Blog posts about: Learning List
Research on Effective Tutoring Techniques
Late last month, U.S. Secretary of Education Cardona set out his Vision for Education in America. He discussed the importance of keeping schools open and strategies for helping students catch up and succeed, including targeted, intensive (high-dose) tutoring. Much attention and many resources have been focused on providing tutoring to help close students’ learning gaps. What are the ingredients of a successful …
Strategies for Reviewing Adaptive Materials
Over the last year, many of our subscribing districts requested reviews of adaptive materials. The concept behind adaptive materials is admirable: different content is presented to each student based upon the student’s performance on each task or assessment. In essence, these products offer the promise of an individualized instruction for each student. However, districts should not assume that “adaptive” means …
A Seismic Shift in Science Materials
Over the last several years, we have reviewed hundreds of science materials aligned to state standards, Advanced Placement frameworks, and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Over the last two years, we have observed a significant design shift in science products. Using the 5E model and Project Based Learning (PBL), publishers are designing science instruction to engage students in doing science, rather than …
Dear Mom and Dad, Welcome to Your 1st Year of Teaching!
Are you a first-time homeschool teacher or are you proctoring at-home learning while your child is attending school online this semester? Either way, you are likely out of your comfort zone and feeling (a little) overwhelmed. How are you ensuring that your child is learning what he/she is supposed to learn? This blog post provides a few pointers and accompanying …
Print Versus Digital Materials: What the Research Says
If your district is gearing up for an adoption this year, part of your selection calculation likely will be whether to purchase print or digital/online materials. An article in the Hechinger Report titled, “A Textbook Dilemma: Digital or Paper?” may be useful. The article discusses Patricia Alexander’s review of research on this topic. Ms. Alexander is an educational psychologist and …
New Product Review: EduSpark Lengua, Ritmo y Cultura
EduSpark’s Lengua, Ritmo y Cultura is a Spanish language arts and reading (SLAR) program developed specifically for Texas students in grades K-5. Content is organized in print and online materials. Instruction supports the development of Spanish-language skills in dual language programs. Resources are designed to provide age-appropriate instruction in Spanish for students whose first language is not Spanish. Lengua, Ritmo …
New Product Review: Universal Publishing Universal Handwriting
Universal Publishing’s Universal Handwriting provides comprehensive handwriting products for grades K-5. Content is available in print format and includes interactive whiteboard tools (i.e., animations). This review is of print materials only. Instruction emphasizes correct letter formation and the importance of legibility. Teacher resources include corrective strategies to address handwriting problems. Across grades, lessons use a three-stop process that includes: Model …
New Product Review: InterEthnic Alphabet Harbor/Harbor Friends Series
InterEthnic’s Alphabet Harbor/Harbor Friends Series is a comprehensive handwriting product for grades K-5. Content is available in print format. Grades K and 1 address printing. Grades 2-5 develop cursive writing skills. Instruction emphasizes the connection between written letters and their sounds. Letters are personified as “Harbor Friends” or “Harbor Pals” using clipart images of children and animals (e.g., Zany Z). …
Adopting New Materials This Year? Some Food for Thought
Districts across the country are preparing to adopt new materials this school year. We thought we’d share some important considerations to help you implement an efficient and effective adoption process. Following are questions to help you define the scope of your adoption: What subjects and grade levels will you be adopting new materials for? Are you adopting the primary material for the subject …