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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 For example, an activity at grade 5 asks students to read a handwritten historical document and copy it in their own handwriting.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 .

Learning List has reviewed Corwin Press’ Puzzle Piece Phonics (PPP) , which is a supplemental product that supports word study in grades K-2. Content is available in print format. Across grades, the program provides systematic and explicit instruction in spelling and phonics patterns. Instruction incorporates puzzle piece manipulatives that help students recognize sound and spelling patterns and their connections to word structure. PPP’s core content is organized in units, or “Concepts.” Each Concept is broken into instructional weeks that include a weekly focus. Content follows a logical sequence that builds on similarities in concepts and patterns. The pacing of instruction is deliberately measured to ensure that students have adequate time to master patterns before moving on to the next concept. < Read=">Read" more... ="more..."> As its title suggests, PPP uses the convention of puzzle pieces to organize learning. Each of PPP’s puzzle pieces represents a single letter, sound or spelling pattern (e.g., long a , the digraph ch ), and each piece displays its letter, sound, or pattern; a word that uses the letter/sound/pattern; and a related image. Instruction is organized in a set of predictable routines that introduce each new concept and each week’s focus, integrate ongoing review of previous concepts and patterns, check for understanding, and address specific elements of phonics instruction, such as phonemic awareness, recognizing sight words, building fluency, and so on. About Corwin Press* Corwin, a SAGE Publishing company, is the premier provider of professional learning products and services that equip educators with the resources needed to improve teaching and learning. Corwin offers print books and eBooks, digital products, and onsite consulting services for all types of educators at all stages of their careers. Corwin resources are authored by experts on the topics most relevant to education; formatted for hands-on, practical guidance; research based and peer reviewed for quality; and designed for professional learning. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Corwin Press .

Learning List recently reviewed The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences’ (CCFCS) Dollars and Sense . The product was submitted for state adoption in Texas in response to the Texas Education Agency’s Proclamation 2019 call for high school Personal Financial Literacy products aligned to the new PFL Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Dollars and Sense is a comprehensive online course that is designed for teacher use. The interactive syllabus contain links to printable student materials (e.g., worksheets). Stand-alone student materials (e.g., a textbook) are not provided. Dollars and Sense includes clear links to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Texas high school PFL and Dollars and Sense courses as well as national standards (e.g., National Standards in Personal Financial Education). Content is organized in an online syllabus with topics such as the “Importance of Financial Planning,” “Consequences of Economic Decisions,” and “Careers.” Each topic is broken into one or more subtopics. For example, the topic titled “Big-Ticket Purchases” is broken into two subtopics: “Big purchases (other than houses)” and “Housing.” Most content is delivered in PowerPoint presentations; PowerPoint presentations and other teaching resources may be printed for student use. < Read=">Read" more... ="more..."> About CCFCS* The mission of The Curriculum Center for Family and Consumer Sciences is to produce and disseminate instructional materials that support family and consumer sciences programs and to provide related pre-service and in-service professional development to educators and administrators within those program areas. The Center is the only curriculum center in the nation that specializes in the development of curriculum materials for family and consumer sciences content areas. We support teachers with a broad range of resources, from print to multimedia to in-service training. *Information in this section in provided by or adapted from CCFCS .

Learning List recently reviewed Ramsey Education’s Foundations in Personal Finance: High School Edition , which was submitted for state adoption in Texas in response to the Texas Education Agency’s Proclamation 2019 call for high school Personal Financial Literacy products aligned to the new PFL Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Foundations in Personal Finance: High School Edition is a comprehensive resource to support instruction in Texas high school PFL courses. Content is available in print and online formats. The program integrates videos featuring financial experts with text-based content. Instruction addresses avoiding debt, budgeting effectively, investing, and giving. Foundations in Personal Finance includes a direct instruction videos in which a financial expert explains some aspect of personal finance (e.g., “Basic Rules of Investing”). Most videos are developed specifically for the course, and some feature the authors speaking to an audience of students about the importance of money management. Print-based resources roughly correspond to Ramsey Education’s Foundations in Personal Finance online course (i.e., the two versions are not identical), and both versions incorporate videos. The print version includes a student workbook that accompanies the videos. The workbook cues students when to watch the video and includes pages with fill-in-the blank sentences that students complete while they watch. After the video, students respond to content in prompts for short journal entries (e.g., “If you were giving advice to a friend, what would you say are the most important things to know about investing?”).  Videos are embedded in the online course, which includes text that is broken into short sections and includes frequent lists and pull quotes from the authors and other notable figures in finance. Occasional photographs are integrated with the online text and instruction includes graphics and illustrations, where appropriate. Downloadable worksheets are provided for some activities. About Ramsey Education* The idea for Ramsey Education started over two decades ago when financial expert Dave Ramsey devoted his life’s work to teaching adults how to handle their money. Every day on The Dave Ramsey Show, Dave would teach adults across America how to budget, save, avoid debt, and retire with dignity. As he counseled adults on these essential money topics, he often heard the same feedback over and over again: "I wish I had learned this in high school!" That statement sparked Ramsey Solutions to develop a personal finance curriculum for high school students. After several years of the curriculum impacting classrooms across the country, the team launched an updated version called Foundations in Personal Finance. Since its launch in 2008, Foundations has been known across the industry as the leader in personal finance curriculum. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Ramsey Education .

