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Teachers' ability to adapt to new teaching methods, technology, and student needs requires continuous growth and development. This is where teacher coaching and observations become essential—not just as stand-alone practices but as integrated components of a comprehensive professional development strategy. Today’s students are growing up in a digital world quite different from the one that their teachers knew when they were students. For the absolute beginner, the learning curve to using new EdTech can be steep. School leaders are finding that to meet the challenge, they need to update the content and delivery of their district’s professional development (PD) programs. Here is a roundup of educational technology trends that we are seeing today and how these technologies are changing how teachers need to pursue PD. Customizable Rubrics for Tailored Observations One-size-fits-all approaches to teacher observations simply don't work. Every school and district is unique, and so are their instructional needs. By integrating customizable rubrics into the observation process, administrators can easily build and tailor observation tools to meet their specific objectives. Customized rubrics provide a clear framework for consistent, meaningful observations, whether focusing on student engagement, classroom management, or technology integration. With flexibility, administrators can ensure that observations are aligned with the school's instructional goals while teachers receive relevant and actionable feedback. Customizable rubrics also make it easier to acknowledge where a teacher has exceeded expectations, offering a platform for celebrating strengths while pinpointing growth areas. Detailed Feedback: A Pathway to Improvement As the Adult Learning Theory emphasizes, feedback for adult learners should be timely, relevant, respectful of their experience, and provide actionable guidance to foster self-directed improvement and motivation. Teachers need more than a score or general comments to improve—they need detailed feedback and actionable steps. This feedback should not only highlight areas where they excel but also offer actionable suggestions for improvement. The coaching process becomes more effective when observation tools are designed with this level of detail. Teachers can reflect on specific aspects of their practice, understand how to adjust, and work with coaches to implement changes. Detailed feedback is also essential in promoting teacher agency. Teachers are empowered to take ownership of their professional growth when they receive concrete, constructive insights. This kind of feedback loop fosters a culture of continuous improvement, benefiting both educators and students alike. Data Aggregation: Driving Informed Decisions One of the most powerful advantages of integrating teacher coaching and observations with professional development is the ability to aggregate data. By collecting and analyzing observation data over time, schools can gain a holistic view of teacher performance. This information can then inform professional development opportunities, resource allocation, and teacher evaluations when appropriate. For example, data-driven insights can identify common areas where teachers across the school or district may need additional support. This enables administrators to create and facilitate targeted professional development that directly addresses these needs, leading to more effective PD sessions that directly impact classroom instruction. Furthermore, aggregated data ensures a more objective observation process, reducing bias and ensuring that decisions are based on clear evidence. MobileMind, the modern professional learning hub, includes comprehensive coaching and observation tools that align with the entire PD lifecycle . By leveraging customizable rubrics, detailed feedback, and data aggregation, we provide schools and districts with the tools they need to support their teachers effectively and objectively. Through this integrated approach, MobileMind helps administrators and educators work together to create a dynamic learning environment where teachers thrive.

