Learning List Blog

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...

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:

Building a culture of standards alignment ensures every student has consistent opportunities to succeed. Research from RAND and McKinsey shows that adopting aligned materials is not enough—lasting improvement comes from making standards the foundation of all instructional decisions. Discover four practical steps leaders can take to set the table for a successful school year.

McGraw Hill’s Inspire Science is a comprehensive science program for grades K-8, focused on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The program is phenomena-driven and designed to support three-dimensional learning by focusing on inspiring curiosity, investigation, and problem-solving. The materials are available in print and digital formats. The digital materials are well-organized and easily accessible on the digital platform.

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 Texas Education Agency’s (TEA's) Bluebonnet Math. TEA's Bluebonnet Math is a comprehensive math curriculum for students in grades K-8 and Algebra I. Materials are available in downloadable PDF format, or in print. The program intends to provide teachers with the content knowledge and tools they need to “guide students

Are you evaluating phonics programs to meet Texas House Bill 3 requirements? Learning List has reviewed the 95 Percent Group’s 95 Phonics Core Program, a K-5 phonics and word study curriculum. 95 Phonics Core Program is a supplemental reading program grounded in the Science of Reading. The program provides systematic and explicit whole-class, Tier 1 phonics instruction based on a strategic progression of skills. Learning List reviewers did not find evidence of three-cueing

Explore Kendall Hunt's BSCS Biology for High School Are you searching for a high-quality biology program? Kendall Hunt’s BSCS Biology: Understanding for Life is a comprehensive high school biology curriculum aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Learning List has reviewed the material's alignment to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. This program focuses on enhancing students' problem-solving, critical thinking, and inquiry-based learning skills th

Learning List recently reviewed the quality and technology compatibility of Teachers' Curriculum Institute's (TCI's) Social Studies Alive! elementary program. We were not asked to review the material's alignment to any state social studies standards. Subscribing districts may request a review of the material to their state's standards.

Get More Math is a supplemental online math program for grades 4-8, Algebra I and Geometry. This adaptive program provides sets of practice problems based on assignments made by the teacher, along with a cumulative review that provides spiraled practice of skills previously taught.

Is your district looking for science materials to support the NGSS? Take a look at Learning List’s review of Imagine Learning’s Twig Science. Imagine Learning’s Twig Scienceis a comprehensive science program for grades K-8.  The K-5 material is provided by grade level. The 6-8 material is provided in both integrated and discipline pathways (Earth and Space, Life, and Physical) and is not grade specific. Materials are available in print or digital format.

OpenStax’s Kiddom Anatomy and Physiology (Kiddom Anatomy)is a comprehensive science program for high school Anatomy and Physiology. The material is available in digital format through the Kiddom platform or in print. The material intends to provide relevant instruction in Anatomy and Physiology while supporting students in their future careers.

Does your district offer a Forensic Science course? If so, check out our reviews of Pearson's Forensic Science. Savvas Pearson’s Forensic Science (Pearson Forensic Science) is a comprehensive science program for high school Forensic Science. The program focuses on helping students understand the science and technology that is relevant to forensic science. The material also connects multiple areas of science to the field of forensic science. The material is available in pri

In 5 Tips for Planning an Effective K-12 Curriculum Review and Adoption Process, we discussed the decisions you need to make when planning an instructional materials adoption process. For an adoption to be successful, the selection committee must have sufficient guidance and time to review materials effectively. With so many materials on the market, narrowing the list of materials for the selection committee to review is a critical next step in any adoption process. This blog