge. The word's definition might be included, but should not be the foundation of the introduction.

Step Two: Students paraphrase the word’s meaning. This is best done in their notebooks, where they have an ongoing list of newly learned vocabulary words. These could be sorted by subject area, alphabetically, or just in the order in which students learn them.

Step Three: Students represent the word visually, through a drawing, a symbol, or some other graphic design. Students might then share their representations with the class or with a peer.

Step Four: Students engage in activities that will deepen their understanding and level of comfort using a new word. These activities could include synonym/antonym work, categorizing words, using the word in a new sentence, etc.

Step Five: Students have a discussion either with a partner or in a small group about the word, their understanding of it, and when and how they can use it.

Step Six: Finally, students consistently review ‘old’ vocabulary words. They participate in games and activities that allow them to use new and previously learned vocab so they don’t risk losing it.

A Purposeful Process

While Marzano’s method may seem time-consuming, the benefits of strong vocabulary instruction far outweigh the time cost. Students with an expansive vocabulary read more, are better able to communicate verbally and in writing, and tend to perform better in school generally. They are able to express themselves in more nuanced ways, and can engage in more rigorous dialogue with peers and adults. So save the dictionary for those moments when you just need to look up a word, and increase your vocabulary by other means.

Making the Most of IEPs

We think it’s fair to say that the word “IEP” creates a bit of anxiety for most parents and teachers alike. That’s because these three letters are central to the educational experience of any child who learns differently. An IEP is a student’s Individualized Education Program, and it outlines the plan for specialized instruction, supports, and services a child needs to make progress and thrive in school. As such, IEPs are crucially important to both parents and teachers alike. That’s why they work together at least once a year to update and revise a child’s IEP to ensure that he or she will receive an appropriate and individualized learning experience.

Given how important IEPs are, they can feel overwhelming to both parents and teachers. That’s why Smarten Up and Braintrust CEO and Co-Founder, Mara Koffmann, was so excited to speak IEPs with pro Stephanie DeLussey, creator of Mrs. D's Corner and the Intentional IEP. Listen to their conversation below and read on for key takeaways from their discussion.

Key Takeaways

• According to IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, every child is entitled to a free and appropriate public education, aka FAPE. A students’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan) is what gives students with special needs, disabilities, and differences access to the general education curriculum. The goal of IDEA and FAPE is always to place students in the least restrictive environment (LRE), and a student’s IEP helps to make this possible.

• The first step towards receiving an IEP is an evaluation. This is the process by which a doctor identifies disabilities and differences in the way a child learns or thinks. Once a student has been diagnosed with a disability, he or she is eligible for an IEP. And the results of each evaluation are valid for three years.

• IEPs are updated annually. Teachers, service providers, and parents attend IEP meetings as a team to review and revise a child’s goals, progress, and supports. Anyone on the IEP team has the right to request additional meetings if necessary.

• Stephanie’s top tips for parents navigating the IEP process:

  • Make sure you are an equal member of the IEP team! Your opinions, thoughts, and concerns should be a part of the discussion at each meeting.

  • Know your rights! Wrightslaw is an incredible resource for parents, educators, and advocates to learn about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.

  • Ask what you can do at home to support your child! Learning and growth happens in school and outside of the classroom. The more that you can do to reinforce skills and goals at home, the more progress your child is sure to make. And if you aren’t sure where to start, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Your child’s school is likely a great resource and one you should take advantage of. Plus, you can reach out to a parent training center for additional support and guidance.

  • It’s important to set realistic IEP goals. Learning is a process. Seemingly simple goals are actually made up of countless steps, and each one builds upon the one before it. With that in mind, parents should work with their IEP team to understand the stepping stones for each goal on their child’s plan. That way, the team can work together to achieve incremental growth and build meaningful momentum.

