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Which instructional materials is your district considering for reading instruction in middle school? Particularly if you are implementing the reading workshop model, consider Learning List’s review of Heinemann’s Units of Study in Reading Middle School Grades (Units of Study Reading). Units of Study Reading is a supplemental reading product for students in grades 6 through 8. The program is primarily an instructional narrative for teachers and includes print and online teaching resources. Lucy Calkins’ workshop model underpins the framework for reading instruction focusing on developing avid readers who choose and understand increasingly complex texts. Units are not specific to a grade level which means district or campus staff sequence the units based on the district’s curriculum, availability of resources, and student needs or reading levels. Teachers without prior experience in teaching writing workshop will require significant professional development and time to study materials and resources to ensure successful implementation.  Units of Study Reading dovetails with Heinemann’s Units for Argument, Information, and Narrative Writing TM , which Learning List has also reviewed. Both products use similar structures, instructional strategies, and vocabulary across grade levels and content areas to provide seamless transitions for students from grade to grade. Learning List’s alignment reports show how the material’s vertical alignment of skills guides teachers in supporting students at all proficiency levels. Units address genres in young adult literature, such as dystopian fiction, that are popular with middle school students. As this product is primarily a teacher resource, student materials are limited. The product does not include texts for students to read, but students have multiple opportunities to select their own reading material. This series does not include test prep reading instruction, but the embedded flexibility in pacing instruction allows time for teachers to include separate test prep activities. Learning List has completed a standard-by-standard alignment report, qualitative review of the instructional content and a review of the technology compatibility for each grade level covered by this material.  To learn more about this product and thousands more PreK-12 instructional materials, contact Learning List for subscription information. About Heinemann* Heinemann is a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college. Heinemann strives to give voice to those who share our respect for the professionalism and compassion of teachers and who support teachers’ efforts to help children become literate, empathetic, knowledgeable citizens. Heinemann’s authors are exemplary educators eager to support the practice of other teachers through books, videos, workshops, online courses, and most recently through explicit teaching materials. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Heinemann .

If your district needs a product to support grammar and writing instruction, take a look at Learning List’s review of Shurley English for grades 5 through 8 . Shurley English is a comprehensive ELAR product.  Materials are available online for grades 5 through 8 and in print for grades 5 and 6. The material focuses on building effective communication skills through the development of grammar, language skills, writing, and oral communication. Extensive grammar and language usage lessons are the basis of the product’s writing instruction. Once students complete lessons on a specific skill, they apply that skill in a writing assignment. Students are allowed to choose journal topics and topics for writing assignments, which encourages engagement. Students sing and chant jingles at the beginning of lessons to address multiple intelligences. While reading, reading instruction, and analysis of text is addressed, they are not the material’s focus. The product includes a limited number of texts for students to read and analyze, most of which are the classics. Teachers will need to supplement the provided texts with additional reading materials. Learning List’s alignment reports show specifically to which standards the material is aligned. Shurley English is designed for whole class instruction. It includes limited, generalized modifications butdoes not include interventions or differentiation for specific student populations. Learning List has completed a standard-by-standard alignment report, qualitative review of the instructional content and a review of the technology compatibility for each grade level covered by this material.  To learn more about this product and thousands more PreK-12 instructional materials, contact Learning List for subscription information. About Shurley Instructional Materials* Shurley Instructional Materials is a publisher of logically organized, sequential and systematic materials for English language arts instruction. They have recently developed digital enhancements to support their materials with the intent of enhancing the lessons with multi-sensory input and incorporating strategies to engage the brain and enhance understanding. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Shurley.