Launching a new professional development program can be pivotal for school districts, impacting everything from teacher engagement to student outcomes. However, even the most innovative PD initiative will only be as successful as its buy-in from teachers. To truly inspire a culture of growth, the PD program needs to feel relevant, manageable, and rewarding to those who will benefit from it most: educators. Below are strategies for securing teacher buy-in. 1. Understand the Core Needs of Adult Learners Teachers, like all adult learners, want to know that their time and effort are being put to good use. Traditional, lecture-based PD sessions often fall short because they don’t align with the practical, self-directed nature of adult learning theory . Adults bring a wealth of prior experience, and they are most engaged when learning is relevant, practical, and can be applied directly to their work. Actionable Tips: Connect Learning to Real-World Applications: Make it clear how the PD content will help solve immediate classroom challenges. For example, if educators struggle with tech integration, provide targeted micro-courses focused on tools they can access. Offer Choice and Customization: Allow teachers to personalize their PD experience by choosing the courses or learning paths that align with their needs or interests. Giving teachers a sense of voice and choice over their learning path fosters a stronger commitment. 2. Embrace Micro-Learning to Respect Time Constraints Time is a precious commodity for teachers. Launching a program that feels like a time drain can quickly lead to resistance. Instead, consider breaking down the PD curriculum into micro-courses—short, focused lessons that fit easily into a teacher’s busy schedule. Micro-learning respects teachers’ time and helps them digest information in manageable portions, leading to better retention. Actionable Tips: Set Manageable Learning Goals: Micro-courses allow for incremental, achievable goals, which can increase teachers’ motivation and sense of accomplishment. Encourage Consistent, Bite-Sized Learning: A structure that promotes frequent, small doses of learning rather than occasional intensive sessions helps to reinforce knowledge without overwhelming educators. 3. Incorporate Gamification to Boost Engagement and Motivation Gamification— integrating game-like elements into the learning experience—can be a powerful tool to engage teachers. Progress trackers, badges, and other rewards provide a tangible sense of achievement and encourage healthy competition. Incorporating gamified elements into PD can inspire friendly challenges and celebrate teachers’ learning milestones. Actionable Tips: Reward Progress and Milestones: Implement a digital badge system to recognize teachers as they progress through their courses. A leaderboard can also motivate by celebrating those who have reached significant milestones. Promote Collaborative Challenges: Gamified challenges or group activities can create a collaborative culture around PD, allowing teachers to encourage each other’s growth and discuss what they’re learning. 4. Highlight the Immediate Benefits and Celebrate Early Wins When teachers can see the value of the new PD program right away, they’re more likely to invest in it. Highlighting quick wins, like how a single session helped a teacher engage their students or streamline lesson planning, can create a positive ripple effect across the district. Actionable Tips: Share Success Stories: Encourage early adopters to share their experiences and successes. Whether it’s a teacher using a newly learned strategy or one achieving a certification, share these wins to inspire others. Recognize and Reward Early Participants: Acknowledge the first group of participants by spotlighting them in meetings or district-wide newsletters. This reinforces a positive perception of the program and encourages others to join. 5. Leverage Peer Influence for a Stronger Commitment Teachers are often most influenced by their peers, so tapping into this social dynamic can be invaluable for PD initiatives. Consider building a “PD Champions” network within your district—educators passionate about professional growth and willing to help their peers navigate the program. When teachers see respected colleagues invested in PD, they’re more likely to follow suit. Actionable Tips: Create a Peer Coaching System: A support system of peer coaches or mentors can make PD feel more accessible and less intimidating for those hesitant to try something new. Hold Collaborative Workshops: Group settings allow teachers to learn together and share insights, creating a collaborative culture around the PD program. 6. Emphasize Flexibility to Reduce Resistance One of the biggest hurdles in PD adoption is the feeling that it adds another obligation to an already packed schedule. By making the program flexible and accessible, you’ll reduce resistance and create a more welcoming environment for learning. Actionable Tips: Allow for Self-Paced Learning: Give teachers the freedom to complete their courses at their own pace, respect their time, and make learning more accessible. Offer Multiple Access Points: Your program should be accessible across devices, with the option to complete sessions during lunch, after school, or even from home, meet teachers where they are, and reduce participation barriers. 7. Gather and Act on Feedback No one knows what teachers need from PD better than teachers themselves. Regular feedback helps you tailor the program and makes teachers feel valued and invested in its success. A successful PD program evolves based on the input of its participants, ensuring relevance and engagement. Actionable Tips: Conduct Quick Pulse Surveys: After a learning path, invite feedback. A short survey or a simple thumbs-up/thumbs-down can provide insights without adding extra work. Host Listening Sessions: Give teachers a voice in the PD program’s evolution by inviting them to share what’s working, what’s not, and what they want to see next. By designing a program that aligns with adult learning principles, respects time constraints, and incorporates gamified and flexible learning options, you’ll create an exciting experience in which teachers are excited to participate. When teachers see the value in PD, they’re more likely to integrate their new skills into their classrooms, benefiting students across the district.