• Stephanie’s words of wisdom for teachers who have to manage IEPs:

  • Plan ahead for IEP due dates! You’ll be less stressed and better prepared if you’ve got your deadlines mapped out. Stephanie recommends adding all of your IEP due dates to your calendar at the beginning of the school year, so you can more easily prioritize your endless to-do list. The life of a teacher is a constant juggling act, and this bit of planning should make things slightly less stressful!

  • Share drafts of IEPs with parents at least a week before an IEP meeting! This will help them to prepare and offer feedback, and make for a more productive conversation as a team at the meeting. Just be sure to label the document as a draft, and give parents a heads up that you are passing it on.

  • Include parents in the process! Whether it’s a phone call, a Google form, or a questionnaire, it’s important to empower parents as active members of the IEP team. Remember, they know their child best. Accordingly, they can help you make an even better IEP for your student.

  • When it comes to data collection, keep it simple! Stephanie’s preferred tools are good old post-its, paper, and pencils. You can learn more about her recommended strategies on Mrs. D’s Corner and The Intentional IEP.

New Year, New Goals

Making resolutions for the new year is a time-worn tradition -- but for as long as people have been setting goals, they’ve frequently fallen short of reaching them. It’s easy enough to write down a list of wishes, but it takes a little more consideration and effort to craft goals you can actually achieve. We like to use the SMART goal framework outlined below -- see how your resolutions stack up, and what changes you could make to them to give you a higher chance of success!

Specific

Make sure your goals are focused and identify a tangible outcome. Without the specifics, your goal runs the risk of being too vague to attain. Being more specific helps you identify what exactly you want to achieve. 

Measurable

You should build a clear definition of success into each new goal. This will help you to evaluate achievement as you track your progress. This component should answer the questions “how much” or “how many” and highlight how you will know you have achieved your goal. 

Attainable

Your goal should be challenging, but still reasonable to achieve. Reflecting on this component can also reveal any potential barriers that you may need to overcome to realize success. You should be able to outline the steps you’re planning to take to achieve your goal, addressing these barriers and charting a realistic path to success. 

Relevant

This is about getting real with yourself and ensuring what you’re trying to achieve is worthwhile to you. Determining if this is aligned to your values and if it is a priority focus for you. This helps you pinpoint why this goal is important to you. 

Time-Bound 

Every goal needs a target date, something that motivates you to really apply the focus and discipline necessary to achieve it. You need to identify when you’re aiming to complete your goal. It’s important to set a realistic time frame to achieve your goal to ensure you don’t get discouraged along the way. 

The Benefits of Online Learning

By Grace Richardson

Nowadays, quality education isn’t limited to the four walls of a classroom. Modern technology allows us to connect and interact in real-time through the internet, and this has made it possible for kids of all ages to learn from the comfort of our homes. In fact, millions of students — from elementary to graduate school — have been forced to enroll in online classes, due to the health crisis making face-to-face classes unsafe. However, there remains the misconception that the online learning experience can never match up to the good old classroom and whiteboard.

While it's true that there are certain experiences that cannot be exactly replicated virtually (such as the social perks of being around classmates), there are still unique benefits to online learning. And here are some of them:

Online Learning Provides More Convenience and Flexibility

Online learning is divided into two main types: synchronous and asynchronous. "Synchronous" refers to live learning classes that happen at a set time online. It is a convenient option as students don't have to spend time commuting to school, and they can collaborate with classmates and teachers in real time. On the other hand, "asynchronous" online classes provide more flexibility, allowing students to control their own schedules and learning pace. Instructors simply upload all materials, tests, lectures, and assignments for anyone to access anytime. Unlike traditional learning where your child might experience immense pressure trying to keep up with their classmates, online learning allows them to study without being too constrained by time. 

Both approaches are being used by students of all levels, but there is no hard evidence that either option is objectively more effective for students. It all boils down to preference and your child's own learning style. However, online learning hones children's executive function skills, which is what trains our brains to be responsible, creative, solve problems, and achieve goals.