Which instructional materials is your district considering for writing instruction? Take a look at Learning List’s reviews of Heinemann’s Units of Study in Opinion, Information, and Narrative Writing TM (Grades K-5) and Heinemann's Units of Study in Argument, Information, and Narrative Writing TM (Grades 6-8) (Units of Study Writing). Units of Study Writing is a supplemental writing product for students in grades K-8. The program is primarily an instructional narrative for teachers and includes print and online teaching resources. Lucy Calkins’ workshop model underpins the framework for writing instruction in this series. Teachers without prior experience in teaching writing workshop will require significant professional development and time to study materials and resources to ensure successful implementation. Units of Study Writing dovetails with Heinemann’s Units for Reading TM , which Learning List has reviewed. Both products use similar structures, instructional strategies, and vocabulary across grade levels and content areas. This provides seamless transitions for students from grade to grade. Learning List’s alignment reports show how the material’s vertical alignment of skills guide teachers in supporting students at all proficiency levels. This series does not include test prep writing instruction or explicit instruction in grammar and conventions. Rather, it focuses on developing fluent writers who strategically select specific processes for their intended purpose and audience. Portions of lessons do direct the teacher to address grammar and conventions through writing conferences as the need becomes apparent in students’ writing. Learning List has completed a standard-by-standard alignment report, qualitative review of the instructional content and a review of the technology compatibility for each grade level covered by this material.  To learn more about this product and thousands more PreK-12 instructional materials, contact Learning List for subscription information. About Heinemann* Heinemann is a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college. Heinemann strives to give voice to those who share our respect for the professionalism and compassion of teachers and who support teachers’ efforts to help children become literate, empathetic, knowledgeable citizens. Heinemann’s authors are exemplary educators eager to support the practice of other teachers through books, videos, workshops, online courses, and most recently through explicit teaching materials. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Heinemann .

Learning List recently reviewed Edgenuity’s Integrated Physics and Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, and Physics courses. These video-based courses address the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and are appropriate for blended learning and/or self-paced instruction. However, teacher involvement improves rigor and increases the likelihood of student success. A guiding question, such as “What is the relationship between hypotheses, theories, and laws?” forms the basis of each lesson. A variety of teachers provide instruction in short video lectures, supported by notes, demonstrations, guided practice, and brief checks for understanding. Some lessons include activities such as using Gizmos to explore Mystery Powder Analysis. Each lesson concludes with a teacher-led review, practice activities, and a short quiz. Each unit ends with a multiple-choice test. < Read=">Read" more.="more." .="." . ="."> Virtual labs and classroom based wet-labs increase the rigor of lessons and facilitate student mastery of key concepts. Many labs include a downloadable student guide with step-by-step instructions and resources to support data collection and analysis. Labs conclude with a “reflection” activity and a lab report. Instruction is grade appropriate for high school students. Throughout instruction, students have access to audio readers, a searchable glossary, and online highlighting, note taking, and translation tools, as well as an interactive calculator and the periodic table of elements. Learning List has completed a standard-by-standard alignment report, qualitative review of the instructional content and a review of the technology compatibility for each grade level covered by this material.  To learn more about this product and thousands more PreK-12 instructional materials, contact  Learning List  for subscription information. About Edgenuity* Edgenuity provides engaging online and blended learning education solutions that propel success for every student, empower every teacher to deliver more effective instruction, and enable schools and districts to meet their academic goals. Edgenuity delivers a range of Core Curriculum, AP®, Elective, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and Credit Recovery courses aligned to the rigor and high expectations of state, Common Core and iNACOL standards and designed to inspire life-long learning.   * The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Edgenuity .

Is your district trying to connect the dots for the adoption of new ELAR materials? Take a look at this new review to see if Heinemann’s Units of Study in Phonics TM is what you are looking for. Heinemann’s Units of Study in Phonics is a supplemental reading product for students in grades K-1. The program is primarily an instructional narrative for teachers; few online student resources are provided.  A condensed workshop model underpins the framework for phonics instruction focusing on instruction that transfers to support students’ reading and writing. Units of Study in Phonics dovetails with Heinemann’s Units of Study for Reading and Units of Study in Opinion, Information, and Narrative Writing for grades K-1. Learning List has reviewed Units of Study for Reading and Units of Study in Opinion, Information, and Narrative Writing.   < Read=">Read" more.="more." .="." . ="."> Units of Study in Phonics supports Reading Writing Workshop and Balanced Literacy instructional models. Instruction for whole group, small groups, and individual students also aligns to the Gradual Release of Responsibility model. Planned collaboration with peers increases the level of critical thinking during key points in instruction and increases the level of rigor. Small Groups to Support Phonics , an additional resource included with the kit, supplements the phonics lessons and increases the likelihood of success for students of all learning needs. This nontraditional approach to phonics instruction requires significant time for teacher development and preparation. Further, the recommended teaching schedule for Units of Study Reading, Writing, and Phonics may not correspond to the typical daily schedule for K-1. Learning List has completed a standard-by-standard alignment report, qualitative review of the instructional content and a review of the technology compatibility for each grade level covered by this material.  To learn more about this product and thousands more PreK-12 instructional materials, contact Learning List for subscription information. About Heinemann* Heinemann is a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college. Heinemann strives to give voice to those who share our respect for the professionalism and compassion of teachers and who support teachers’ efforts to help children become literate, empathetic, knowledgeable citizens. Heinemann’s authors are exemplary educators eager to support the practice of other teachers through books, videos, workshops, online courses, and most recently through explicit teaching materials. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Heinemann .