This article was originally published on Study.com and can be viewed here: https://study.com/resources/educators-perspective-declining-achievement.html While national assessments like the NAEP offer a snapshot of student performance, teachers see a more nuanced and concerning picture in their classrooms, one filled with complex challenges that scores alone cannot fully capture. Recent NAEP results for Math and Reading reveal some worrying trends. While math scores have shown a bit of recovery since 2022, they're still below pre-pandemic levels. Reading scores, meanwhile, continue to decline. NAEP provides valuable insights into how students are doing overall. However, they often miss the nuances of what's happening in individual classrooms. That's why Study.com conducted an exclusive teacher survey - to uncover what educators see firsthand in their classrooms that test scores alone can't capture. 2019 vs. 2024 - A Comparison of NAEP Scores NAEP scores for 4th and 8th graders in Math and Reading reveal mixed trends between 2019 and 2024. While math scores show slight recovery, reading continues its steady decline, raising concerns among educators. Key Takeaways from NAEP Data Reading Scores 4th grade : 2024: 2 points drop from 2022, 5 points drop from 2019 Declines across all performance levels except the highest (90th percentile). 8th grade : 2024: 2 points drop from 2022, 5 points drop from 2019 Middle- and lower-performing students saw the biggest drops. Math Scores 4th grade : 2024: 2 points drop from 2022, but still 3 points drop from 2019 Higher-performing students showed the most improvement. 8th grade : 2024 : No significant change from 2022, but 8 points drop from 2019 Scores increased for top performers but declined for lower-performing students . What is Declining Achievement - What Educators Have to Say Declining achievement refers to the widening gap between students' academic performance and grade-level expectations. But do these standardized test scores truly reflect the reality in classrooms? To understand what these numbers mean in real classrooms, Study.com surveyed teachers nationwide. Their insights reveal that while most educators agree NAEP scores capture learning loss, a number of educators still believe the problem runs even deeper: English Teachers: 47% say test scores accurately reflect learning loss. 31% believe the situation is worse than the scores indicate. 22% think test scores overstate the issue. Math Teachers : 42% agree test scores provide an accurate picture. 36% say learning loss is actually worse than the data suggests. 22% believe it's not as severe as test scores indicate. Potential Causes of Declining Achievement What teachers say are the biggest challenges English Teachers: 49% cite lack of parental prioritization of academics . 38% point to mental health and social-emotional struggles . 37% say students not completing homework or studying is a major factor . Math Teachers : 49% also cite lack of parental prioritization as the top challenge. 36% highlight low student engagement . 35% say incomplete homework and lack of studying play a key role. 32% report mental health and social-emotional struggles . Key Insights & Connections Parental involvement matters : 49% of both English and math teachers identified a lack of family prioritization of academics as a top cause of student struggles, making it the most frequently cited challenge. Homework & engagement : Students who skip assignments often fall behind, making it harder to stay engaged. Mental health impact : 38% of English teachers and 32% of math teachers cited mental health and social-emotional struggles as key contributors to student learning gaps. COVID-19 and Its Lasting Impact on Student Achievement The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated academic decline and widened existing achievement gaps. While recent NAEP scores show some signs of recovery in math, the data suggests that students are still struggling to regain lost ground. According to the Harvard Education Recovery Scorecard (2024): Students lost the equivalent of several months of learning in both math and reading. Recovery has been uneven , with some districts making progress while others remain far behind pre-pandemic levels. A Stanford Education study further highlights: Math recovery has been stronger than reading , but many students still lag behind. Lower-income districts experienced the biggest setbacks , widening achievement gaps. What pre-pandemic and post-pandemic NAEP data tells us: 4th-grade math scores in 2024 improved slightly from 2022 but are still 3 points below 2019 levels. 8th-grade math scores remain 8 points lower than 2019, showing no significant progress since 2022. Reading scores have continued to decline, with both 4th and 8th graders scoring 5 points lower than in 2019. How Teachers are Combating Declining Achievement Teachers are implementing multiple strategies to enhance student learning, with technology playing a significant role. Almost 9 out 10 Math and English teacher use EdTech solutions. 