Learning List recently reviewed OpenStax College’s College Physics for AP Courses , which is a comprehensive, open education resource (OER) resource that supports Advanced Placement (AP) physics instruction at the high school level. Instruction covers two college semesters and addresses the content for AP Physics 1 and 2. The course is available online at no cost ( https://openstaxcollege.org/textbooks/college-physics-ap ); low-cost print and eBooks are also available. The first half of College Physics for AP Courses covers material for AP Physics 1, including kinematics, Newton’s laws, motion, force, energy, oscillating motion and waves, electricity and currents. The second half addresses AP Physics 2, including fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, optics, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics. Instruction is organized in terms of physics concepts and begins with detailed definitions of terminology and explanations of concepts. As lessons progress, students learn how concepts are relevant to real-world phenomena. Frequent example problems frame how concepts can be used to understand and solve every day problems (e.g., What acceleration can a person produce when pushing a lawn mower?). Example problems provide step-by-step guidance in identifying mathematical solutions and detailed discussions of problem-solving strategies. The text provides frequent opportunities for students to apply what they have learned and check their understanding using problems presented in textboxes (e.g., “Applying the Science Practices” and “Check Your Understanding”). Other textboxes highlight formulas, note important and/or interesting information, and identify frequent misconceptions. College Physics for AP Courses is an open-source resource that encourages science educators to submit new information and course material to ensure instruction is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to students’ lives. Content is math dependent; students will need a strong understanding of concepts in algebra and statistics in order to be successful. The course does not include a laboratory component, so a separate laboratory manual will be needed in order to fully address the AP Science Practices. About OpenStax College* OpenStax College is a nonprofit organization committed to improving student access to quality learning materials. Through partnerships with companies and foundations committed to reducing costs for students, OpenStax College is working to improve access to higher education for all. OpenStax College is an initiative of Rice University and is made possible through the generous support of several philanthropic foundations. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from OpenStax College . Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

Learning.com’s Inquiry is a web-based, K-8 resource focused on developing students’ technology skills and supporting schools’ transition to project-based learning (PBL) in the core subject areas. Content includes subject-based projects at each grade level as well as age-appropriate instruction in digital citizenship differentiated for the early elementary (K-2), elementary (3-5), and middle (6-8) school levels. Learning List has reviewed the Texas Edition resources for grades K-8. Each grade level includes six pre-developed blended learning projects that address one of the four core content areas (i.e., math, ELA, science, and social studies). Projects begin with an optional pre-test that assesses whether students have the technology skills needed to complete the project. Based on pre-test results, students are prescribed individualized lessons from the “EasyTech” library that address gaps in technology skills. Projects are framed in terms of an “Essential Question” and are structured as sequential tasks that students complete either individually or in groups to produce a final digital product. Projects require students to research, create, and present content using digital resources and some projects also include games, quizzes, and journaling assignments. Projects are flexible and teachers may choose to implement some or all components. Each project includes detailed lesson plans, estimated timelines, and suggested evaluation and extension activities. About Learning.com* Learning.com provides K-12 solutions to help students, teachers, and schools excel in a digital world. Districts around the country equip their students with the digital literacy skills needed for online assessments, college, and the workforce using their digital literacy solutions. Learning.com supports districts as they move to digital content with tools to build and share district-created digital curriculum. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Learning.com . Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

EMC’s Mirrors & Windows: Connecting with Literature Guided Reading Directed Reading Independent Reading About EMC* EMC is a division of New Mountain Learning —a diversified education company devoted to overseeing the continued development and growth of five prominent and established brands: EMC Publishing, Paradigm Publishing, JIST Publishing, RCL Benziger and Standard Publishing. Each brand provides traditional print and technology products and services for a wide range of learning needs including world language, religion education, secondary and post secondary technical/computer applications training, career counseling, life skills and job search guidance. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from EMC Publishing . Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