Is your district looking for a new comprehensive math program to support blended learning? Take a look at Learning List’s curriculum review of McGraw Hill’s Reveal Math f or middle school mathematics, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra 2 McGraw Hill’s Reveal Math is a set of comprehensive materials for middle school mathematics, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra 2 available in print and online. The material is designed with a focus on rigor, productive struggle and facilitating discussions about math. Lessons focus on exploration, conversation and reflection. Reveal Math distinct tools and design support learning in blended environments. Interactive presentations, point of use videos, animations, and a varied set of online math modeling tools partner with the interactive student edition to provide a unique classroom environment and personalize learning. Videos support teachers’ development of content knowledge and pedagogy, and digital teacher tools facilitate lesson and grade management, monitoring student progress, and assessment. < Read=">Read" more.. .="more..."> Student material provides a consistent, logically sequenced skills progression that scaffolds instruction at increasingly complex levels. Interventions and extensions promote differentiation and individualized instruction. Lessons designed to encourage productive struggle ensure an appropriate challenge for each student. Learning List has completed a standard-by-standard alignment report, qualitative review of the instructional content and a review of the technology compatibility for each grade level covered by this material.  To learn more about this product and thousands more PreK-12 instructional materials, contact Learning List for subscription information. About McGraw Hill* McGraw-Hill Education’s mission is to accelerate learning through intuitive, engaging, efficient and effective experiences – grounded in research. By partnering with educators around the globe, McGraw-Hill learning engineers, content developers and pedagogical experts are developing increasingly open learning ecosystems that are proven to improve pass rates, elevate grades and increase engagement for each individual learner while improving outcomes for all. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from McGraw Hill Education .

Learning List recently reviewed  Heinemann’s Fountas and Pinnell Classroom ™, which is a comprehensive reading product that supports literacy instruction in grades K-6. Instruction supports students’ ability to think within, beyond, and about text to make meaning. Six principles form the foundation of the system: coherence, responsive teaching, student inquiry, multi-text approach, language-based, and teacher expertise. The product includes print and online components. This review is of materials for Kindergarten through 3 rd grade. Fountas & Pinnell Classroom ™ supports balanced literacy and reader’s workshop frameworks.  Learning and assessment is designed for whole group (interactive read-aloud, shared reading, reading minilesson, and phonics), small group (guided reading and book clubs), and individual (independent reading and phonics) settings. The product is designed around the principle of responsive teaching, and therefore is student centered. The system includes collections of leveled readers and trade books, as well as text sets for book clubs.  < Read=">Read" more.="more." .="." . ="."> Lessons and resources provide varying levels of rigor, represent all levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy and all four levels of DOK, to meet the needs of all students. Students apply the reading skills they learn in a variety of settings, both inside and outside the classroom. The program provides students with continuous opportunities to interact with text at their instructional and independent reading levels. Books become increasingly more complex as the students’ skills increase. Teacher kits provide extensive instructional resources, including a teacher guide (e.g., “Collection Guide” or lesson book), student books, lessons, pedagogy and implementation support.  However, successful implementation will necessitate significant professional development for teachers not previously trained in balanced literacy. About Heinemann and Fountas and Pinnell Literacy* Heinemann is a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college. They strive to give voice to those who share their respect for the professionalism and compassion of teachers and who support teachers’ efforts to help children become literate, empathetic, knowledgeable citizens. Fountas & Pinnell Literacy™ Irene Fountas and Gay Su Pinnell have worked in literacy leadership for over twenty years. Professional development underpins Fountas & Pinnell Literacy™.  Assessment, effective Intervention, Professional Books, and Classroom Resources combine to redefine and elevate literacy teaching and learning. Fountas and Pinnell recognize every child’s right to grow up literate as a member of a dynamic learning community that values the richness of linguistic, ethnic, and cultural diversity. Members of the school community are treated and treat others with empathy, kindness, and respect. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from  Heinemann and Fountas and Pinnell Literacy Subscribe to  Learning List  for access to Learning List’s spec sheet, full editorial review and alignment report for this product.

