Foundations and frontiers in precision teaching: purpose, standards, technology, and community

Purpose This paper aims to provide a commentary to (Reagan, 2024; this issue) explore key considerations for advancing precision teaching, a data-driven approach that remains impactful in fostering educational and behavioural change. Design/methodology/approach Addressing four central topics – charting with purpose, balancing standards with expanding applications, using technology and relying on communities of practice – this paper discusses practices to strengthen and sustain the precision teaching community. Findings Charting with purpose underscores the importance of using data to guide informed, meaningful decisions. Balancing standards with expanding applications addresses the challenge of maintaining methodological rigour while adapting to new contexts. Thoughtful use of technology is presented as both a tool and a potential limitation, particularly for early-career precision teachers learning standard charting principles. Finally, reliance on communities of practice emphasises the mentorship and collective wisdom that supports precision teachers across stages of their careers. Originality/value By integrating these elements, this paper offers a framework to guide the precision teaching community in navigating emerging opportunities and sustaining its foundational principles.