The Ultimate Guide to Academic Rigor
What does academic rigor look like, why is it important, and how do we use…
instructionalempowermentSeptember 29, 2025
The Turnaround Trap: Why Quick Fixes Fail Students
Original research and insights to build the systems for school improvement.
instructionalempowermentSeptember 25, 2025
The Overlooked Skills That Power Academic Achievement and Student Growth
The truth is, you can’t reach rigorous academic outcomes without also developing all the skills…
instructionalempowermentJuly 25, 2025
[Peer-Reviewed Research] Turning Around Chronically Low-Performing Schools
Can professional development and coaching turn chronically low-performing schools around?
instructionalempowermentJuly 4, 2025
[Peer-Reviewed Research] The Role of Self-Efficacy, Motivation, and Perceived Support of Students’ Basic Psychological Needs in Academic Achievement
How self-efficacy, motivation, and perceived support boosts academic achievement.
instructionalempowermentJuly 4, 2025
How Willard Elementary Climbed to #2 in ELA Growth and #9 in Math Among Illinois K–6 Schools
Case study: Willard Elementary improved achievement and student outcomes using Instructional Empowerment’s Model of Instruction…
instructionalempowermentJune 25, 2025
Activating Rigor in Your Pre-K Curriculum with Deeper Learning
It’s a common question: Can pre-K students really engage in deeper learning? The answer—backed by…
instructionalempowermentJune 2, 2025
How Schools Are Increasing Student Achievement with RigorWalk, a Research-Validated Classroom Walkthrough Tool
RigorWalk is a research-validated classroom walkthrough tool proven to predict student achievement and used nationwide,…
instructionalempowermentMay 21, 2025
[Peer-Reviewed Research] Leading Indicators of Academic Achievement: Investigating the Predictive Validity of an Observation Instrument in a Large District
This study of 53 Illinois schools examines the validity of the Rigor Appraisal tool.
instructionalempowermentApril 22, 2025
English Learners Are Capable of More—If We Make the Shift to Deeper Learning
To improve outcomes for English learners, we need a model of instruction that empowers all…
instructionalempowermentApril 16, 2025
