Carroll Connection
Welcome to Carroll School's blog.
Your source for news, insights, and thought-provoking articles on dyslexia education, research, and Carroll.
Math at Carroll: A Unique Approach to Empowering Diverse Learners
Dr. Renée Greenfield, Head of School Blog
Parents often ask me about math instruction at Carroll, wondering what it looks like and how it supports students with diverse learning profiles. I thought it would be helpful to address some of the most common questions here.
Holding and Pushing: Why Social Emotional Learning Is So Important, and What It Looks Like at Carroll
Dr. Renée Greenfield, Head of School Blog
In order to push our students towards learning growth, we must hold them at the same time. This is why social emotional learning (SEL) is the bedrock of a Carroll education. Learn more.
Carroll School Chosen as the Lead School for the AISNE Middle School Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Conference
Amy Dempster
We are thrilled to announce that Carroll School has been chosen as a lead school for the AISNE Middle School Student DEI Conference, which will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Regis College.
Highlights from Carroll School's AISNE Accreditation Study
Stacey Daniels, Assistant Head of School
On behalf of the leadership team at Carroll, I am pleased to share the results of our AISNE accreditation process.
What Is My Role in Homework?
Dr. Renée Greenfield, Head of School Blog
Carroll's homework philosophy and the answer to the often asked question ... what is a parent's role in homework?
Dyslexia Isn't Only about Reading - Other Subjects Matter, Too
Dr. Renée Greenfield, Head of School Blog
Most families find their way to Carroll because their child is struggling to read. Of course, a ton of student growth happens here in reading, language, and communication skills. But it’s important to make clear that progress is not limited to these domains.
Head of School Spotlight
Dr. Renée Greenfield shares her insights on education, offering reflections on trends in dyslexia education, teaching strategies, and stories from our school community. Join her in exploring and celebrating the world of learning and student success.
Math at Carroll: A Unique Approach to Empowering Diverse Learners
Parents often ask me about math instruction at Carroll, wondering what it looks like and how it supports students with diverse learning profiles. I thought it would be helpful to address some of the most common questions here.
Holding and Pushing: Why Social Emotional Learning Is So Important, and What It Looks Like at Carroll
In order to push our students towards learning growth, we must hold them at the same time. This is why social emotional learning (SEL) is the bedrock of a Carroll education. Learn more.
What Is My Role in Homework?
Carroll's homework philosophy and the answer to the often asked question ... what is a parent's role in homework?
Dyslexia Isn't Only about Reading - Other Subjects Matter, Too
Most families find their way to Carroll because their child is struggling to read. Of course, a ton of student growth happens here in reading, language, and communication skills. But it’s important to make clear that progress is not limited to these domains.
Giving Back: Carroll Alumni Who Returned as Educators
Currently, six of Carroll’s full-time educators and nearly 25 summer counselors are also Carroll alum. Years ago, these individuals sat in some of the very same classrooms in which they now teach. Their decision to return reflects their enormous commitment to Carroll and enriches our community deeply. Recently, I sat down with four of these educators.
The Power of Summer@Carroll
Summer@Carroll — our accredited summer school with afternoon enrichment opportunities — is no ordinary summer school. Since 1975, it has been integral to our very mission, and who we are as a community.
A Conversation with Dr. Maryanne Wolf on the Science of Reading
As I wrote last spring, new research exploring the neuroscience of reading has stirred the debate over how best to teach our children to read. At the forefront of the discussion is Dr. Maryanne Wolf, an internationally-known researcher, teacher, and advocate for children’s literacy, who I had the fortune of learning from as a graduate student. I recently sat down with Maryanne to get her reaction to the current dialogue around the science of reading.
Igniting Learning: The Impact of Teacher Disposition on Learning Outcomes
In that first year of teaching at Carroll, I thought a lot about what drove their relentless optimism and persistence, neither of which are necessarily taught in teacher education programs. What leads them to work so hard for these kids? Slowly, I began to realize. The ineffable factor—the thing that really ignites learning with students—was, and is, their mindset.