Getting students used to online learning while they're young will definitely benefit them as they get older — especially with virtual colleges and universities growing increasingly popular. In fact, online bachelors degrees have become incredibly diverse, offering courses on Digital Media, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Organizational Leadership, and more. Plus, many schools even offer round-the-clock technical support and the option to enroll during any season with no application fees. On top of this, online students have the chance to connect with industry leaders and faculty experts from far and wide — and all according to students' schedules. With these benefits, we can expect the online learning trend to continue well beyond the pandemic.

Online Learning Hones Your Child’s Communication and Collaboration Skills

Being able to communicate effectively online is an essential skill in the digital age, especially as so many statements can easily get lost in translation. Online classes can give your child a head start in honing their virtual communication skills — training them to relay their thoughts in a clear, coherent, and succinct manner.

Additionally, online schools also require students to participate in discussions with their classmates and professors via various communication platforms. Here, they’ll learn how to get better at pitching their ideas and making strong arguments through discussions or video calls. Further exposure to this communication medium also pushes your child to collaborate and build a rapport with their peers.

Online Learning Broadens Your Child’s World View

The internet truly is the best source of information in the digital age. Besides making it possible for schools to facilitate online learning classes, the internet allows people from all walks of life to be heard via personal blogs, videos, podcasts, and other content that can be uploaded online. Indeed, online learning makes information easier to access for your child, and this can broaden their perspectives on important global issues, improve their cross-cultural understanding, and have the opportunity to connect with people from all over the globe — and it only takes a few clicks.

Online learning can be just as effective as face-to-face classes as long as your child has the drive and dedication to succeed. But of course, your support as a parent is always welcome. In order for them to reap the full benefits of online learning, you have to guide your child through positive reinforcement and motivate them to be consistent with their schedule and goals.

Maintaining Structure in a Time of Chaos

Now that the holidays are in full swing, we have officially entered what is usually the most hectic time of year. But the typical chaos of the holiday season looks somewhat different this year. Some students are learning from home. Those who are learning in person face the constant possibility of going remote any day. The usual chaos of the holidays has been exacerbated by all of the unknowns. Because kids (and humans in general) thrive on routine, it will be important to bring as much structure, predictability, and normalcy as possible to our lives during the holiday break. Here are some strategies you might consider for yourself or your child(ren):

1. Try a consistent wake-up time

Research shows that setting the alarm for the same time every morning is better for our physical and mental health. This can be especially hard on the weekends, when all we want to do is sleep in, but the benefits outweigh the desire to hit snooze. Of course, if you had a late night, catching up on sleep is more important. But if you can, try to aim for an earlier bedtime to make sure you get in all the hours you need. Start your day with something you can look forward to, whether that’s a cup of tea, a yoga routine, or your favorite breakfast. Once you settle into the new routine, you may notice that your exhaustion and stress levels have decreased.

2. Make a to-do list first thing in the morning.

When our days vary as much as they do around the holidays, put everything that’s stressful down on paper. Whether it’s to-do items, decisions to be made, or just circumstances your mind is lingering on, write it down. It won’t make your worries go away entirely, but it can be a powerful way to help you work or think through tasks you’re not excited about.

3. Create a midday break routine.

Break up the daily unpredictability with a new midday routine. Choose a time that you are usually free around the middle of the day. It could be right after lunch, or when you usually get home from school. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes to do something you find comforting, relaxing, and familiar. Maybe it’s sitting in your favorite chair with a magazine, or mindlessly scrolling through your phone while you have a snack. Try to carve out those few minutes to unwind and reset each day, no matter how busy your day is.

4. Take some control. 

During a time when so much is out of our control, it’s important that we feel that we are in control of something. Whether it’s internal (our thoughts, behaviors, and habits) or external (our environment and surroundings), everyone needs to be in control of something. Make sure the control is productive. If you have the time for it, start that reorganizing project you’ve been thinking about for months. If you need a less time-consuming outlet for control, try to gain some control over your emotions by journaling. 

