Learning List Blog

Learning List has reviewed McGraw Hill’s Reading Wonders, a comprehensive reading and language arts program for students in grades K-6. Instruction focuses on the close reading, collaborative discussion, and analytic writing strands of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), including the California CCSS. Materials are available in print and digital formats. ...[read more]

Learning List recently reviewed Edmentum’s Study Island supplemental resources for language arts, science, and math for students in grades 4-6. Core content is presented online and includes some printable materials. Instruction helps students master the subject area Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and prepare for STAAR exams. ...[read more]

Learning List recently reviewed Baobab Education’s Mathventure—a supplemental, digital resource to help students in grades 3 and 4 develop problem solving strategies. Content is provided in an interactive eBook that presents engaging, real-world situations which require students to apply mathematical reasoning skills. Digital tools allow students to access tutorials and other resources that help them identify problem-solving strategies independently.­­­­­­­­­­­ ...[read more

Learning List now features reviews of Mastery Education’s Measuring Up to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills: Reading. This supplemental print resource helps students in grades 3-8 (i.e., Levels C-H) prepare for STAAR reading tests. Content is organized in short lessons that address specific TEKS. Instruction provides ample opportunities for students to practice and apply reading comprehension skills. ...[read more]

Learning List has reviewed LAB-AIDS’ SEPUP Science resources for middle school science (i.e., grades 6-8) and high school biology courses. LAB-AID’s inquiry-based program organizes instruction around themes related to societal issues and students’ lives. Hands-on activities are at the center of instruction and provide opportunities for all students to explore science concepts. Course resources are available in print and eBook formats. ...[read more]

Learning List has reviewed Curriculum Associates’ Ready Florida MAFS, a supplemental resource for grades K-8 that supports math instruction and mastery of the Mathematics Florida Standards (MAFS). Materials are available in print format with additional online components. Learning List’s review is of print materials only. Across grades, instruction addresses grade-specific MAFS while developing students’ understanding of key concepts and their ability to apply concepts to solv

Learning List recently reviewed Curriculum Associates’ STAAR Ready Reading, which is a supplemental resource to support reading instruction and preparation for STAAR testing in grades 1-8. Materials are available in print format and may be used to supplement a year-long core reading program, provide concentrated preparation for STAAR exams, and/or support Response to Intervention (RtI) programs. ... [read more]

STEMscopes is a comprehensive, vertically-aligned, online science curriculum focused on the development of STEM skills (i.e., Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) while addressing 100% of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) science standards for grades K-12. Student materials are available in downloadable PDFs and in consumable texts. ...[read more]

Learning List recently reviewed OpenStax College’s College Physics for AP Courses, which is a comprehensive, open education resource (OER) resource that supports Advanced Placement (AP) physics instruction at the high school level. Instruction covers two college semesters and addresses the content for AP Physics 1 and 2. The course is available online at no cost (https://openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/college-physics-ap); low-cost print and eBooks are also available.

Learning.com’s Inquiry is a web-based, K-8 resource focused on developing students’ technology skills and supporting schools’ transition to project-based learning (PBL) in the core subject areas. Content includes subject-based projects at each grade level as well as age-appropriate instruction in digital citizenship differentiated for the early elementary (K-2), elementary (3-5), and middle (6-8) school levels. Learning List has reviewed the Texas Edition resources for grades

EMC’s Mirrors & Windows: Connecting with Literature is a comprehensive resource to support English language arts instruction in grades 6-12. The program includes print, digital (i.e., CD-ROM), and web-based resources. Learning List recently reviewed the print materials for Mirrors & Windows.

Lexia Reading Core5 is an online, supplemental reading program for grades PK-5 that includes some print materials. Learning List recently reviewed Core5 products for grades K-5. The data-driven program provides differentiated instruction to help close reading gaps and ensure all students become proficient readers. Core5 combines individualized, adaptive, technology-based lessons with teacher-led direct instruction to meet the needs of students below, at, and above grade level

Mathworks: Math Explorations is a series of three, sequential texts for grades 6-8 that focuses on developing students’ deep understanding of mathematical concepts through exploration and investigation. The texts are comprehensive. Content is aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for math grades 6-8, as well as to the TEKS for Algebra 1. Learning List has reviewed the materials for grades 6-8.

Khan Academy provides supplemental open educational resources to support mathematics instruction in grades K-12. The self-paced is freely available online and addresses the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) at each grade level. Learning List has reviewed Khan Academy for grades K-12.

The CK-12 Foundation’s Math Concepts is a series of comprehensive courses for middle school and high school students that are available free online. Learning List has reviewed CK-12 materials with alignment to the CCSS.

The Center for Collaborative Classroom’s SIPPS (Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words) is a multi-level supplemental program that supports literacy development in grades K-12. SIPPS resources are available in print and online formats and support core instruction and Response to Intervention (RtI) programs. Learning List has reviewed the SIPPS resources with alignment to TEKS and CCSS.

A recent article in U.S. News and World Report discusses a report from the Center for American Progress. Analyzing state-adopted materials from 19 states, the authors found little relationship between the cost and quality of curriculum materials. Learning List’s alignment reports, editorial reviews and new spec sheets provide multi-faceted feedback to inform educators’ selection of products and help them use their products most effectively.

Heinemann’s Comprehension Toolkit is a supplemental resource to support active reading of informational texts in grades K-6. The Toolkit strives to develop active learners and responsive teachers. Instruction focuses on the use of strategies to help students understand and retain what they read. Learning List has reviewed Heinemann's Comprehension Toolkit with alignment to both CCSS and LAFS.

The Center for the Collaborative Classroom’s Making Meaning is a supplemental, year-long language arts program for students in grades K-5. Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews and alignment reports.

Learning A-Z’s Science A-Z is a supplemental program that supports science instruction in grades K-6. Resources are available online. Student materials must be downloaded and printed or displayed using classroom projection devices. Instruction blends science content with literacy skills through the use of leveled non-fiction readers and hands-on science activities.