Shannon Raines

For California school districts, the countdown to CALPADS End-of-Year (EOY) reporting begins long before the final deadline. With multiple submissions, numerous data elements, and validation rules, the process can feel overwhelming, especially when deadlines collide with graduation, summer planning, and staff turnover.  But it doesn’t have to be this way. By approaching EOY reporting with ... Read more

Academic progress, attendance, behavior, social-emotional learning, and family engagement all shape a student’s journey. But too often, schools rely on multiple disconnected EdTech systems to collect and track this data. When data is spread across different platforms, educators can struggle to see the full picture, making it harder to identify at-risk students and provide the ... Read more

Classrooms are filled with students who have different strengths, challenges, and learning styles. Some understand new concepts quickly, while others need more time or alternative approaches. To support all learners, many educators use strategies like differentiated learning and personalized learning.  Choosing the right approach depends on factors like classroom size, student independence, and available resources. ... Read more

Schools face increasing pressure to support students’ academic achievement and ensure their social and emotional well-being. As classrooms become more diverse in their learning needs, educators are expected to deliver a wide range of student support services. To meet these demands, educators need systematic, evidence-based approaches that can flex and adapt to meet the needs ... Read more

Schools use technology for almost everything now - from taking attendance to storing health records. Moving education online with software and digital tools simplifies administration and improves instruction, making data and school curricula more accessible. Education technologies help educators track student progress, communicate with families, and manage daily operations. However, this increased reliance on technology ... Read more

Multi-tiered system of supports, also referred to as MTSS, are a framework for educators to address the needs of their students. Educators are increasingly implementing MTSS to improve outcomes with personalized support and interventions for every student. MTSS improves visibility into student progress and outcomes, which helps educators make data-driven decisions that support academic, behavioral, ... Read more

Schools have the essential and often distinct responsibilities of addressing students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. To achieve this, educators rely on evidence-based frameworks to inform their decisions and determine the most effective support and intervention strategies.  Among the most widely used frameworks for student academic and social growth are Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), ... Read more

The edtech market offers a wide array of solutions. From data analytics to forms and surveys, there is software for almost every need a school might have. Using specialized systems for each task might seem like a good idea since each one is designed to excel at its specific function.   In reality, relying on multiple ... Read more

Data is increasingly valuable in K-12 education. Without easily accessible data, educators may be uninformed when making critical decisions. Schools that cannot analyze administrative and instructional information are limited in their ability to improve school processes or provide the right academic support to their students.     When educators have robust data tools, these decisions are easier ... Read more