Our Blog

Students can read fluently but still struggle to understand what they’ve read. This blog explores why background knowledge in reading is essential for comprehension and how project-based learning (PBL) helps students build the context they need. Through real classroom examples and practical strategies, you’ll see how knowledge-rich experiences support stronger readers across grade levels.

There is a moment in project-based learning when students share their work beyond the classroom, and everything changes. At Windsor Elementary in Des Moines Public Schools, students brought their learning to life through a powerful PBL public product. This post explores how public products give learning purpose, deepen engagement, and help students take ownership of their work as they create work that truly matters.

The science of reading offers powerful insight into how students learn to read and why decoding and comprehension must be intentionally taught. This post explores how the science of reading and project based learning (PBL) work together, showing how explicit literacy instruction strengthens inquiry, supports access to complex texts, and deepens student understanding within meaningful, real-world projects.

What does a PBL Coach really do? This post explores how a PBL Coach supports teachers beyond “drive-by PD,” helping them plan, implement, and sustain meaningful Project-Based Learning. Learn how ongoing PBL coaching keeps the momentum moving forward and transforms professional development into lasting change.

Discover how Theory U enhances Project Based Learning (PBL) in K-12 classrooms. Explore strategies that deepen reflection, co-creation, and student growth.

Project Based Learning (PBL) opens doors for every learner. In this post, I share how my experiences as both a mom and educator shaped my belief that all students can learn. You’ll discover practical project based learning ideas for students with disabilities, real classroom examples, and a free downloadable one-pager to help you get started with inclusive PBL in your own classroom.

Welcome to the final post in our 4-part series on collaboration skills. In this post, we explore how feedback can fuel student growth—when students learn to give, receive, and reflect on feedback, they develop stronger learning habits and deeper relationships. Discover practical routines, sentence stems, and strategies to help learners engage in purposeful feedback throughout your classroom.

Learn how to teach collaboration skills through collaborative thinking. Discover key classroom practices and strategies that help students reflect, share, and build on each other’s ideas for deeper dialogue and learning.

Learn how to build Collaboration Skills through goal-setting in the classroom and student accountability. This post explores the “Goals and Progress” domain of collaboration, offering strategies for setting and tracking collaborative goals. It connects these strategies to PBL and shares four practical routines to help students stay aligned, reflect, and take ownership of their collaborative work.

Part 1 of our Collaboration Skills Series focuses on relationship building, the foundation of strong classroom collaboration. Learn how to use storytelling routines and SEL practices to foster trust, safety, and deeper learning among students.

Work Time Goal Setting helps students manage time, set goals, and stay focused. Boost productivity with this classroom strategy.

Enhance student goal-setting and reflection with Check-In/Check-Out Circles. Foster accountability and focus for deeper learning.

In our final post of the Actionable PBL Assessment series, learn how to help students track progress, use feedback, and support each other.

Learn how to make assessments in project-based learning actionable with visible strategies, clear learning target goals, and rubrics.

Learn how formative assessment in project-based learning supports student growth, aligns with learning goals, and ensures project success.

Help students develop self-awareness skills with the Wrap-Up Reflection strategy, fostering growth and emotional understanding.

Uncover your PBL strengths with this free quiz! Get personalized strategies to build on your successes and enhance your teaching practice.

ACP's 2024 Year in Review: new tools, a rebrand, team growth, and plans to support educators with clarity and innovation in 2025.

Explore how PBL supports standardized test success with proven strategies, research insights, and tips for aligning projects with test goals

Explore how to create rigorous inquiry-based learning that goes beyond questions to foster critical thinking, real connections, & ownership.