Assessment’s complexities are a common hurdle for new teachers. My experience as a teacher educator and observations of both novice and experienced teachers show this challenge persists even for veterans. To truly understand how to leverage assessment for learning, it’s crucial to first distinguish between formative and summative approaches.  Formative assessment stands apart in its […]

How one student’s experience highlights the need for a more inclusive, skills-based approach to post-secondary preparation. For some students, college is the assumed ‘next step’—a foregone conclusion. For others, it feels entirely irrelevant. With this in mind, it’s logical to assume that K-12 College and Career Readiness (CCR) initiatives would thus balance these two schools […]

Artificial intelligence (AI) has captured the attention of educators everywhere. Unlike previous waves of ed-tech innovation, AI has sparked more questions than answers. While some fear it could replace teachers or encourage cheating, others see it as a revolutionary tool to enhance learning and streamline classroom practices. After having had hundreds of conversations with curriculum […]

Your SAT score matters for college admissions, scholarships, and even high school graduation. But what’s considered a good score? Let’s break it down. How is the SAT Scored? The SAT has two main sections: ✅ Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) (Reading + Writing & Language) ✅ Math (No Calculator + Calculator) Each section is scored […]

The highest possible ACT score? 36.The national average? 19.9. So, what’s a good score? It depends on your goals. A 23+ puts you above average for college admissions, while top-tier schools expect 33+. If you’re taking the ACT for high school graduation, check your state’s required score—often lower than college benchmarks. ACT Scoring 101 The […]

What is the ACT? Many colleges require you to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of the admissions process. Your ACT score is a key player in your college application—helping schools assess your academic readiness. ACT Breakdown 📏 Test Length: 2 hrs, 55 min (+40 min for Writing) 📚 Sections: English Math Reading Science […]

illustration from iStock School districts have complex budgets. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of possible funding resources to assist schools like yours in getting the things that matter most—tools and resources like ChalkTalk to help students succeed. Read on to learn more about federal, state, and additional funding options below. I. Funding With […]

Imagine you’re observing two geometry teachers in your school’s math department. You need to assess the teachers’ use of evidence-based lessons and how the students are engaged with the learning. Both geometry teachers are covering how to apply common formulas to a real-world construction project. In the first classroom, the students are divided into three […]

Building the ChalkTalk Team A year and a half ago, ChalkTalk was made up of 5 people. Today ChalkTalk is made up of 50 amazing people. ChalkTalk helps educators connect deeply with their students—we power ELA and math instruction at some of the largest districts and individual schools across the nation, from New York to […]

Author: Mackenzie Winkel (HR Manager) & Mohannad Arbaji (CEO) For my teachers out there looking to transition into the EdTech field: We recently interviewed a former teacher for a position here at ChalkTalk (a role we were asking for 3+ years of EdTech experience for). I wanted to share a few things she did that […]

With the challenges brought forth by COVID and uncertainties surrounding the next school year, educators are preparing for a Fall semester that might be composed of in-person instruction, distance learning, or both. During the past few months and looking forward to Fall 2020, teachers have been creative with building an online learning environment that mimics […]

Choosing Education as My Life’s Mission My father grew up in a refugee camp wearing underwear my grandmother sewed together from UN donation rice bags and using street lamps to study at night. Through education and scholarships, he became a physician and ultimately worked his way up to become the Secretary-General of Healthcare of Jordan. I […]