Learning List Blog

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.

Today, Learning List celebrates the life of John Dewey, the American philosopher, social reformer, and educator, who was born in Vermont on October 20, 1859. Dewey was a leader of the Progressive Movement in American education, which emphasized active learning and democratic classroom practices as a means to transmit the core social and moral values (e.g., tolerance) needed to ensure the social continuity of America’s democracy.

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.

The Center for the Collaborative Classroom’s Being a Writer is a supplemental language arts resource for students in grades K-6. Learning List recently completed reviews for Being a Writer. Subscribe for full access.

Learning List's New Spec Sheets and Explorer Tool Help Districts Transition Successfully to a Blended Learning Environment

Are digital resources more effective than textbooks? They are certainly more trendy these days. Although Learning List has reviewed hundreds of instructional materials in both formats, it’s difficult for us to say that one format is better than another.

Learning A-Z’s Reading A-Z is a supplemental program that supports reading instruction in grades K-5. Resources are available online and may be downloaded and printed or displayed using classroom projection devices. Instruction focuses on developing proficient readers using texts that match students’ individual reading levels. Learning List has recently completed reviews of Learning A-Z's materials for grades K-5.

Apex Learning’s Texas World History is a year-long, online course in world history for Texas high school students. Resources support instruction in self-paced, remediation, and credit recovery programs. Instruction focuses on building students’ reading, writing, and historical thinking skills. Learning List has recently completed reviews of the materials for high school students.

When selecting materials, one important criterion educators should consider is the instructional model on which the material is based. Resources should mirror and support the model the district uses or else instruction may become disjointed. Over the next few months, Learning List’s blog will discuss the instructional models most frequently implemented in the products we review. Our discussion will seek to highlight the key attributes of each model and clarify where a particu

People’s Education Measuring Up to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills: Mathematics is a supplemental print resource to help students in grades 3-8 (i.e., Levels C-H) prepare for STAAR testing in math. Content is organized in short lessons that address specific TEKS. Instruction provides ample opportunities for students to practice and apply problem-solving strategies. Learning List recently these materials for grades 3-8.

The College Board’s SpringBoard Mathematics is a comprehensive mathematics curriculum for students in grades 6-12 available in print and online formats. Across grade levels, lessons have a consistent structure and focus on developing math literacy through active learning. Learning List has verified the alignment of courses to the Texas, Common Core and Florida standards.

Over the last few months, the national conversation about public education seems to have shifted from a debate over the Common Core State Standards to a debate over state testing. While federal and state policymakers may change the type, number and timing of tests students have to take, testing will remain an indispensable part of our education system. Learning List’s independent alignment reports help educators understand how the instructional materials they use may be affe

McGraw-Hill’s SRA FLEX Literacy is a comprehensive reading and language arts intervention program for grades 3-8. Some content may be appropriate for students in grades K-2. Instruction incorporates print and online materials and is designed for blended learning environments. Learning List has recently completed reviews of the materials for grades K-8.

Common Core Standards Plus is a supplemental program to support English language arts, reading (ELAR), and mathematics instruction in grades K-8. Resources are in print format and complement core curricula through short daily lessons, application activities, and extended projects. Learning List has completed reviews for Common Core Standards Plus' math and language arts materials in grades K-8.

As the new school year approaches, schools across the country are in a hiring frenzy. How are districts filling the gap? As one rural Texas principal told me recently, “We’re having to rely on online courses more heavily than ever before. High school math teachers are hard to come by in small Texas towns. So, smaller districts like ours are using self-paced online courses when we can’t find a teacher for the course. What’s scary is that we don’t really know how good the cou