Learning List has reviewed GrapeSEED, which is a supplemental product that supports English for language learners as well as English language arts/reading (ELAR) instruction in grades K and 1. Content is in print form and available online including digital (i.e., DVD) resources. GrapeSEED is an oral language program that develops students’ speaking and listening skills while providing a foundation for literacy. Instruction strives to accelerate the development of language skills, reduce achievement gaps, and increase the confidence of emergent readers. [Read more…]
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
Post about reviews of instructional materials aligned to the Texas standards
New Product Review: Blue Pelican Math Algebra I
Learning List has reviewed Blue Pelican Math’s Algebra I course. This comprehensive product supports teacher-led instruction and independent study for students in Algebra I. Content is available in print and online formats. Instruction emphasizes paper-and-pencil problem solving and includes web-based videos in which author Charles Cook explains concepts and demonstrates problem solving strategies. [Read more…]
How Learning List Helps Districts Comply with ESSA’s “Evidence Based” Requirement
A recent report from Curriculum Associates discusses the Every Student Succeeds Act’s (ESSA) requirement that federal education funds be used for evidence-based programs, interventions, and products. “ESSA and Evidence Claims: A Practical Guide to Understanding What ‘Evidence-Based’ Really Means” provides a primer for educators in understanding the four levels of evidence recognized by ESSA (e.g., moderate evidence), the type of study that exemplifies each level (e.g., quasi-experimental), and the five questions educators should ask when evaluating research-based evidence (e.g., “When was the study conducted?”).
One of five questions for evaluating evidence, in particular, caught Learning List’s attention: “Was the study based on current content and standards?”
ESSA assumes that the evidence base for a product, program, or service is based on the state’s current standards, but it is possible that the research is grounded in prior state standards or another state’s standards, altogether. It is the district’s responsibility to vet information to ensure products purchased with federal funds and the evidence supporting the products’ effectiveness are based on the appropriate standards.
A tall order but Learning List can help.
Learning List’s alignment reports clarify which set of standards a product addresses, such as the Common Core State Standards or the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Our alignment reports evaluate the product’s alignment, determining whether the material fully addresses the content, context, and cognitive demand of each of the relevant standards. Thus, Learning List’s alignment reports provide strong evidence about whether a product is grounded in the relevant standards. [Read more…]
New Product Review: Glynlyon Odysseyware Middle School and High School Science
Glynlyon’s Odysseyware provides comprehensive online products that support instruction across a range of content areas for students in grades 3-12. Odysseyware resources support instruction in self-paced and credit-recovery programs and blended learning environments. Content incorporates instructional videos, grade-appropriate texts, games, and interactive learning activities. Learning List recently reviewed Odysseyware middle school science and high school science courses for Texas. [Read more…]
New Product Reviews: Rally! Education’s STAAR Math Rehearsal PLUS and STAAR Reading Rehearsal PLUS
Rally! Education’s STAAR Math Rehearsal PLUS and STAAR Reading Rehearsal PLUS are supplemental products that support preparation for Texas’ STAAR mathematics and reading testing in grades 3-8 (i.e., Levels C-H), respectively. Content is available in print and online formats. Learning List recently reviewed online resources in each content area. Resources at each grade level include two practice exams that reflect the grade’s STAAR mathematics and reading tests and tools to help teachers evaluate students’ mastery of the relevant Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). [Read more…]
New Product Review: Edmentum Study Island
Edmentum’s Study Island is a supplemental online product that helps students in grades K-12 master English language arts/reading (ELAR) standards and prepare for standardized exams. Learning List recently reviewed resources for grades 3-6. Content supports teacher-guided instruction and independent study. Teachers may create their own lessons and assessments using online tools. [Read more…]
New Product Review: Rally! Education Texas STAAR Reading for Figure 19
Rally! Education’s Texas STAAR Reading for Figure 19 is a supplemental product that supports reading instruction and preparation for Texas’ STAAR Reading exams in grades 3-8. Content is available in print format. At each grade level, instruction focuses on the relevant reading comprehension skills identified in Figure 19 of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for English language arts and reading. Learning List recently reviewed resources for grades 5-8 (i.e., Levels E-H). [Read more…]
New Product Review: Region 4 Education Service Center’s STAAR™ Techniques to Engage Learners in Literacy and Academic Rigor
Texas Region 4 Education Service Center’s STAAR™ Techniques to Engage Learners in Literacy and Academic Rigor (STELLAR) is a test preparation product that supports teachers in preparing students for English language arts and reading STAAR tests in grades 4-8 and high school end-of-course exams in English I-III. Learning List recently reviewed resources for English I and English II.
Content is available in print format. Instruction incorporates thematic reading selections that reflect a variety of genres, application activities, and practice tests formatted to reflect the STAAR end-of-course exam. [Read more…]
New Product Review: Blue Duck Education Mangahigh
Blue Duck Education’s Mangahigh is a supplemental online mathematics product that supports skills practice and test preparation in grades K-8 and Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and Precalculus high school courses. Learning List recently reviewed resources for grades K-8 and Algebra I. Content is formatted in math games that allow students to practice math skills. [Read more…]
New Product Review: EduSmart STAARSmart Science & STAARSmart Math
Learning List has reviewed EduSmart’s STAARSmart, which is a stand-alone, criterion-referenced test bank that supports formative and summative assessment and test preparation activities. Test bank items address the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for science at grades 3-8 and math at grades 3-5. Test banks are available online and allow teachers to create customized assessments that address specific TEKS. Test bank items for Biology will be added soon. [Read more…]