Author Archives: Miles Hawthorne
Colorado Homeschool Enrichment After ERBOCES
Colorado Homeschool Enrichment entered a new phase after the dissolution of Education reEnvisioned BOCES, known as ERBOCES, before the 2026-27 school year. For families, the change is not only a policy story. It affects where children gather for part-time learning, whether programs can be funded, and how parents plan reading, arts, science, language, and community experiences around a home education plan.
As a literacy coach, I look at these changes … Read the rest
Posted in Homeschooling
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ROAR dyslexia screener and K-12 Literacy
The ROAR dyslexia screener has drawn attention from K-12 literacy teams because it connects early reading screening with a format that is automated, scalable, and usable across grade levels. For families and educators, the promise is practical: identify students who may need extra support sooner, then connect that information to instruction, intervention, and clear communication at home.
ROAR stands for Rapid Online Assessment of Reading. According to Stanford, ROAR has … Read the rest
Posted in Curriculum Resources
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Rhode Island Literacy Grants Back Reading Support
On August 14, 2026, the Rhode Island Department of Education announced more than $18 million in competitive federal funding for two new reading initiatives. The Rhode Island Literacy Grants came through the U.S. Department of Education’s Education Innovation and Research program and were described by RIDE as support for literacy achievement, high-quality teaching, and learning statewide in its RIDE announcement.
For families, educators, and community partners, the key point … Read the rest
Posted in Reading and Literacy
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Education Technology Guidance for Curriculum
The federal education technology guidance issued on August 20, 2026, gave schools, curriculum teams, and families a clearer way to judge classroom tools: start with learning, keep educators in charge, protect students, and be honest about what a product can and cannot do. For early childhood and elementary classrooms, that message matters because young readers need purposeful instruction, not screen time that only looks busy.
On August 20, 2026, the … Read the rest
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STEM Curriculum Resources in USD’s New Building
The University of San Diego’s new STEM building gives families, teachers, librarians, and community educators a useful chance to think about STEM Curriculum Resources before the facility opens. The building itself is a university project, not a K–12 curriculum package. Still, its planned labs, maker spaces, and interdisciplinary design point to the kinds of learning materials young students may need as they move from early curiosity into more formal science, … Read the rest
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AI Curriculum Resources Under California Policy
California’s new model policy makes AI Curriculum Resources a district-level planning issue, not just a classroom experiment. In June 2026, the California Department of Education published a model policy template to help local educational agencies and charter schools create AI policies that address legal, ethical, and logistical considerations, according to the CDE model policy template.
For curriculum teams, that shift matters because AI tools are no longer separate from … Read the rest
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Portfolio & Assessment: Evidence of Learning for Evaluators and Colleges
Let’s talk about something different. Standardized tests are like judging a chef by a microwave dinner. They’re quick, uniform, but miss the real point of learning.
The portfolio & assessment is like a five-course tasting menu. It’s not just old homework. It’s a story of your growth and learning. Imagine it as your academic director’s cut, with extra commentary tracks.
Teachers are asking big questions. What’s the real purpose of … Read the rest
Posted in Homeschooling
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Navigating Legal Requirements for Homeschooling (US Overview)
Legal Requirements for Homeschooling in California
When it comes to homeschooling in California, there are specific legal requirements that parents must adhere to. These requirements ensure that homeschooling is conducted in a way that aligns with the state’s educational standards and provides a well-rounded education for children.
One of the key legal requirements for homeschooling in California is the submission of a Notice of Intent to Homeschool. This notice … Read the rest
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Block vs Loop Scheduling: Choosing a Structure That Fits Your Family
Choosing a homeschool framework isn’t about finding the “right” answer. It’s a test of your family’s operating system.
Are you a meticulously sorted spreadsheet or a beautifully chaotic jazz improvisation? This choice shows your educational DNA.
I’m here to break down the two main models with precision and relatable humor. We’ll focus on lived experience, not just ideas.
Think of this as a personality quiz for your daily … Read the rest
Posted in Homeschooling
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How to Organize a Home Learning Schedule for Multiple Grade Levels
Forget the dream of the one-room schoolhouse. Teaching different ages at home is more like a heist movie. Plans change, and someone always cries about a missing crayon.
The classroom timetable doesn’t work at home. It’s too rigid for a family’s needs. This leads to frustration and parental burnout.
So, what’s the secret? It’s not about finding more hours. It’s about finding a smarter rhythm. Success comes from structured … Read the rest
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