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As the materials adoption season begins, curriculum reviews can save you hours of work. If you are looking at science materials, learn about a science curriculum we have reviewed for middle school. OpenSciEd Science powered by Kiddom is a comprehensive science program for grades 6-8 and high school Biology. This review is based on the version of the material submitted for state adoption under Texas Proclamation 2024. While the publisher may have developed some content in this version specifically to align to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, the material's format and features are likely the same as in the national version of the material. Thus, the information contained in this review would be useful to districts in every state. The material is available in digital format through the Kiddom platform and includes printable PDF materials for students. The goal of the program is to provide a three-dimensional approach to science teaching and learning. The design of OpenSciEd Science is based on the Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The teacher materials are more strongly focused on the NGSS than the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Lessons are heavily scripted and lengthy. Thus, teachers will need ample time to navigate this material.  Units begin with a storyline and include multiple lesson sets. Lessons require students to explore phenomena, ask questions, conduct investigations to find answers, support their ideas with evidence, and collaborate with others. The materials are text-dense, so students must be able to read effectively. About Learning List Read Learning List 's full editorial reviews and spec sheets to learn more about the benefits and challenges of implementing OpenScieEd Science powered by Kiddom . Our reviews are available through a low-cost subscription. Contact info@LearningList.com to learn about subscribing to our instructional materials review service for access to alignment, instructional quality, and technology compatibility reviews of more than 3,300 widely used PreK-12 instructional materials and the opportunity to submit additional materials for review at no additional charge.  About Kiddom Kiddom builds technology enabling teachers and learners to unlock their full potential. Teachers are often constrained by limited access to quality tools or mandated use of ineffective tools that do not meet their students’ needs. Kiddom believes technology should be utilized to close the achievement gap and level the playing field for all students.

Looking for an activity-based science curriculum? Don’t miss our reviews of HMH’s Into Science. Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt’s Into Science (Into Science) is a comprehensive science program for grades K-8. The program focuses on providing student-centered activities intended to “bring out every student’s inner scientist.” Learning List has reviewed the version of the material submitted for state adoption under Texas Proclamation 2024. While the Texas version includes content specifically aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the material’s format and features are likely the same as in the national version. Thus, the information contained in this review would be useful to districts in every state. The materials are available in print and in digital format. The digital version of the material is provided on HMH’s Ed platform. Into Science organizes learning around hands-on activities to help students learn such topics as Matter, Energy, and Earth’s Processes. The material’s structure is based on the 5 E model. Instruction for each grade level is organized into lessons. Each lesson is designed for 30 minutes of instruction and lessons span multiple days. Lessons are consistently formatted and focus on a single content-based TEKS student expectation. Phenomena, scientific and engineering practices (SEPs), and recurring themes are integrated throughout the lessons. Multiple hands-on activities are provided in each lesson and structures and routines support critical thinking. For example, one of the recurring activities requires students to write their responses to open-ended questions and defend their claims with evidence. Lessons include formative and summative assessments. Teachers may also create their own assessments in the Ed Platform. ELPS Minilessons, which are separate lessons provided in the material’s resources on the Ed Platform, provide lesson-specific support for Emerging Bilingual students. Read Learning List's complete Editorial Review to learn more about the other supports Into Science provides for students with specific learning needs. Learning List’s reviews are available through a subscription. Contact  info@LearningList.com  to learn about subscribing to our instructional materials review service. Subscribers get access to alignment, instructional quality, and technology compatibility reviews of more than 3,300 widely used PreK-12 instructional materials and can submit additional materials for review at no additional charge.  About  Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt * Houghton Mifflin Harcourt  is a global learning company committed to delivering integrated solutions that engage learners, empower educators and improve student outcomes. As a leading provider of K–12 core curriculum, supplemental solutions and professional learning services, HMH partners with educators and school districts to uncover solutions that unlock students’ potential and extend teachers’ capabilities. HMH serves more than 50 million students and 3 million educators in 150 countries, while its award-winning children’s books, novels, non-fiction, and reference titles are enjoyed by readers throughout the world. * Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt.

