Author Archives: Helen Russell
Multilingual Learners And Literacy Law Gaps
Multilingual Learners are often included in state literacy goals, but recent research shows that many laws still do not spell out what schools should do differently for children developing English while learning to read. For teachers and school planners, that gap is not abstract. It affects screening decisions, intervention design, family communication, teacher preparation, and the way schools separate language development from possible disability.
State reading laws have expanded quickly … Read the rest
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Community Adult Education: BeLit In Philadelphia
Community adult education in Philadelphia is growing through a mix of public funding, adult literacy instruction, digital access support, volunteer involvement, and family-centered outreach. Beyond Literacy, often called BeLit, sits at the center of that work because its programs connect adult learners with English language classes, GED preparation, digital skills, and practical supports that help adults participate more fully in work, school, and family life.
The need is significant. Research … Read the rest
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IDEA report: Progress and Gaps in Inclusion
The IDEA report gives educators, families, and community partners a clear way to discuss progress for students with disabilities without losing sight of the work still ahead. The 2025 Annual Report to Congress on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act showed that more than 8 million public school students, or over 15% of all U.S. public school students, were served under IDEA in school year 2022-23, compared with 8.3% in … Read the rest
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Why Authors Need Clear AI Policies Before Choosing A Publishing Partner
Authors entering the publishing process increasingly need to ask a question that goes beyond editing, distribution, and marketing: how will their work be handled throughout the publishing workflow? As artificial intelligence tools become more common across creative industries, publishers, editors, and author-service companies are creating policies around manuscript handling, copyright, marketing materials, and the use of automated tools.
For writers, the goal is not simply finding a company that offers … Read the rest
Posted in Reading and Literacy
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D.C. Literacy Grant Builds Reading Partnerships
The D.C. Literacy Grant gives educators and community partners a practical case study in how reading improvement can be organized beyond one classroom or one intervention. Its value for school teams is not only in the funding amount, but in the way the work connected early childhood providers, K-12 schools, professional learning, family literacy experiences, and local planning.
Washington, D.C. received the federal Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant in September … Read the rest
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Inclusive STEM Education And NSF Workforce Trends
NSF workforce data gives school leaders a practical reason to strengthen inclusive STEM education before students reach college or the labor market. The issue is not only whether the United States has enough people working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is also whether students from different communities can see, enter, persist in, and benefit from those pathways.
The National Science Foundation’s Science and Engineering Indicators 2026 reported that … Read the rest
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NYC preschool special education Expansion Plan
New York City’s preschool special education expansion is a significant planning moment for families, Pre-K educators, and school leaders who want young children with disabilities to learn closer to home. The city has announced a $67.5 million allocation in the Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget, with rollout expected to begin in fall 2026, according to the NYC Mayor’s Office announcement.
For inclusive education planners, the value of this announcement … Read the rest
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Why Michigan Library Events Show Summer Reading Works Best When Books Meet Community Programs
Michigan library calendars in late August show why summer reading works best when books are surrounded by community activity. A reading log can help children track progress, but a library visit becomes stronger when it includes story time, STEAM activities, arts and crafts, meal access, technology help, and family events that give books a real place in daily life. For parents, teachers, and homeschool families, the lesson is direct: summer … Read the rest
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Design Stunning Personalized Photo Calendars: Layout, Paper, and Print Workflow
Turning special moments into a keepsake is a meaningful act. A custom calendar makes timekeeping personal and unique. It’s a thoughtful holiday gifting choice.
This guide covers the whole process, from planning to printing. We start with picking the right photos and planning. Then, we talk about design, like layout and fonts.
We also look at paper types and finishes. The last step is choosing a printer to get the … Read the rest
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The Collector’s Almanac: Choosing and Caring for Themed Wall Calendars You’ll Love for Years
For many, a calendar is just a tool for keeping track of appointments. But for a growing group, it’s much more. These monthly displays become accessible art, memory keepers, and strong statements of who we are.
Collectors often look for specific themes in their calendars. Some love art calendars with their favorite painter’s work. Others enjoy the breathtaking views in nature photography calendars. And then there’s the fans of … Read the rest
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