81% of both English and math teachers feel confident using technology to enhance learning. Most effective EdTech tool : Adaptive learning platforms - cited by 53% (English) and 50% (Math) Other Innovative Solutions Beyond technology, teachers are adopting hands-on strategies like parental engagement, extra tutoring, professional development, and adjusting grading policies to bridge learning gaps. These approaches, backed by studies from organizations like NY Kids and Smart Learning, provide long-term solutions for student success. 1. Adjusting Grading Policies to Support Struggling Students To address learning gaps, many educators are modifying grading policies to provide students with more opportunities to succeed. Study.com's survey found that nearly 8 in 10 teachers have made adjustments, including: Extra credit opportunities: 44% (English), 40% (Math) More flexible deadlines: 42% (English), 37% (Math) Adjusting assignment weighting: 30% (English), 29% (Math) 2. Personalized instruction Diagnostic assessments : Teachers utilize diagnostic tools to identify individual student needs, allowing for tailored instruction that addresses specific learning gaps. Differentiated instruction : By adapting teaching methods and materials to cater to diverse learning styles and abilities, educators can more effectively reach each student. Source: ny-kids 3. Extended learning opportunities Extra tutoring sessions : Offering additional tutoring outside regular class hours provides students with the chance to reinforce and master challenging concepts. Summer and after-school programs : These programs offer extended learning time, allowing students to catch up on missed content and strengthen their understanding. Source: smartlearning 4. Professional development for educators Ongoing training : Teachers engage in continuous professional development to stay updated on effective instructional strategies and interventions. Collaborative learning communities : Participating in professional learning communities allows educators to share best practices and develop strategies to close achievement gaps. Source: mobilemind 5. Trauma-Informed teaching Creating safe learning environments : Implementing trauma-informed practices helps in creating supportive classrooms that address students' emotional and psychological needs, which can impede learning. Building strong relationships : Fostering trust and understanding between teachers and students encourages engagement and participation, essential for academic success. Source: betterlesson 6. Parental and community engagement Strengthening home-schools connections : Active collaboration between schools, families, and communities ensures a supportive network that reinforces the importance of education. Involving caregivers : Encouraging caregiver participation in the educational process has been shown to positively impact student achievement. Source: learninga-z Bridging the Gaps NAEP scores and teacher insights confirm that declining achievement stems from multiple factors - parental disengagement, student motivation, and mental health struggles . To address these challenges: Schools are strengthening communication and outreach to increase parental involvement. Educators are leveraging EdTech, tutoring, and personalized instruction to improve student engagement. Online platforms like Study.com provide tailored resources for subjects like English and Math , helping students reinforce key concepts outside the classroom. Trauma-informed teaching is fostering safer learning spaces to support student mental health. But lasting progress requires more than classroom solutions-it calls for collaborative action from schools, policymakers, communities, and families. Sustained investment in resources, technology, and student support systems is essential. With the right support, every student can regain lost ground and thrive. Methodology The 'Learning Loss' survey was conducted online from January 23-24, 2025, and included 700 elementary and middle school teachers across the country. The age distribution of respondents was as follows: Generation Z made up 10%, Millennials accounted for 41%, Generation X represented 33%, and Baby Boomers comprised 15%. In terms of ethnicity, the respondents were predominantly White (55%), followed by Hispanic (17%), Black or African American (14%), and Asian (9%). Smaller groups included American Indian or Alaska Native (1%). Disclaimer: This blog post was originally published by Study.com and is shared here with their permission. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the original author and do not necessarily reflect the views of MobileMind.

