Improving Early Childhood Education for These “Invisible Students”
Jodie Shell • September 30, 2020

According to the  National Center for Education Statistics , in 2010-11, of the 100,000 public schools in the United States, one-third of them were located in rural areas, which was more than in suburbs, cities, or towns.  Rural students made up 24% of the total enrollment in public schools in the country; that’s 12 million students! This is no small number and certainly not one that should be overlooked by state policy makers. But according to a report from the  Rural School and Community Trust , “the invisibility of rural education persists in many states. Many rural students are largely invisible to state policy makers because they live in states where education policy is dominated by highly visible urban problems.”

You often hear in the media and public forums about issues in city schools and the challenges districts and students there face, but many times the issues—for example, lack of access to high-quality early childhood programs and a high number of students coming from economically disadvantaged homes— are the same in rural districts as they are in the city.

So what can we do to improve education in rural areas and make these students visible? Spread the word!

Co-producer Sam Chaltain of the documentary film 180 Days: Hartsville from PBS is doing his part to shine the light on rural students. In his  article posted on The Edvocate , he explains that the film is about “a year in the life of one small [rural] Southern town, two schools that work primarily with low-income children, and one family’s efforts to break the generational cycle of poverty.“ He also says that the film indirectly shows how the typical strategies of school reform, like charter and online schooling, are not feasible options in rural areas where money and other resources are scarce.

GrapeSEED is also helping by promoting literacy development in young students in a remote area of Pennsylvania.  Southern Huntingdon County School District  is a rural district where 40% of students come  from economically disadvantaged  homes and 33% of students had no prior experience in a classroom. They began using GrapeSEED last year, and they were so pleased with the results that they decided to implement the program district-wide in preschool, Head Start, Kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms to help achieve their Literacy for Life goals.

Photo courtesy of Southern Huntingdon County School District

We can all help bring attention to rural districts, their struggles, and their need for educational improvements. And it’s something we should do because it affects so many students in this country, their future, and the  future of our society as a whole. Talk to your congressman, talk to educators, and talk to anyone who will listen. High-quality early childhood education is a necessity for every young child, including those in the rural towns we hear so little about. All kids matter, so let’s work together to make sure every one of them is visible!

Celebrating Teachers: Why Teacher Appreciation is Special and Unique in 2025

April 28, 2025
In 2025, teacher appreciation has taken on an exciting new dimension. As we navigate through a rapidly evolving digital age, the role of teachers has become more crucial and multifaceted than ever before. Here’s why celebrating our educators this year is both special and unique: Digital Pioneers : Teachers today are not just educators but also pioneers of digital learning. They've seamlessly integrated technology into their classrooms, using tools like virtual reality and AI to create immersive learning experiences that captivate and engage students. Adaptability at its Best : The past few years have shown us the incredible adaptability of teachers. Whether transitioning from in-person to online classes or adopting hybrid teaching models, teachers have proven their ability to pivot and innovate, ensuring that learning continues uninterrupted. Champions of Personalized Learning : With the help of data-driven insights and educational technology, teachers are crafting personalized learning experiences. This approach caters to the unique needs of each student, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive at their own pace. Emotional Intelligence Leaders : Teachers today understand the importance of emotional intelligence in education. They are equipped to support the emotional and mental well-being of their students, creating a safe and nurturing space for learning. Creative Engagement : From gamified learning to interactive projects, teachers are continuously inventing new ways to make education fun and engaging. Their creativity inspires students to be curious and passionate about their subjects. As we look to the future, the role of teachers will continue to evolve, but one thing remains constant: their unwavering dedication to shaping young minds. In 2025, we celebrate not just their adaptability but also their commitment to fostering a brighter future for all. Teacher appreciation today is a testament to their invaluable contributions to society and the endless possibilities they unlock for future generations. At GrapeSEED, we are inspired by and appreciative of teachers who inspire, innovate, and ignite a love for learning! Are YOU ready to become a GrapeSEED teacher? Click here!