Restorative Practices: Why We’re Talking in Circles ... and Why It Works
Increasingly, restorative practices are being used in schools across the country as a powerful community-building tool. Not only do they offer an effective complement to traditional disciplinary measures, they help students to build important communication and relationship skills. At Carroll, we began exploring the use of restorative practices several years ago ... Dr. Renée shares how it's going and how it fits into Carroll's mission.
Carroll Students Speak: Jay and Stella Share about Belonging, Multis, and Wobbly Chairs
Recently, Stella Grossman, a sixth grader, and Jay Rubenstein, a fourth grader, sat down with Renée to share their thoughts on a range of Carroll topics. Not only do their insights affirm Carroll’s mission, they remind us of the very lives and families we have the privilege of touching—even transforming.
A Conversation with Dr. Sharon Saline on Dyslexia, ADHD, and Executive Function
More than half of Carroll’s student population has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or executive function (EF) challenges, in addition to a language-based learning difference (LBLD). Often, it’s hard to tell which one is at play. How can parents and educators make sense of it all? Clinical psychologist Dr. Sharon Saline answers a few of Dr. Renée Greenfield's questions.
Bryan Perla '14: A Path from Carroll School to Successful Entrepreneur
Bryan Perla ‘14 attended Carroll School from 5th to 9th grade. Recently, he sat down with Head of School Renée Greenfield to discuss his journey from a student with dyslexia to a successful entrepreneur and dyslexic thinker.
What Is My Role as a Carroll Parent?
What is my role as a Carroll parent? What can or should I do to support my child? I’m asked this question often, particularly among families new to our community. I’m happy to provide a concrete answer.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: Critical to Student Outcomes
At Carroll, our approach to parent-teacher conferences is purposeful and straightforward, and leads to some pretty impactful conferences and, in turn, student outcomes. Learn how conferences are designed to support students throughout the school year and beyond.
Science of Reading: Observations from the Side Stage
What’s the best way to teach kids how to read? The reading debate has been simmering for decades. Recently, thanks to a newly named body of research exploring the science of reading, it has captured news headlines. Don’t get me wrong. I’m delighted by today’s energized discussion over how best to teach kids to read. It’s one of the most important conversations we can have as a nation. Here's what I'd like us to pay attention to instead.
Pandemic Lessons: Carroll Learning Data Reveals Student Resilience
Late last month, the journal Nature Human Behavior published the largest, most comprehensive, global study to date on learning progress two-and-a-half years into the pandemic. The results—based on data provided from 15 countries (excluding low-income nations)—were sobering. In short, kids worldwide experienced learning deficits equal to ⅓ of a school year. What’s more, now nearly three years out, evidence suggests those deficits still haven’t been recovered. The story for Carroll students—I’m pleased to say—is different.
Taking Stock: Top 9 Carroll Successes in 2022
Every chance they get, Carroll educators celebrate student victories, big and small. By doing so, they foster joy not simply in what was accomplished, but in all the learning that is yet to come. Following their lead, and in the spirit of year-end reflection, I’ve created my own highlight reel of successes and sources of pride—in no particular order—from 2022. It feels important to pause and take stock of the tremendously meaningful work we engage in at Carroll. What’s more, writing it down has made me even more excited for all that lies ahead in 2023!
The Upside of Struggle
The first time I heard the phrase “productive struggle” was in graduate school. I was in a math methods course, slogging through some pretty tough concepts. My professor was doing her best to encourage us, reassuring us that floundering, muddling through, and making mistakes were hardly signs of failure. In fact, in these very lurching efforts were the seeds of profound learning. Little did I know, more than two decades later, the notion of productive struggle would be foundational to my work, and to the work of all Carroll educators.
New Legislation That Benefits Us All
Last month, Massachusetts passed a momentous and long-awaited piece of legislation requiring schools to screen young students for dyslexia and other learning differences at least twice a year. Beginning on July 1, 2023, this right-to-read legislation will combat an entrenched wait-to-fail approach in the state’s public schools. Why should this matter to the Carroll community?
Starting a New School: All the Feels and Belonging
As we launch the school year, it brings all the feels. And all the feels are welcome - from our students, their families, and all the committed adults that work at Carroll. As I met with new families last week, I named some of the different feelings and emotions that may accompany joining the Carroll School community.
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