We’re thrilled to announce our latest partnership with EduMatch, a globally recognized community dedicated to fostering deep connections and collaborative growth among educators. Through this partnership, EduMatch’s high-quality asynchronous, self-paced professional development courses are now available in MobileMind’s ReadyMade Marketplace—bringing even more valuable learning opportunities to educators and school districts. Bringing High-Impact PD to Educators EduMatch is known for its mission to combat educator isolation by building a worldwide network of professionals who support one another’s growth and share their experiences. Their professional development offerings are tailored to meet the evolving needs of today’s educators , and we’re excited to offer their expertise directly through MobileMind.Through our ReadyMade Marketplace, educators and districts will now have access to EduMatch’s courses on: ✅ Digital Equity – Ensuring all students have access to technology and learning opportunities ✅ Teacher Productivity – Strategies for efficiency and effectiveness in the classroom ✅ Classroom Management for New Hires – Essential skills for early-career teachers to build a positive learning environment Why This Partnership Matters By integrating EduMatch’s courses into MobileMind’s self-paced, on-demand learning platform , we’re ensuring that educators can engage with relevant, high-quality professional learning that seamlessly aligns with their district’s broader initiatives. This collaboration will increase accessibility, engagement, and impact for educators looking to grow their skills while balancing their busy schedules. “EduMatch is incredibly excited to begin this partnership with MobileMind. We are looking forward to impacting educators together, and bringing our community and our passion for educator growth to a wider audience.” - Sarah Thomas, PhD, Founder, EduMatch“ We’re absolutely thrilled to be partnering with such a talented team who cares so deeply about educator wellbeing and effectiveness, as well as student access and outcomes. This high-impact EduMatch offering will empower both new and veteran educators with actionable learning they can implement immediately.” - Amy Vitala, Ed.D, Chief Learning Officer, MobileMind At MobileMind, we’re committed to expanding access to meaningful professional learning experiences that help educators thrive. This partnership with EduMatch is another step forward in ensuring that every educator has the resources they need to grow, connect, and succeed. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow our ReadyMade Marketplace!

We are excited to announce a new partnership between MobileMind and Short Answer, a collaboration aimed at transforming how writing is taught and practiced across K12 classrooms. Short Answer is on a mission to help teachers build stronger writers through gamified, social writing activities that work across every subject, not just ELA. Their research-driven platform, developed at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, empowers students in grades 3–12 to respond to engaging prompts, give and receive peer and AI feedback, and reflect meaningfully on their writing. It’s a fresh approach that’s already been shown to double the rate of learning in the classroom. Tackling the Writing Crisis with Innovation According to NAEP data, about75% of 8th and 12th graders in the U.S. do not write proficiently. On top of this, AI tools are now capable of generating text for students, resulting in even less writing practice for students. That’s where Short Answer steps in. Short Answer enables more writing in K12 schools by making it easy to embed writing in any content area. Instead of adding to a teacher’s workload, Short Answer reframes writing activities as tools for content assessment, helping students show what they know through written expression while enabling teachers to evaluate content understanding. What This Means for MobileMind Educators Through this partnership, MobileMind is excited to offer educators powerful, practical learning paths to get started with Short Answer and expand their usage with confidence: Short Answer Basics This Learning Path is your fast track to getting started. Educators will explore how to create and launch activities using Short Answer’s intuitive platform. Each module includes quick videos and a short quiz to solidify your knowledge—perfect for busy teachers looking for actionable training. Short Answer Advanced Ready to level up? This course dives into features like Immersive Reader, Peer Commenting, and exporting student responses. Teachers will also discover more advanced writing activity types to foster deeper learning and richer collaboration. Both learning paths are designed to support flexible, on-demand professional learning. Educators can explore at their own pace whenever it works best. A Shared Vision for Literacy and Equity At MobileMind, we’re committed to helping districts modernize professional learning and close equity gaps in education. Our partnership with Short Answer reinforces this commitment by equipping teachers across all disciplines with the tools and confidence to embed writing across the curriculum. Together, we’re helping districts build coherent, cross-subject writing instruction that boosts literacy outcomes and empowers students to thrive in a world where strong writing matters more than ever.

