Integrating High Stakes Testing Strategies into Daily Instruction for English Language Arts

Designed for School Leaders asking...

How can we integrate assessment-aligned skills and habits of mind into daily instruction to produce measurable gains in student achievement?

What instructional systems—such as rubric use, companion texts, and test-aligned item construction—will ensure students consistently demonstrate standards mastery?

How do we build teacher capacity to embed rigorous, assessment-ready practices into everyday lessons so students perform at their personal best?

“Your presenters were knowledgeable and offered practical tips in how to address the standards in teaching practice. The additional support of the online tools 'including assessments and lessons' offered teachers the opportunity to work with these standards easily in their classes.”

Rebecca Moody

Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Pitman Public Schools

Delivering Powerful Learning Experiences

As a result of this work

As a result of this work, educators will integrate test preparation into daily standards-based instruction, ensuring students develop the skills, habits of mind, and confidence needed to perform at their best on assessments. Teachers will leave with practical strategies, instructional resources, rubric techniques, test-aligned item creation methods, companion text approaches, and ready-to-use “Do Now” activities that can be implemented immediately in the classroom.

Workshop Description

The best form of test preparation is integrating the necessary skills and habits of mind into daily instruction. This workshop provides the concepts and materials that instructors need in order to provide seamless Standards-based instruction that also prepares students to perform at their personal best. Concepts presented during this workshop include implementing instructional resources, using rubrics, constructing test-aligned items, using companion texts, and creating Do Now’s. Instructors will leave the workshop with a large repertoire of ideas and activities that they can employ in class the very next day.

Designed for Today's Schools

Customized

Expert-led

In-person, virtual, or asynchronous

Standards Aligned

Research-Based

Nationwide

Educators will confidently

Educators will confidently integrate test preparation into daily instruction by embedding essential skills and habits of mind through standards-aligned tasks, rubrics, companion texts, and purposeful “do now” activities. This work supports district priorities by building instructional alignment, strengthening readiness for high-stakes assessments, and maintaining rigorous, engaging learning experiences without narrowing the curriculum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes your workshops different from traditional professional development or other providers?

Our approach goes beyond one-size-fits-all professional development. We hold ourselves to rigorous standards of quality and delivery in every client interaction, ensuring that each experience is meaningful, relevant, and impactful. We don’t just deliver workshops—we build long-term partnerships with schools and districts, working alongside educators to improve instructional practices and student outcomes over time.

We actively listen to educators’ unique contexts and experiences, using that insight to collaboratively design tailored solutions rather than pre-packaged sessions. Our team asks thoughtful questions, challenges assumptions, and continuously learns so we can help redefine what’s possible in teaching and learning.

Above all, we communicate authentically, foster positive and productive relationships, and bring a deep passion and commitment to education. The result is professional learning that feels purposeful, personalized, and truly transformative.

Who are your workshops designed for?

Our workshops are designed for educators and school leaders, including teachers, instructional coaches, school administrators, and district teams. Each session is tailored to the specific audience to ensure content is relevant, practical, and immediately applicable.

What does a typical workshop look like?

Our workshops are interactive, engaging, and grounded in real classroom practice. Each experience is intentionally designed using the principles of andragogy, sound instructional design, and the core constructs of effective professional development to ensure relevance, coherence, and impact. Participants engage in discussion, reflection, planning, and application activities — not just passive listening. Educators leave with concrete strategies and next steps they can implement right away.

How long are your workshops?

We offer flexible formats, including half-day, full-day, and multi-session series. We can also design ongoing professional learning experiences to support sustained implementation over time.

What delivery methods are available for your workshops?

We offer flexible delivery options to meet the needs of schools and districts, including in-person sessions, live virtual workshops, and asynchronous learning through our applied learning platform. Regardless of format, all experiences are designed to be interactive, engaging, and collaborative, with structures that promote meaningful participation and application of learning.

What kind of follow-up support is available?

We believe professional learning is most effective when it’s sustained. In addition to workshops, we offer instructional coaching, implementation planning, and follow-up sessions to help teams translate learning into practice and drive meaningful results.

Who facilitates the workshops?

Inspired Instruction’s workshops are facilitated by a nationwide team of expert Instructional Strategists. Our facilitators bring diverse experience as classroom educators, instructional coaches, principals, directors, and superintendents, spanning all content areas. We thoughtfully match your specific needs with a facilitator whose expertise aligns to ensure the learning experience is relevant, practical, and impactful for your staff.

How much does it cost to bring a workshop to my school or district?

We offer a range of pricing options designed to meet the needs of different schools and districts. Our Client Directors work closely with you to understand your goals, scope, and budget, and will partner with you to design a high-quality professional learning experience that fits within your financial framework.