Learning List recently reviewed MPO Solutions’ Freedom Run® which is a supplemental product designed to help Texas students in grade 8 prepare for the social studies STAAR test. This digital product includes two online game-style student apps. Teacher resources are available online with downloadable components. Freedom Run organizes content in five units that address facts about U.S. history from the establishment of the first colonies (e.g., 1492) through reconstruction (e.g., 1877). Units consist of three or four chapters. Each chapter contains a set of short, topically organized lessons that feature a summary statement followed by a list of historical facts. At the end of each lesson in the student edition, icons direct students to the practices, videos, and additional activities the apps. To support ELL students, the product is available in English and Spanish. The videos are narrated in both languages, without closed-captioning. Both versions of the student app allow students to select English or Spanish. < Read=">Read" more... ="more..."> About MPO* MPO Solutions, LLC provides educational services to organizations throughout the state of Texas. MPO Solutions, LLC partnerships with local and state educational communities around the state of Texas. Their goal is to assist these communities in developing stronger educational systems for the development of the next generation of leaders. * Information in this section is provided by or adapted from MPO Solutions, LLC. Subscribe to  Learning List  for access to Learning List’s spec sheet, full editorial review and alignment report for this product.

Learning List has reviewed Heinemann’s Units of Study for Teaching Reading , which is a supplemental reading product for students in grades K-5. The program is primarily a curriculum framework for teachers and is made up of a set of print and online teaching resources. Reading instruction is provided using a workshop model that focuses on creating avid readers who are able to access and understand increasingly complex texts. Teaching Reading dovetails with Heinemann’s Units of Study in Opinion, Information, and Narrative Writing for grades K-5. Learning List has reviewed the Units of Study writing program. Based on the work of Lucy Calkins and the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Teachers College, Columbia University, Units of Study incorporates a workshop approach to teaching reading skills. At each grade level, content is organized in four units that last between four and five weeks. Grades K-2 include a foundational unit as well as three units that address reading fictional and informational texts. Instruction at grades 3-5 is organized in two reading fiction units and two reading informational texts units. . < Read=">Read" more... ="more..."> Units are organized in “Bends” (i.e., bend in the road). For example, the grade 2 unit addressing non-fiction is made up of three Bends: (1) Thinking Hard and Growing Knowledge, (2) Learning the Lingo of a Topic, and (3) Reading Across a Topic. Bends are made up of sets of lessons, or “Sessions,” that incorporate the gradual release of responsibility (GRR) instructional model.  A majority of lesson time is spent practicing reading strategies in small group activities. During this time, teachers monitor students as they work; provide coaching, feedback, and encouragement; and hold conferences with individual students or small groups of students. About Heinemann* Heinemann is a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college. It strives to give voice to those who share its respect for the professionalism and compassion of teachers and who support teachers’ efforts to help children become literate, empathetic, knowledgeable citizens. Heinemann’s authors are exemplary educators eager to support the practice of other teachers through books, videos, workshops, online courses, and most recently through explicit teaching materials. Heinemann’s commitment to its work and customers’ enthusiastic response to its offerings has made it a leading publisher in this area. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Heinemann . Subscribe to  Learning List  for access to Learning List’s spec sheet, full editorial review and alignment report for this product.

