With increased accountability for schools to demonstrate student achievement comes high-stakes testing. Although testing can be stressful for students and teachers, there are measures we can use to lessen that stress and help students do a better job showing what they know.

What is the reason so many students do not learn to read? How can we make sure teachers are adequately prepared to apply the principles and practices most supported by scientific research about learning to read? Where are the gaps between common practices and those most in line with evidence of effectiveness? Why do these gaps exist? What could be done better to educate and support teachers in carrying out a very challenging job?

As educators, our mission is to provide all of our students with opportunities as they move into the working world. Sadly, 32 million adult Americans read below a basic level. Locked into low-wage jobs, nearly 60 percent of those with low literacy earn less than $16,000 annually. These are people who lack foundational reading skills. What can we do about this issue?

Parents, teachers, and students can be baffled when students earn poor grades. The remedy isn’t as simple as considering a student’s effort. There are a variety of reasons why students struggle to display, communicate, and assimilate knowledge.

A dynamic speaker and inspiring educator, we interviewed Dr. Fierro about his fascinating life and why he believes teacher knowledge is paramount to helping ELLs (and all learners) develop the literacy skills that will help them succeed both academically and personally.

Dr. Fierro shares why teacher knowledge is paramount to helping ELLs (and all learners) develop the literacy skills that will help them succeed both academically and personally. We spoke with Dr. Fierro about the experiences that led to his career in education and why he’s passionate about ELLs and literacy.