Savvas' Texas Experience Science is a comprehensive science curriculum for grades K-8, which focuses on bringing science concepts to life through collaborative, hands-on activities. The material is available in English and in Spanish and in print and digital formats. Experience Science organizes learning around seven topics in each grade level. Each topic includes a launch, which introduces the topic, an anchoring phenomenon, and multiple "Experiences" (lessons). Experiences are based on the 5E model and span three, four, or five days of instruction, depending on the lesson model teachers select. The material seamlessly integrates phenomena, scientific and engineering practices, and recurring themes throughout each topic. Experiences include an anchoring phenomenon, additional phenomena, and guiding questions about the phenomena to help students see how scientific concepts exist in the real world. The Explore portion of each Experience typically includes hands-on stations or lab experiences to help students begin to develop an understanding of the concept. Throughout the Experiences, students are consistently required to justify their claims with evidence and explain their reasoning. They are also encouraged to make connections to science in their communities. Each “Experience” provides “ELPS Targeted Support” for Emerging Bilinguals. These supports are specific to language proficiency level and to the specific instructional activity. Strategies for differentiating instruction for other students are specific to the activity, but they are not specific to learning need. Read Learning List's Spec Sheet and Editorial Review of Savvas' Texas Experience Science to find out whether the material is rigorous enough for your students and to learn more about the resources available for students and teachers. About Learning List Learning List’s reviews are available through a low-cost subscription. Contact info@LearningList.com to learn about subscribing to our instructional materials review service which provides immediate access to our independent, evidence-based reviews of more than 3,300 PreK-12 instructional materials. Subscribing districts can also submit additional materials for review at no additional charge.  About Savvas Learning Company * Savvas Learning Company (formerly Pearson K12 Learning), is a next-generation learning company. Their goal is to combine new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of interacting to create innovative learning solutions. Savvas is “driven by a shared purpose to prepare students to thrive in our rapidly changing world. We do that by combining the power of advanced technology and dynamic curriculum to create next-generation learning solutions — delivered in the physical classroom or in remote settings — that offer engaging, personalized, and real-world learning experiences”   Information in the section is provided by or adapted from Savvas.*

Great Minds' PhD Science Texas  (PhD Science Texas) is a comprehensive science curriculum for grades K-5. The material focuses on students making sense of and explaining scientific phenomena. The goal of the program is for students to “engage in learning that builds their coherent understanding of scientific knowledge.” As of September 2023, the materials are available in print only. PhD Science Texas  organizes learning in three modules per grade level, based on topics typically addressed in elementary science. Each module includes multiple lessons which are grouped based on related concepts. Lessons are intended for 35 minutes of instruction in grades K-2 and 45 minutes of instruction in grades 3-5. The material consistently and systematically integrates phenomena and essential questions. Learning is scaffolded throughout the modules with a focus question for each concept. Across the lessons in each module, students follow the same learning cycle designed to help them make sense of and be able to explain scientific phenomena. Lessons include a variety of activities that support academic discourse about science and critical thinking. Students are required to observe phenomena, ask questions, develop and use models, and collaborate with others. Opportunities for students to connect science to the real world are evident throughout the material. In PhD Science, there is no traditional textbook. The primary student material is the Science Logbook, a consumable resource that provides activities and resources for most lessons. The primary teacher resource is a teacher edition, which provides comprehensive support for teachers, including scientific background and implementation guidance. The volume of information included in the teacher edition may require additional teacher preparation time. Learn more about PhD Science's rigor, assessments, and supports for special populations by reading Learning List's Spec Sheet and Editorial Reviews . About Learning List Learning List’s reviews are available through a subscription. Contact  info@LearningList.com  to learn about subscribing to our instructional materials review service. Subscribers get access to alignment, instructional quality, and technology compatibility reviews of more than 3,300 widely used PreK-12 instructional materials and can submit additional materials for review at no additional charge. About Great Minds *  What began as a small group of K–12 advocates with a passion for knowledge has grown quickly into teams of hundreds of teacher-writers on a mission to elevate education in every classroom. Great Minds® makes knowledge accessible to all in the form of high-quality curricula in mathematics, English language arts, science, and more. *Content in this section is adapted from Great Minds.

Discovery Education’s Science Techbook for Texas (Discovery Texas) is a comprehensive science curriculum for grades K-8. The material focuses on helping students act as scientists and engineers through relevant phenomena, hands-on labs, and interactive activities. The materials are available in print and digital formats. Discovery Texas organizes learning around phenomena and recurring themes and concepts present in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Each grade level provides four units based on the core content strands in the TEKS. The units are also identified as Earth science, physical science, or life science. These focus areas are consistently color-coded across all grade levels (blue-Earth science, pink-physical science, orange-life science). Each unit contains numerous lessons that are grouped based on major concepts for that unit. Lessons are designed around the 5E model and are structured in 20-minute increments, meaning each lesson is designed to take 20, 40, or 60 minutes, depending on the content of the lesson “Explore” lessons typically span multiple lessons. Phenomena, scientific and engineering practices, and recurring themes are consistently and systematically integrated throughout each lesson. The "Explore" lessons are sequenced so that students participate in hands-on and interactive activities and watch videos prior to reading the material. This sequence scaffolds students' development of concepts so that by the time they read about the concept, they have sufficient background information. Ongoing structures and routines support critical thinking and students acting as scientists and engineers. To learn more about the material's rigor and supports for special student populations, read Learning List's spec sheet and editorial reviews. About Learning List Learning List’s reviews are available through a subscription. Contact  info@LearningList.com  to learn about subscribing to our instructional materials review service. Subscribers get access to alignment, instructional quality, and technology compatibility reviews of more than 3,300 widely used PreK-12 instructional materials and can submit additional materials for review at no additional charge. About Discovery Education * Discovery Education inspires educators to go beyond traditional learning with award-winning digital content and professional development. Science Techbook  invites students to explore the marvels of our world with an immersive, phenomena-based core science curriculum designed to bring the excitement of science to life!  *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Discovery Education.

Learning List has reviewed Zulama’s AP Computer Science Principles. This comprehensive product supports instruction in Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles courses. Content is fully online and includes printable resources. Instruction develops students’ understanding of computer science and coding skills through the lens of game design. The course requires the installation of GameMaker Studio 2 software; GameMaker Studio 2 requires a Windows operating system. < Read=">Read" more... ="more..."> Content is organized in 16 modules made up of 65 lessons. Each module opens with a set of essential questions, the game design topics and learning objectives addressed by instruction, and list of learning outcomes (e.g., “Dynamically allocate game resources”). Lessons are short and focus on a specific essential question (e.g., “How is code used to move two instances in sync?”). The use of GameMaker software enables students to be creative and instruction includes step-by-step guidance in the process of game development. Students are asked to create a digital portfolio of their creative work. A portfolio guide and rubric are provided. About Zulama* Students love learning about the technical side of video games, and Zulama gives them the chance to explore topics they enjoy, like storytelling and computer programming. The Zulama curriculum was created by educators at the world-renowned Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University. It gives teenagers experience with problem solving and thinking creatively—skills they need to earn jobs in a digital world. Zulama  contains over 80 hours of lessons, activities, projects, and content. The content is delivered through a browser-based platform into your classrooms, where students participate in hands-on, project-based activities and assignments. Content in this section is provided by or adapted from Zulama .   Subscribe to  Learning List  for access to the spec sheet, full editorial review and detailed alignment report for this material, and thousands of other widely used Pk-12 resources.

Whether you are reviewing the alignment of a material before you purchase it or are planning instruction with a material you already own, the publisher's correlation can be an invaluable resource. A correlation may be provided as a print or printable document, or it may be embedded in the material's search-by-standard functionality. Regardless of its format, the correlation identifies which standards the material addresses, and like a map, directs you to specific content in the material that addresses those standards.* These three tips will help you use a publisher's correlation most effectively to get the biggest instructional bang-for-your-buck from a material. If a material does not provide a correlation to your state’s standards , it probably was not designed  with your state's standards in mind . Thus, the material likely will not cover all of the content knowledge and skills your standards require students to learn. Using a material without a correlation to your state standards will cause you more work in planning instruction to ensure that your students have the opportunity to learn everything the standards require. Consider using such resources for engagement or enrichment rather than as the primary/core resource for the course.  Publishers do not always intend for their materials to address all grade level standards. This is particularly true of supplemental materials , but may also be true of core materials. Before you select or use a material, check the correlation to see whether the standards you intend to teach are  addressed in that material. Then, check the citations listed in the publisher's correlation to determine which are aligned to those standards. A word of caution: having reviewed thousands of PreK-12 materials, we can assure you that just because a citation is listed in the correlation, does not mean it contains standards-aligned content. Sometimes, publishers use word search tools to create their correlations. The fact that the language of a standard appears in the material does not mean that the material is aligned to that standard. Individual citations (i.e., activities, lessons, quizzes) referenced in the publisher's correlation are not always designed to align to the whole standard . A material may scaffold instruction for certain standards with the goal of achieving mastery of those standards by the end of a unit or the end of the course. As a result, not every citation listed in the publisher’s correlation will align to those standards completely. For example, the first citation listed for a standard may introduce one part of the standard. The next two citations may introduce different parts of the standard. A citation to the culminating activity at the end of the unit or course may address the standard entirely. Thus, it may be necessary to "bundle" several citations (i.e., use citations from different chapter/units in the material) to help students achieve mastery of a standard. That is another reason to check the alignment of citations before you use them. If you do not have the time to do that work yourself, Learning List's  alignment reports show you which citations are individually aligned to a standard and which must be “bundled” to achieve alignment. If you are having trouble accessing or using the publisher’s correlation, contact us . We are happy to help you understand how to use the publisher’s correlation to facilitate your instructional planning. * Please note that "address" is distinct from "aligned to." Address, as used in this article, means that the material claims to have content relevant to that standard. A material is "aligned to" a standard only if it provides instruction or assesses the content of the standard in the correct context and at the level of rigor required by the standard. Addressing a standard is a necessary precursor to being aligned to the standard.

Is your district looking for elementary materials to support the new Health TEKS? Take a look at Learning List’s reviews of Mekumi, Inc. Health. Mekumi, Inc. Health is a fully digital collection of health lessons for grades K-6. The product is available primarily in English. Learning List recently reviewed the digital format of this material as submitted for state adoption in Texas under Proclamation 2022. The material addresses seven major topics in health education. Lessons provide facts and information to support the development of health knowledge and encourage students to discuss health topics using open-ended questions. The material includes numerous links to worksheets and videos from outside providers such as Nemours KidsHealth.org, Alberta Canada’s Health Department, and Youtube. The material consistently encourages students to talk to a parent or trusted adult. It also includes the use of slang terms for parts of the body. Read Learning List’s Editorial Review to learn more about the design and content of the material. Learning List has also completed a review of the product’s technology compatibility. To access these reviews and TEA’s alignment reports for this material, contact Learning List for subscription information. About Mekumi* “Me-kumi means eternally beautiful in Japanese. We named the platform Mekumi because we want it to expose the strengths of all learners and educators and illuminate the eternal beauty of our human potential.” The Mekumi Ed platform intends to provide voice for teachers and students and to support administrators, teachers, and students. Mekumi Ed’s goal is to provide “an educational environment that brings rock star teaching to every onsite and virtual classroom. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Mekumi .

Is your district considering materials to support instruction in sexual health and wellness? Take a look at Learning List’s reviews of Healthy Futures of Texas’ Big Decisions Making Informed Choices About Sex Healthy Futures of Texas’ Big Decisions Making Informed Choices About Sex is a supplemental health program designed to support instruction about sexual health and wellness. Learning List recently reviewed the digital format of this material as submitted for state adoption in Texas under Proclamation 2022. The goal of the material is to “empower young people to make healthy and informed decisions about sex and relationships.” The product is available in English, in both print and digital formats, and is intended for grades 8 and 9 with an adaption for grade 7. The materials consist of ten lessons focused on sexual health and wellness; it does not include content about other health topics. Teachers are supported with detailed, scripted lessons and substantial background information. Lessons focus on strategies to help students make decisions that affect their health and their futures. Students are consistently encouraged to talk to a parents or trusted adults. Read Learning List’s Editorial Review to learn more about the material’s supports for special populations. Learning List has also completed a review of the product’s technology compatibility. To access these reviews and TEA’s alignment reports for this material, contact Learning List for subscription information. About Healthy Futures of Texas* “Since 2006, Healthy Futures of Texas has worked to reduce unplanned and teen pregnancies through science-based education and advocacy efforts that empower young people, women, and families to make the best decisions for their futures.” Healthy Futures of Texas is a non-profit organization based in San Antonio and focused on advocacy, education, curriculum design, and partnerships.  *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Healthy Futures of Texas .

Is your district considering materials to support instruction in sexual health and wellness? Take a look at Learning List’s reviews of Human Kinetics’ Live Well Middle School Health . Human Kinetics’ Live Well Middle School Health is a fully digital, comprehensive program to support health instruction. Learning List recently reviewed the digital format version of this material as submitted for state adoption in Texas under Proclamation 2022. The product is available in English, in both print and digital formats. The materials are the same across grades 6-8 and are designed to align with the National Health Education Standards. Materials to support instruction about reproductive and sexual health are provided as a supplement, which is included as a link in the main interactive table of contents. The focus of the material is to help students understand health and wellness and apply what they learn to lifelong health. Students are encouraged to learn key health information in order to advocate for their own health and are consistently encouraged to talk to parents or trusted adults. Read Learning List’s Editorial Review to learn more about the design of the material and its approach to the instruction of health topics. Learning List has also completed a review of the product’s technology compatibility. To access these reviews and TEA’s alignment reports for this material, contact Learning List for subscription information. About Human Kinetics* Human Kinetics is an Illinois based company. Their mission is “to increase the knowledge, enhance the performance, and improve the health and fitness of all people around the globe by developing and delivering authoritative information about physical activity and sport.” Partnerships with Human Kinetics include the American Kinesiology Association, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. “Human Kinetics maintains productive relationships with a broad range of retailers, wholesalers, and bulk purchasers.”  *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Human Kinetics .

Is your district considering materials for Proclamation 2022? Take a look at Learning List’s reviews of Goodheart-Willcox Company’s Texas Health Skills. Goodheart-Willcox’s Texas Health Skills is a fully digital, comprehensive program to support health instruction in middle and high school. Learning List recently review the version of this material as submitted for state adoption in Texas under Proclamation 2022. The material intends to provide a skills-based approach through a variety of activities and assessments, providing numerous opportunities for students to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. Goodheart-Willcox provides a set of materials for middle school and a set of materials for high school. Both sets of materials are available in English and Spanish and provide numerous online resources for teachers and students. The materials consistently encourage students to advocate for their own health and to talk to parents or trusted adults. The content of the material provides key health information, including topics such as substance abuse, healthy relationships, and bullying and violence prevention. Instruction about responsible sexual decisions, sexual feelings and behavior, unwanted sexual activity, and pregnancy prevention are provided in a document separate from the core materials to allow teachers discretion in how these topics are addressed. Read Learning List’s Editorial Review to learn more about the unique characteristics of Goodheart-Willcox Company’s Health Skills. Learning List has also completed a review of the product’s technology compatibility. To access these reviews and TEA’s alignment reports for this material, contact Learning List for subscription information. About Goodheart Willcox* In 1921, William Goodheart and Charles D. Willcox, and others, came together to start a company to publish Dyke's Automobile and Gasoline Engine Encyclopedia that had been previously self-published by the author, Mr. A. L. Dyke. Little did they know this small publishing company would grow up to become The Goodheart-Willcox Company, Inc., a leader in career and technical education (CTE). Today's Goodheart-Willcox (G-W) publishes both print and digital textbooks while also producing online courses and other instructional resources that provide a complete classroom solution. With subject-appropriate titles for middle school, high school, higher education, and professional training, G-W is recognized as a go-to source for career and technical education content. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Goodheart-Willcox .

Is your district looking for elementary materials to support the new Health TEKS? Take a look at Learning List’s reviews of QuaverEd’s Quaver Health. QuaverEd’s Quaver Health is a fully digital, comprehensive health program for students in grades K-5. The material is available in English, with a few resources in Spanish. Learning List recently reviewed the product, as provided by the publisher. The material has also been submitted for state adoption in Texas under Proclamation 2022. The program addresses social, emotional, intellectual, and physical health needs, and focuses on developing “stronger bodies and minds in all students.” The design of the material engages students with interactive activities and encourages students to talk to a parent or trusted adult about health matters.   The material provides strategies to support the development of healthy relationships and how to prevent bullying. The program provides information about “sensitive” topics under a Special Topics tab and includes informal assessments at the end of each module. Read Learning List’s Editorial Review to learn more about the material’s support for special populations. Learning List has also completed a review of the product’s technology compatibility. To access these reviews and TEA’s alignment reports for this material, contact Learning List for subscription information. About QuaverEd* QuaverEd’s mission is to “equip educators to engage today’s students in academic, social, and emotional learning.” QuaverEd believes “music is the key to unlocking student emotion and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.” The publisher provides materials to schools in all 50 states and 31 countries.  Information in the section is provided by or adapted from QuaverEd.