Publications

Strengthen Instruction

The Toughest Nut to Crack: First Things First

In this report, the authors briefly review the history of First Things First’s evolving approach to helping schools improve teaching and learning. “Toughest Nut to Crack” then answers the question “what does good teaching and learning look like?” by introducing and defining three core instructional goals: engagement, alignment, and rigor.

Measuring What Matters

This publication provides an overview of the tools, supports, and activities that are part of IRRE's Measuring What Matters (MWM). MWM is a continuous improvement system that includes data collection, analysis and reporting tools developed by IRRE staff and consultants around effective practices to support each of First Things First’s implementation strategies: personalized learning communities; family and student advocacy; instructional improvement; effective use of data; and building system capacity.

Going Small and Getting Smarter: Small Learning Communities as Platforms for Effective Professional Development

The aim of “Going Small” is to demonstrate how small personalized learning communities provide an optimal platform for the most important elements of effective professional development.