Sirius Education Solutions provides supplemental test-preparation products that help Texas middle school and high school students prepare for STAAR exams. Content is available in print format. Learning List recently reviewed the following Sirius products: U.S. History EOC : STAAR Preparation and Practice (high school) English I EOC All-in-One STAAR Preparation and Practice: Reading/Writing English II EOC All-in-One STAAR Preparation and Practice: Reading/Writing Algebra I EOC: STAAR Readiness Review and Practice < Read=">Read" more... ="more..."> Across products, instruction focuses on the specific Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) students need to master in order to prepare for the respective EOC exam. Each product incorporates Sirius’ structured three-step approach to exam preparation, which includes diagnostic assessment, focused remediation, and post-test evaluation of skills. Lessons in each Sirius product emphasize strategies that help students identify the correct answer and build test-taking confidence (e.g., cross out incorrect answers). Instruction provides clear discussions of tested concepts, guidance in what STAAR questions addressing the concept generally look for, and examples with step-by-step strategies and annotations that support students’ understanding. Content is presented simply and supports students’ independent remediation and preparation for exams. About Sirius* Sirius is an Austin-based publisher dedicated to helping all students succeed on the STAAR tests. Sirius takes enormous pride in creating innovative and effective test prep solutions designed to provide enduring success for Texas educators and students. Sirius only sells in Texas. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Sirius Education Solutions. Subscribe to  Learning List  for access to Learning List’s spec sheet, full editorial review and alignment report for this product.

Edmentum’s Study Island is a supplemental online resource that prepares students in grades K-12 for standardized tests. Across courses and grades, Study Island supports teacher-guided instruction and independent study. Instruction emphasizes preparation for standardized tests, including Texas’ STAAR exams and CCSS exams (e.g., PARCC). Learning List recently reviewed mathematics materials for grades 7 and 8 and the high school Algebra I. Learning List’s reviews address the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M) for and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Learning List also reviewed a TEKS course for high school U.S. History. Study Island begins instruction for each grade and course with a diagnostic test and/or pre-test that assesses students’ existing knowledge. Subsequent content is presented in a set of online lessons and practice activities formatted to reflect standardized tests. Some lessons include printable worksheets, interactive flashcards, and/or video-based content. Instruction ends with a post-test to be completed when students have finished all lessons. < Read=">Read" more... ="more..."> About Edmentum* At Edmentum, a single mission guides and inspires us as it defines our core purpose and the contribution we make to society: Founded in innovation, we are committed to being educators' most trusted partner in creating successful student outcomes everywhere learning occurs. To help us work toward that mission while operating business, our key values guide our priorities and are evident in everything we do. Edmentum’s powerful learning solutions blend technology with individual teaching approaches. We are committed to making it easier for educators to individualize learning for every student through simple technology, actionable data, quality content, and a passion for customer success. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Edmentum . Subscribe to  Learning List  for access to Learning List’s spec sheet, full editorial review and alignment report for this product.

Edgenuity provides a comprehensive, online course that supports instruction in Texas high school Algebraic Reasoning courses. Content addresses the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and is appropriate for blended learning and/or self-paced instructional environments. Video-based lessons focus on developing students’ understanding of algebraic concepts and the applications of algebra in solving real-world problems. Algebraic Reasoning deepens students’ understanding of a variety of functions (e.g., polynomial, rational, logarithmic) and introduces advanced concepts in algebra, such as matrices and their applications. Students learn to interpret, analyze, compare, contrast, and connect functions in both mathematical and real-world solutions. Instruction addresses the use of models to solve real world problems. Content is organized in ten units that are made up of lessons that address specific concepts (e.g., function inverses, Cramer’s Rule). < Read=">Read" More... ="More..."> Some lessons in Algebraic Reasoning include hands-on “Lab” activities that allow students to explore new concepts. Lab activities use ExploreLearning’s Gizmos. Gizmos are online interactive mathematics simulations that may be used with classroom presentation technology, such as an interactive whiteboard. Labs open with a lecture in which a teacher clarifies learning objectives, introduces key concepts, and demonstrates how to use the Gizmo. About Edgenuity* Edgenuity provides engaging online and blended learning education solutions that propel success for every student, empower every teacher to deliver more effective instruction, and enable schools and districts to meet their academic goals. Edgenuity delivers a range of Core Curriculum, AP®, Elective, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and Credit Recovery courses aligned to the rigor and high expectations of state, Common Core and iNACOL standards and designed to inspire life-long learning. * The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Edgenuity .