5. End your day with a family routine, a personal care routine, or both.

Bring some closure to your hectic days by establishing a nighttime routine. If everyone's schedule allows, involve your whole family. It could be a quick round of a card game or a short TV show that you all watch together. If you aren’t able to unwind as a family, then begin your own individual self-care routine. Whether it’s journaling to gain that mental control, or doing a quick stretch to loosen up your tense muscles, think about what you need most to wrap up your day and be able to wake up the next morning (hopefully at the same time as today!) ready to do it all again.

Using Tools Effectively: Calculators

The debate over calculator use (and overuse) hinges on the notion that an over-reliance on the calculator will prevent students from mastering math for themselves. But why agonize over long division when we can solve problems with the touch of a button nearly wherever we are? The calculator is a valuable tool, and one that can be especially helpful for students who struggle with math sense. However, it can’t become a replacement for showing work or understanding the logic behind each problem. 

Just yesterday, I was reviewing a diagnostic SAT result with a bright student who has a tendency to leap for his calculator on every problem, but seldom writes anything on the page. What we discovered, revealingly, was that while he had missed several questions on the calculator section, he had aced the section of the test where no calculators were allowed. We reasoned that he should be more cautious about giving up his thought process to the machine. On the other hand, I have another student who is so frustrated by frequent errors in adding up when she works by hand that every assignment is anxiety-inducing—and using a calculator once she’s set everything up on paper helps her to balance accurate calculations with an accurate understanding of what she’s actually calculating. 

Being able to master procedures and concepts in math is crucial, but showing that mastery is just as important. Lots of people (especially students!) misunderstand why teachers ask students to show their work. Students are asked to show their work because it helps them think. With their thought process on paper, kids are able to review and check their work. They can see their calculations and the steps they took to find an answer. They can identify simple mistakes if their final answer seems off. And even if the student doesn't catch them, the teacher will. With work on paper, instructors can understand a child's thinking and provide more targeted support. Plus, with calculations on paper, there is the chance to earn partial credit in most classes! Mastering this skill is crucial for students who struggle with executive function skills. And working on graph paper can make a world of difference for students. If kids learn to put just one number in a box, they can effortlessly organize problems and place value.

The morale of the story is that no one should be shamed for using a calculator, so long as it’s not turning into a means of avoiding the work of understanding how things fit together. Math often involves some level of fruitful struggle as we grow, absorbing new ideas that challenge what we knew before. Calculators can help in that struggle, but the goal should not be to erase the struggle entirely: it’s how we learn!

Parent Behavioral Training

Parenting is hard. There are endless books to tell us how to do it. However, they aren’t always very useful. That’s because every child is different. Some are more flexible and adaptable, while others are more stubborn and defiant; sometimes these behaviors are related to personality, and other times they stem from ADHD or other disabilities. And even the easiest of kids can sometimes get out of control. Parent behavioral training is a powerful tool for parents who feel overwhelmed by conflict and stuck as to how to help their family. These evidence-based programs don’t have strict rules to follow. Instead, parent behavioral training programs teach parents a set of strategies to establish better communication with their child. Listen to Braintrust CEO and Co-Founder, Mara Koffmann, in conversation with psychologist, Dr. Melanie Fernandez, to learn more about parent behavioral training.

Key Takeaways

• Positive reinforcement is always the best policy because kids want the approval of their parents. Don’t concentrate on what the child is doing wrong. Instead, celebrate what a child does well. This will lead to more positive interactions.

• Rewarding good behavior can be effective. Of course it can be frustrating to reward your child for doing what is expected of them. However, it is an investment in more good behavior. Plus, the rewards don’t last forever! They do need to be consistent and frequent in the beginning. However, the rewards should taper off as a new behavior becomes routine.

• Consistency is key! Parents must be very clear and consistent in order for these interventions to work. Often times reward charts and visual checklists can help to create the structure to make these interventions most effective.

• These are short-term treatments. Working with a specialist for just a handful of sessions can lead to big results! There are lots of parent behavioral training programs out there, so talk to a psychologist about the best fit for your family.