Navigating the Multi-Language-Learner Landscape: The Nuances of Being an Instructional Coach

By Jodie Shell • April 11, 2025
The role of an instructional coach in the multilingual language learner world is challenging and rewarding, requiring a unique set of skills and a deep commitment to fostering language acquisition among diverse learners. Often serving as the bridge between teachers and students, instructional coaches in this realm play a pivotal role in shaping how language education is delivered and experienced. Here's a closer look at the nuances of this impactful role: Supporting Diverse Learners One of the most rewarding aspects of being an ESL instructional coach is the opportunity to support a wide range of learners from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning environment but also presents unique challenges. Coaches must be adept at understanding the specific needs and strengths of each student, tailoring strategies to enhance engagement and comprehension. Adapting Teaching Strategies Cultural context plays a critical role in how language is taught and learned. ESL instructional coaches must continuously adapt teaching strategies to align with the cultural nuances of their students. This involves integrating culturally relevant materials, respecting different learning styles, and being sensitive to the cultural references that may affect language comprehension and usage. Fostering Collaboration Collaboration is at the heart of an ESL instructional coach's work. Coaches collaborate with teachers to develop effective lesson plans, provide feedback on teaching practices, and introduce innovative instructional methods. By fostering a collaborative environment, coaches help create a supportive network that enhances professional growth and improves student outcomes. Continuous Professional Development  To stay effective, ESL instructional coaches must engage in continuous professional development. This includes attending workshops, participating in webinars, and staying abreast of the latest research in language acquisition and teaching methodologies. Professional development is crucial for coaches to refine their skills and introduce new teaching techniques that can benefit both teachers and students. Leveraging Technology The integration of technology in ESL instruction is a game-changer, and instructional coaches are at the forefront of this transformation. By leveraging tools such as language learning apps, virtual classrooms, and digital assessments, coaches can enhance the learning experience and provide more personalized support. Technology also allows for greater accessibility, enabling students to practice language skills outside the traditional classroom setting. Making a Lasting Impact Ultimately, the role of an ESL instructional coach is about making a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators. Coaches help unlock the potential of students by equipping them with the language skills needed to succeed in a globalized world. They also empower teachers with the tools and confidence to deliver effective ESL instruction. In conclusion, being an instructional coach in the ESL world is a dynamic and fulfilling career that requires a blend of empathy, adaptability, and expertise. By embracing these nuances, instructional coaches can contribute significantly to the field of language education, paving the way for a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Are you an instructional coach who is interested in learning about the impact that GrapeSEED could make on your teachers and students? Come partner with us! Just click here to get started.

What Is Language Acquisition? Stages and Theories

By Jodie Shell • April 7, 2025
Doing more research on Language Acquisition? The stages of Language Acquisition and theories / best practices? GrapeSEED provides insights and tips on the topic.

Unlock Potential with Data Driven Instruction

March 27, 2025
In the dynamic environment of multilingual learner classrooms, data-driven instruction paired with formative assessments plays a pivotal role in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Let's explore how these strategies can benefit both teachers and students. The Power of Formative Assessments Formative assessments are essential tools that offer real-time insights into student progress, enabling educators to refine their teaching methods. Here's why they're indispensable: Immediate Feedback : By providing instant insights, formative assessments help teachers adjust their instructional strategies to better meet student needs. Customized Learning : These assessments allow lessons to be tailored to individual student needs, moving away from generic approaches to more personalized instruction. Increased Engagement : When lessons are precisely aligned with a student's current understanding, engagement and participation naturally increase. Effective Formative Assessment Techniques Incorporating a variety of assessment techniques keeps the classroom lively and informative: Quizzes : These quick assessments help identify which language concepts students have mastered and which need more attention. Peer Reviews : Students work together to provide feedback, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Self-Assessments : Encouraging students to evaluate their own progress promotes self-awareness and active participation in their learning journey. Benefits of Data-Driven Instruction Utilizing data from formative assessments allows for a more strategic approach to teaching: Targeted Instruction : Teachers can develop activities that address specific areas of difficulty, such as pronunciation exercises or vocabulary games. Supportive Learning Environment : Continuous feedback nurtures a growth mindset, encouraging students to view learning as an ongoing process. Enhanced Language Acquisition : Focusing on individual language skills helps students build a robust foundation for more rapid and confident language learning. In summary, integrating data-driven instruction with formative assessments transforms the ESL classroom into an engaging and effective learning space. By using these strategies, educators can better support student growth and development, ultimately leading to more successful language acquisition. If you would love to learn about the GrapeSEED Curriculum and our formative assessments, known as ‘Quick Checks’, just head to our website by clicking here .
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