Instructional Materials Reviewed

New NGSS Curriculum Review: McGraw Hill’s Inspire Science (K-8)

April 25, 2025

NGSS Inspire Science image for grades K-8 published by McGraw-Hill Education

Is your district considering purchasing a new science curriculum aligned to the NGSS? Before you do, take a look at Learning List’s review of McGraw Hill’s Inspire Science.

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.

New Curriculum Review: Bluebonnet Math K-5 by TEA

April 20, 2025

Bluebonnet Math published by the Texas Education Agency

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 …

New Curriculum Review: 95% Phonics

December 3, 2024

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 in the instruction.

Instruction is organized in units comprised of several consistently formatted lessons. Lessons typically span five days at between 20-30 minutes per day, depending on the grade level. Units and lessons within and across grade levels are sequenced to present skills in a logical, research-based progression. The material is provided in English.

New Curriculum Review: BCBS Biology

October 23, 2024

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 …

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.

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.

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