We’re excited to welcome ClassDojo to the MobileMind ReadyMade Marketplace! ClassDojo is one of the most beloved classroom tools in K–12, helping educators build strong classroom culture, connect with families, and celebrate student growth. Now, schools and districts can access ClassDojo’s professional learning directly inside MobileMind. Through a collection of engaging micro-courses and curated learning paths, ClassDojo empowers teachers, school leaders, and districts with the skills to: Get started quickly with setup and communication essentials Strengthen classroom and schoolwide culture Streamline rostering and save time with SIS integrations Unlock advanced features and creative applications for learning “Our mission at MobileMind is to help K12 leaders offer professional learning that is flexible, meaningful, and truly relevant to their educators’ work,” said Dr. Amy Vitala, Chief Learning Officer at MobileMind. “ClassDojo has long been a trusted partner for schools, and we’re thrilled to bring their professional learning into the Marketplace. This partnership connects teachers and leaders with on-demand ClassDojo training so they can effectively connect with families, build positive school culture, and celebrate student growth.” This partnership brings even more high-quality, ready-to-use professional learning to the MobileMind Marketplace, making it easier than ever for educators to explore ClassDojo’s tools in meaningful ways that translate directly into their daily practice. "At ClassDojo, we’re focused on helping every teacher, leader, and district create a thriving school community,” said Dave Herron, Head of School Partnerships at ClassDojo. “By partnering with MobileMind, we’re making it easier for educators to build confidence with ClassDojo, learn new strategies, and bring even more joy and connection into their classrooms and schools.” By bringing ClassDojo’s professional learning into MobileMind, educators gain access to job-embedded PD that is practical, flexible, and impactful —helping them maximize their use of ClassDojo and drive stronger connections across classrooms, schools, and districts.

We’re excited to welcome Lucid for Education to the MobileMind ReadyMade Marketplace! Lucid for Education helps schools transform learning through collaborative tools like Lucidspark and Lucidchart , enabling students and educators to brainstorm, organize, and visualize ideas in creative and engaging ways. And now, all Canvas users already have free access to Lucid through their LMS —making it easier than ever for schools to bring collaboration and creativity into every classroom. With Lucid’s professional learning now available in MobileMind, educators can explore Learning Paths that make it simple to: Get started with Lucidspark and begin using interactive whiteboarding for collaboration and creativity Learn how to integrate Lucid seamlessly into Canvas to boost student engagement Discover how to design interactive activities that bring lessons to life Earn recognition as a Lucid Certified Educator while building confidence with the full Lucid for Education suite “Lucid makes learning more collaborative and creative, and with free access for every Canvas user, the opportunity to impact millions of educators is enormous. This ReadyMade content not only helps teachers unlock everything Lucid offers but also supports them in making the most of their LMS. By bringing Lucid’s professional learning into MobileMind, we’re helping educators move from access to confidence—so they can engage students in powerful new ways.” — Casey Clarke, Director of Partnerships at MobileMind. “Lucid for Education is all about empowering teachers to bring creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking into every classroom,” said Vanessa Cicero, Teaching and Learning Consultant at Lucid for Education. “With Lucid available for free to every Canvas user, and now with guided professional learning in MobileMind, educators have a powerful path to making student engagement and collaboration a reality.” By bringing Lucid for Education’s professional learning into MobileMind, schools gain access to ready-to-use PD that helps teachers unlock student creativity, maximize their LMS, and make learning more interactive.

In this blog post, Andrew Caffrey from Canopy , looks at some of the most popular AI Tools in Education. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world, and education is no exception. AI is already used in classrooms to help teachers develop learning resources, provide feedback, and automate tasks. As AI continues to evolve, it is likely to have an even greater impact on education. AI can help save teachers time in a number of ways. For example, AI can be used to create lesson plans, write letters to parents, and develop schemes of work. This can free up teachers to spend more time on tasks that require human creativity and judgment. Additionally, AI Tools can be used to personalize learning for each student, which can help students learn more effectively. At Canopy, we have been tracking AI Tools as they launch - here are some of the most popular from our Canopy AI Tools Directory.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to transform K-12 teaching and learning and educator productivity, but it can be intimidating to teachers and leaders, which is understandable. Just like any novel technology with significant educational potential, training is absolutely essential if we are to alleviate concerns about this revolutionary technology, as well as integrate it in a safe and intentional manner with our students. The focus should go far beyond discussing the potential benefits of AI; it's equally important to understand the risks of not providing teachers with proper AI training. In this blog post, we'll delve into six risks districts assume when not offering AI training to their teachers and staff.