Learning List recently reviewed Zaner-Bloser Spelling Connections Texas, which was submitted for state adoption in Texas in response the Texas Education Agency’s Proclamation 2019 call for K-8 English language arts and reading (ELAR) products aligned to the new ELAR Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), including the spelling TEKS. Spelling Connections Texas is a comprehensive spelling product for students in grades 1-6. Content is available in print and digital formats. Instruction focuses on grade-appropriate word lists that incorporate the words students encounter most when reading, writing, and speaking, as well as frequently misspelled words. Lessons focus on recognizing spelling patterns and applying patterns to increasingly challenging words. At each grade level , Spelling Connections is organized in weekly units that are made up of daily lessons that are designed to be implemented in 15-minute periods. Across grades, instruction incorporates sorting activities that help students recognize and understand the similarities and differences in how words are spelled. Word sorts may be completed using Zaner-Bloser’s spelling cards or using online resources. Sorting may be implemented in a variety of formats, including teacher-led activities, partners, or individual student work. Lessons connect spelling to phonics (grades 1-3) or vocabulary (grades 4-6), reading, and writing. < Read=">Read" more... ="more..."> About Zaner-Bloser* People have been writing to communicate since ancient Sumerian times. Zaner-Bloser isn't quite that old, but our company's long history and distinguished legacy make us unique in the business, and they're something we're proud of. A lot has changed since Zaner-Bloser was originally founded in 1888 by Charles Paxton Zaner of Columbus, Ohio, with his business partner, Elmer Ward Bloser. Back then, penmanship wasn't just a skill—it was a profession, and Charles Zaner's College of Penmanship was where you went to learn it. Unlike other schools of penmanship, though, Zaner-Bloser didn't just teach how to write beautiful-looking letters. The school also taught academics as well, so graduating students were skilled penmen and good writers. Over the course of a century, Zaner-Bloser's programs for teaching handwriting have become the definitive methods used by generations of American children. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Zaner-Bloser .

Learning List recently reviewed B.E. Publishing’s Personal Financial Literacy and GoVenture . Both products were submitted for state adoption in Texas in response to the Texas Education Agency’s Proclamation 2019 call for high school Personal Financial Literacy products aligned to the new PFL Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Personal Financial Literacy is a comprehensive resource that focuses on the skills students need to set goals and manage their work and personal financial lives. GoVenture is an interactive simulation game in which students set life goals, make decisions (e.g., purchasing a home), and experience the effects of decisions (e.g., good or poor credit ratings). GoVenture may be used as a supplement to another core PFL program or as a comprehensive resource for PFL courses that require 110 hours of instruction. Personal Financial Literacy is organized in six units: (1) Plan, (2) Earn, (3) Manage, (4) Save & Spend, (5) Invest, and (6) Protect. Instruction emphasizes the importance of goal setting and the SMART goal framework; that is, goals that are S pecific, M easurable, A ttainable, R esults-focused, and T ime-based. Course resources address Precision Exams’ standards for certification in General Financial Literacy and Personal Financial Management; Learning List has not verified alignment to these standards. < Read=">Read" more... ="more..."> GoVenture’s games allow students to experiment with a variety of life style scenarios, experience financial decision making, and learn about investing. Game content is organized in three overarching categories: Individual Activities, Investing Simulation, and Life and Money Simulation. Individual Activities take up to 60 minutes to complete and address topics such as making a life plan, net worth, loans, and retirement. About B.E. Publishing* For over 20 years, B.E. Publishing has made CTE (Career & Technical Education) its passion. Basically, CTE is all B.E. Publishing does. From product development to technical support and customer service, B.E. Publishing strives to meet and exceed the needs of the CTE community. B.E. Publishing’ mission is to provide a seamless classroom experience, helping teachers teach and learners learn. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from B.E. Publishing.

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 y Cultura 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. At each grade level, Lengua, Ritmo y Cultura is organized in kits that include print student materials (i.e., textbooks and workbooks), digital lesson resources, and a Teacher Guide. Student textbooks at each grade level are made up of 36 lessons. At grade K-2, textbooks are organized in 12 units made up of three lessons each and textbooks at grades 3-5 are comprised of 9 units made up of four lessons each. Across grades, the first lesson in each unit addresses foundational language skills (e.g., pronunciation). Lesson 2 covers phonological awareness (grades K-2), phonics, spelling, and vocabulary (grades 3-5). Lesson 3 focuses on reading comprehension skills using multiple genres of authentic Spanish texts, and Lesson 4 for grades 3-5 addresses writing skills. < Read=">Read" more... ="more..."> About EduSpark* EDUSPARK is dedicated to empowering teachers and students to reach their full potential through dual-language resources based on research in neuroscience and technology. Our systematic tools and learning resources increase students’ intellectual capacity, academic vocabulary and concept development in English and Spanish, motivation, communication, and collaborative skills. EDUSPARK provides quality cognitive development and ongoing support so that educators have the tools and resources they need to help their Spanish-speaking students achieve success in school and in life. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from EduSpark .