Learning List Blog

Whether by verifying standards alignment or validating rubric evidence, Learning List has supported many publishers in preparing for state adoptions and/or reviews by national entities. Based on that work, here are five tips to help strengthen your submissions for district, state, or national instructional materials reviews. 

Looking for a Texas science program that brings learning to life through investigation, reasoning, and real-world connections? Learning List has reviewed Savvas Learning Company’s Texas Experience Science, a comprehensive science program for grades K-8, available in print and digital formats. This blog highlights findings from Learning List’s reviews of grades K-5, where the materials emphasize collaborative, hands-on learning aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skil

Is your district looking for a phenomena-driven material aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards? Take a look at Learning List’s review of Savvas Learning Company’s Experience Science, comprehensive K–8 science program designed to support three-dimensional NGSS instruction. Program Overview Savvas Learning Company’s Experience Science is a phenomena-based elementary science program available in both print and digital formats. The program is designed to bring science

In K–12 classrooms, learning is most powerful when students see how ideas connect across subjects. High-quality instructional materials (HQIM), standards-aligned, research-based curricula, provide a strong foundation for this kind of integrated learning. When used strategically, HQIM can help teachers move beyond isolated lessons toward coherent, interdisciplinary learning experiences. Below are five keys to building cross-content connections while maintaining fidelity to

Students’ access to grade-level instruction is shaped less by which instructional materials a school adopts and more by how those materials are used in classrooms. When expectations for instruction vary, students can experience very different levels of rigor—even within the same school using the same curriculum. School leaders play a critical role in guiding the use of instructional materials to ensure all students regularly engage with grade-level instruction.

Grouping students into small groups is not just an effective strategy for Tier 2 and Tier 3 instruction. It is a powerful strategy for meeting the diverse learning needs within a single classroom during Tier 1 instruction, too. Yet planning effective small-group lessons, especially when balancing core and supplemental materials, can feel overwhelming. Many educators wonder: Which students should I group together? How do I connect small-group work to the core lesson? Which sup

QuaverHealth is a fully digital K–5 health education program designed to strengthen students’ social, emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being. Learning List recently reviewed the program’s health content. While access to our full review is reserved for subscribers, we are sharing several key observations about this material. 

Heinemann’s Math Expressions is a comprehensive K–6 math curriculum designed to engage students and build deep conceptual understanding through collaboration, problem-solving, and real-world connections. The materials are available in English and Spanish, in print and digital formats. Learning List has reviewed the material’s alignment to the Common Core Standards for Mathematics, as well as the material’s instructional quality and technology compatibility. While full access

Campus administrators and instructional coaches consistently consider how to make Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) meaningful. The most effective PLCs focus on student learning and use instructional resources as a foundation for analysis and planning. The five keys below provide a framework for structuring PLCs that are impactful, data-driven, and grounded in professional learning. Each key is supported by research and includes an embedded quote to help you integra

In today’s classrooms, supplemental instructional materials, such as worksheets, videos, lesson plans, games, and online activities, are everywhere. A recent study by the RAND Corporation found that nearly all teachers (97%) reported using at least one supplemental resource weekly, with many drawing on several at once.  Teacher-created supplemental resources are especially common. In the RAND study, nearly half of teachers reported using self-developed supplemental mat

Every classroom is full of diverse learners and even the best high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) require thoughtful adaptation to meet every student where they are. The goal is not to rewrite the curriculum. It is to use HQIM strategically so all students can access grade-level content through differentiated instruction and well-planned scaffolds. Below are six research-based strategies to help educators adapt materials effectively without losing rigor or alignment

Adopting high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) is a significant step toward ensuring equitable, grade-level learning for every student. But the real challenge comes next: implementing those materials with fidelity while still honoring teacher professionalism and autonomy.  Too much structure can feel restrictive; too much flexibility can lead to inconsistency. The goal is not to choose one or the other, it is to find balance.Effective leaders get tight on the “what”

As teachers, we know that high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) can provide powerful instructional support. They can save planning time, keep lessons aligned to standards, and provide a clear path to help students grow. But with so many curriculum resources available, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.  The good news: a few intentional planning strategies can help you get the most out of your district’s core HQIM while still making space for your own creativity and resp

Choosing the right English language arts program can shape how students experience literature and develop critical thinking. Learning List recently reviewed Carnegie’s Lenses on Literature (Grades 6–8), a program that blends rigor, diverse texts, and built-in supports to help every student access complex literature. Learning List’s reviewers highlighted the following as some of the program’s distinguishing features:  

As administrators, instructional coaches, and teachers work to enhance teaching and learning, one of the most critical levers is ensuring that high‑quality instructional materials are implemented with fidelity in ways that meet the learning needs of students. Here are six evidence‑based strategies to guide your coaching practice and leadership. 1. Engage in Side‑by‑Side Coaching with In‑the‑Moment Feedback Effective, collaborative coaching cycles are more impactful than one-t

Learning List recently reviewed Teachers' Curriculum Institute’s (TCI) History Alive! and Geography Alive! programs for middle school. These comprehensive curricula are designed to support inquiry-based social studies instruction for grades 6–8. Middle School Courses History Alive! includes four distinct courses for middle school: The Ancient World The World Through 1750 The United States Through Industrialism The United States Through Modern Times In addition, Geography Aliv

The start of a new school year is full of excitement, new routines, and possibilities. One of the most important steps teachers can take to set the tone for success is ensuring their daily instruction is aligned with both standards and curriculum resources. Alignment creates a roadmap for teaching and learning, providing clarity for teachers and students alike. Below are five practical strategies to help you begin the year with confidence and ensure every lesson builds towar

Is your district looking for new elementary math materials to support the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)? Take a look at Learning List’s review of Great Minds’ Eureka Math TEKS Edition. Great Minds’ Eureka Math TEKS Edition is a comprehensive mathematics program designed to support K-5 TEKS-based mathematics instruction.  The materials are available in print and digital formats. 

As we discussed in our prior blog, a critical step in building a culture of alignment  is selecting standards-aligned, high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) to support teaching and learning. When districts and campuses commit to HQIM, classrooms transform. As David Steiner explains, “the research is increasingly clear that quality curriculum matters to student achievement… [with] a larger cumulative impact on student achievement than many common school improvement inter

Carnegie Learning’s ClearMath (K-5) is a comprehensive math program available in print and digital formats. ClearMath focuses on making math meaningful and helping students build skills, confidence, and excitement. Carnegie Learning’s ClearMath combines engaging activities with tools for personalized practice and support for diverse learners. Learning List’s reviewers highlighted several features that distinguish ClearMath, including: