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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 .

Learning List has reviewed each of the handwriting products, including three Spanish-language products, submitted to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in response to the Proclamation 2019. Below are brief discussions of each Spanish-language handwriting product. Learning List has also reviewed the English-language version of each product. < Read=">Read" more... ="more..."> Learning Without Tears’ Handwriting Without Tears (HWT) Spanish is the Spanish-language version of HWT English. Both products provide developmentally appropriate visual, tactile, auditory, and kinesthetic activities that support the development of handwriting skills. HWT’s Spanish-language products are largely the same as the English-language versions but are tailored for Spanish language instruction. Variations reflect differences in spelling across the two languages. For example, in grade 2 the English version uses the word “dog” to illustrate certain handwriting skills, the Spanish-language product uses the word “hoy” to demonstrate the same skills. Perfection Learning’s Benson Escritura con Lectura y Artes del Lenguaje is the Spanish-language complement to Perfection Learning’s Benson Handwriting . Generally speaking, content across the two products has been translated exactly. In few situations, some meaning is lost in translation. For example, a lesson addressing homophones at grade 3 uses the homophones “dear, deer” and “clothes, that close” in the English text. The Spanish text uses the translated phrases “el amigo del venado” and “ropa que se Cierra,” which are not homophones. In both languages, instruction emphasizes fluency and legibility. Zaner-Bloser La escritura is the Spanish-language companion to Zaner-Bloser’s “ Handwriting Texas ”. Both products emphasize legibility and the real-world applications of handwriting. La escritura at each grade level is a direct translation of Handwriting Texas. While translations are accurate, some activities are not translated into Spanish. For example, an activity at grade 5 asks students to read a handwritten historical document and copy it in their own handwriting. While La escritura is solely in Spanish, the document students are asked to copy is in English. Nearly all of the submitted Spanish-language handwriting products are designed for use in K-5 dual-language and/or bi-literacy instructional programs. As such, these products generally do not contain resources to support students’ transition from Spanish to English and do not reference the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS). TEA does not require Spanish-language products to address the ELPS.

Learning List has reviewed Savvas’s Stats in Your World , which is a comprehensive product that supports instruction in high school statistics courses. Content is available in print and eBook formats and includes a variety of resources housed in Savvas’s “MyStatLab™” online platform. Instruction emphasizes the use of real-world data to introduce statistical concepts, develop statistical analysis skills, and enable students to “think statistically.” Stats in Your World ’s examples focus on real-world problems and applications of statistics that will be familiar to college-bound students (e.g., random assignment of students to dorms) and each chapter contains a discussion of common errors made in analyzing statistical data and interpreting results. < Read=">Read" more... ="more..."> Online resources include tutorials in using technology resources, “StatTalk” videos, and the StatCrunch statistical analysis tool. Technology tutorials introduce students to software applications such as Excel and SPSS, as well as the use graphing calculators. About Savvas* Savvas is the world’s learning company, with expertise in educational courseware and assessment, and a range of teaching and learning services powered by technology. Savvas’s mission is to help people make progress through access to better learning. Savvas believes that learning opens up opportunities, creating fulfilling careers and better lives. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Savvas .

Learning List has reviewed each of the five Spanish language arts and reading (SLAR) materials submitted to the Texas Education Agency in response to the Proclamation 2019. Below are brief discussions of each of the SLAR products. Learning List has reviewed each of the corresponding English language arts and reading (ELAR) products referenced in descriptions. < Read=">Read" More... ="More..."> Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s ¡Arriba la Lectura! Texas  is the Spanish-language version of HMH’s comprehensive “ Into Reading ” ELAR product. Content in ¡Arriba la Lectura! mirrors that of Into Reading, only it is presented in Spanish. Instruction is organized in modules that address cross-curricular topics, such as a “Guardianes de la Tierra” or “Global Guardians” module at grade 4 that integrates content from conservation science. Texts and assignments are the same in both versions of the product and the translations included in ¡Arriba la Lectura! are accurate and age appropriate. McGraw Hill’s Texas Maravillas  is the Spanish-language companion to McGraw Hill’s comprehensive “ Texas Wonders ” K-5 ELAR program. Instruction and resources in Maravillas largely reflect those of Texas Wonders . Some differences occur in the reading selections, with Maravillas placing greater emphasis on authentic Spanish-language texts and selections that reflect the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. However, when differences occur, the level of text complexity and rigor of related activities remain the same. Maravillas resources include a “Bridge to English” that supports teachers in modeling language transfer skills. Pearson’s Texas miVisión Lectura is the Spanish-language complement to the “ myView Literacy ” comprehensive ELAR program. The two products are largely the same in terms of content and rigor. miVisión Lectura differs somewhat in that it includes more authentic Spanish-language texts and places a greater emphasis on Spanish-speaking cultures and individuals. For example, in a unit incorporating narrative nonfiction, students using myView Literacy read Buzz Aldrin’s “Reaching for the Moon,” while students using miVisión Lectura read “El Canto de las Palomas,” by Juan Felípe Herrera. Differing reading selections share the same level of text complexity, and the difficulty of related questions and learning activities is the same. EduSpark’s Lengua, Ritmo y Cultura is a comprehensive, stand-alone SLAR program (i.e., no complementary ELAR product is provided) developed specifically for Texas students. Instruction incorporates authentic reading selections from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries, as well as works written specifically for the program by Texans of Latino ancestry. Across grades, Lengua, Ritmo y Cultura addresses foundational language skills (e.g., pronunciation) and builds reading comprehension using multiple genres of authentic Spanish texts. At grades K-2, the program emphasizes phonological awareness. At grades 3-5, students learn to write in Spanish and build their knowledge of phonics, spelling, and vocabulary. Istation en Español is the K-5 Spanish-language component of Istation’s supplemental, online ELAR program for grades PK-8. Instruction is adaptive and develops Spanish-language reading skills using lessons that emphasize nonfiction texts addressing topics in science. Students complete the “Istation Indicator of Progress” (ISIP) in Spanish at the beginning of the year and each month thereafter. Based on ISIP results, the program prescribes specific learning activities, Spanish-language texts, and program usage time for each student. Nearly all of the submitted SLAR products are designed for use in K-5 dual-language and/or bi-literacy instructional programs. As such, these products generally do not contain resources to support students’ transition from Spanish to English and do not reference the English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS). TEA does not require Spanish-language products to address the ELPS.

Matific Math Learning Platform, About Matific*

Learning List has reviewed Savvas’s Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World , which is a comprehensive product that supports instruction in high school statistics courses. Content is available in print and eBook formats and includes a variety of resources housed in Savvas’s “MyLab™” online platform. Instruction is algebra-based and emphasizes the importance of statistics in real-world contexts and the practical applications of skills. Elementary Statistics begins with a preface that describes the course’s resources, including those found in MyStatLab and a short “How to Study Statistics” feature that provides a set of study strategies. MyStatLab contains an “Orientation” and “Getting Ready for Statistics” activities that are not included in the text. Elementary Statistics text-based content is organized in four parts: (1) Descriptive Statistics, (2) Probability and Probability Distributions, (3) Statistical Inference, and (4) More Statistical Inference. < Read=">Read" More... ="More..."> Parts are made up of chapters that include a “Uses and Abuses” article that discusses the use of statistics in a variety of real-world contexts and the ethical implications of such use. Case studies and real-world examples help students understand the applications of statistics. “Picturing the World” margin notes provide short descriptions and related critical thinking questions that address the use of statistics in day-to-day contexts (e.g., predicting the occupancy of vehicles crossing a suspension bridge). Each chapter ends with a summary, a set of review exercises, a quiz, a practice test, and activities that allow students to apply statistics in real-world situations and use technology tools. About Savvas* Savvas is the world’s learning company, with expertise in educational courseware and assessment, and a range of teaching and learning services powered by technology. Savvas’s mission is to help people make progress through access to better learning. Savvas believes that learning opens up opportunities, creating fulfilling careers and better lives. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Savvas .

Learning List has reviewed Savvas’s Using & Understanding Mathematics: A Quantitative Reasoning Approach. This comprehensive product supports instruction in Texas’ Advanced Quantitative Reasoning (AQR) high school courses. Content is available in print and eBook formats and includes a variety of resources housed in Savvas’s “MyLab™ Math” online platform. Instruction emphasizes the importance of quantitative reasoning skills in real-world contexts and the practical applications of skills. Using & Understanding Mathematics begins with a Prologue that discusses how knowledge of mathematics is important in life and careers and seeks to dispel negative attitudes about mathematics (e.g., “Math is irrelevant to my life.”). Core content is presented in twelve chapters that address the relevance of mathematics in everyday contexts. Some chapter titles include “Managing Money,” “Modeling Our World,” and “Mathematics and Politics.” < Read=">Read" More... ="More..."> The text includes features that help students understand the real-world applications of concepts. For example, “Think About” questions require students to consider how what they are learning relates to common problems, such as finding a balance between work and study needs. “In Your World” articles describe how mathematics evolved and its connection to everyday activities. Some In Your World articles have related videos that students access using an eBook link. About Savvas* Savvas is the world’s learning company, with expertise in educational courseware and assessment, and a range of teaching and learning services powered by technology. Savvas’s mission is to help people make progress through access to better learning. Savvas believes that learning opens up opportunities, creating fulfilling careers and better lives. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Savvas .