Read About Our Latest Instructional Materials Reviews

Curriculum Review: TCI’s K-5 Social Studies Alive!

September 6, 2024August 6, 2024

Images of TCI's social studies materials

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.

Social Studies Alive! is a comprehensive, curriculum designed to support social studies instruction for students in grades K-5. Materials are available in print and digital formats. The program intends to provide an engaging learning experience through interactive, inquiry-based lessons that include cross-curricular connections.

Supplemental Math Product: Get More Math for TEKS

June 18, 2024

Would your teachers like to have more math practice problems for their students? Take a look at Learning List’s review of Get More Math.

Get More Math is a supplemental 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. It is designed to work as part of the instructional cycle, generally as part of guided or independent practice. Instruction, remediation, and assessment are not part of the program.

New Curriculum Review: Twig Science Next Gen by Imagine Learning

June 4, 2024May 23, 2024

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 Science is 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.

The goal of the program is to provide interactive learning experiences that engage students in learning about science and natural phenomena. The instruction focuses on connecting real-world phenomena with three-dimensional learning.

Units are based on anchoring phenomena and driving questions. The material supports the intent of the Next Generation Science Standards by consistently providing students with three-dimensional learning experiences, integrating the Cross-Cutting Concepts (CCCs) and Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) with the Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) to provide cohesive storylines.

New Curriculum Review: Kiddom’s OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology 2e

January 23, 2024

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. In Kiddom Anatomy, learning is organized in units that include multiple chapters. …

Savvas Pearson’s Forensic Science

January 18, 2024

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 print and in digital format through Pearson’s MyLab platform.

Identifying Which Materials the Selection Committee Will Review: 3 Powerful Strategies

January 16, 2024

Woman sorting post-it notes with titles of materials to determine the list of materials to give to the selection committee

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 …

New Curriculum Review: Cengage Astronomy

January 23, 2024January 11, 2024

Cengage’s Foundations of Astronomy (Cengage Astronomy) is a comprehensive science program for high school Astronomy. The program focuses on developing students’ understanding of astronomy through the scientific method. Learning List reviewed the version of the material submitted for state adoption in Texas under Proclamation 2024.

Cengage Astronomy organizes the eBook into six parts, each of which focuses on major concepts in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Chapters open with an image that represents the content of the chapter, an overview of the chapter, and questions to guide student thinking as they read the content.

5 Tips for Planning an Effective K-12 Curriculum Review and Adoption Process

January 9, 2024

Cover page image of whitepaper on selecting high-quality K-12 curricula. The paper is tiled, Guidance for Selecting or Curating High-Quality Instructional Resources.

Over the years, Learning List has assisted hundreds of districts in planning and running K-12 curriculum adoptions. As a result, we have observed many “what to do’s” and “what not to do’s.” One of the critical “to-do’s” is to plan the process. A well-planned, thorough process is far more likely to lead to a successful outcome. Some important decision points …

New Curriculum Review: Pearson’s Anatomy & Physiology, & Disease by Savvas Learning

January 4, 2024January 4, 2024

Cover image of Pearson's Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease

Looking for a science curriculum for Anatomy and Physiology?

Take a look at Savvas’ Pearson’s Anatomy, Physiology, and Disease, a comprehensive curriculum for high school courses. The material comes in print and digital formats. The program focuses on helping students make a lasting connection to the content to help them succeed as healthcare professionals.

Pearson Anatomy organizes content in consistently structured chapters focused on body systems and other content students need, such as biochemistry and cells. Ethical dilemmas, discussion questions, and case studies help students understand the relevance of the content they are learning and see connections to the real world, to healthcare professions, as well as to other sciences. The textbook also includes a variety of appendices to support students in understanding the content.

New Reviews of 3 High School Science Curricula: Savvas’ Experience Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

January 4, 2024

Is your district adopting new high school science materials? Savvas’ Experience Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are comprehensive curricula for high school courses. Each focuses on providing immersive experiences to support students in doing science through inquiry, phenomena, labs, and real-world applications. Experience Chemistry provides immersive experiences to support students in doing science through inquiry, phenomena, labs, and real-world applications. The …

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