Core5 is made up of three components: (1) individualized online instruction, (2) teacher-led direct instruction, and (3) performance data contained in the myLexia reporting tool. Online content is organized in 18 levels that increase in difficulty, building from oral language and listening skills to academic vocabulary, reading comprehension, and fluency skills. At the start of each school year, a placement test identifies the appropriate level for each student. Online content is presented using colorful animated characters in a game-like format that keeps students engaged. Teacher-led lessons use the Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR) instructional model that includes modeling (i.e., “I do”), guided practice (i.e., “we do”), and independent practice (i.e., “you do”). MyLexia performance data and monitoring tools allow administrators and teachers to track progress at the district, campus, classroom, and individual student level. MyLexia predicts the probability of student success on assessments and includes an “Ability Score” that measures students’ growth in word recognition, vocabulary knowledge, syntactic knowledge, and reading comprehension skills. About Lexia Learning* Lexia Learning is one of the best-known and most highly respected reading technology companies in the world. Headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts, Lexia was founded more than 30 years ago with private funding and grants obtained from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Today, the company maintains a keen focus on its promise to improve student literacy through the use of technology, and has helped millions of students build reading skills. In 2013, Lexia was acquired by Rosetta Stone . *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Lexia Learning . Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

Mathworks: Math Explorations Activities develop students’ precise use of mathematical language and each text includes a glossary and a “Summary of Important Ideas” in both English and Spanish. About Mathworks* Mathworks is a center for innovation in mathematics education at Texas State University. Their mission is to research and develop model programs and self-sustaining learning communities that engage K-12 students from all backgrounds in doing mathematics at a high level. Mathworks programs raise mathematics achievement for all students, while developing future leaders in science, engineering, and mathematics. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Mathworks . Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

The CK-12 Foundation’s Math Concepts About CK-12* The CK-12 Foundation was founded with the mission to enable everyone to learn in his or her own way. We pair high quality content with the latest technologies. We equip students, teachers, and parents with everything they need. For free. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from CK-12. Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

The Center for Collaborative Classroom’s SIPPS About Center for the Collaborative Classroom * The Center for the Collaborative Classroom is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to providing continuous professional learning for teachers and curricula that support the academic, ethical, and social development of children. The organization brings to bear 51 years of collective experience from two leading educational nonprofit organizations: Developmental Studies Center (DSC) and Cornerstone Literacy, Inc. (CLI). We believe that how we teach matters as much as what we teach. Our professional development honors all teachers and empowers them to create the conditions for learning that will meet rigorous state standards and nurture the needs of the whole child. Our programs and carefully selected trade books help children appreciate the ideas and opinions of others, learn to agree and disagree respectfully, think critically about big ideas, and become responsible citizens of the world. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from the Center for the Collaborative Classroom. Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews and alignment reports.

A recent article in U.S. News and World Report discusses a report  from the Center for American Progress. Analyzing state-adopted materials from 19 states, the authors found little relationship between the cost and quality of curriculum materials. Though the study looked only at print materials aligned to the Common Core State Standards, Learning List data for print and online products reveal the same about Texas materials.  The table below shows the price of three state-adopted , 100% aligned Economics materials that vary in price by up to $81/student over an 8 year subscription: This table of 100% aligned, state-adopted and non-state-adopted Algebra I products also shows significant price variance: The article further states, “schools often used misaligned textbooks, and studies have shown that there is a clear gap between what publishers say is aligned to state standards or effective and what truly fits those criteria.” This begs the question: how does one judge the “effectiveness” of a material  prospectively ? With so many intervening variables (e.g., the teacher’s skill, the teacher’s use of the material, the students’ abilities and learning styles, and, for online materials, the district’s infrastructure), it is difficult to predict with certainty whether a material is/will be effective. Alignment to state standards is one predictive measure of a product’s effectiveness. Another is other educators’ experiences with the product. For that reason, Learning List’s editorial reviews incorporate feedback from multiple educators who personally have used the products with students. The reviews also include a list of reference districts for subscribers to contact before purchasing a product. Finally, educators can share their experience by rating and reviewing the products featured on LearningList.com. Learning List’s alignment reports, editorial reviews and new spec sheets provide multi-faceted feedback to inform educators’ selection of products and help them use their products most effectively.

In contrast to previous, more authoritarian instructional models that focused on rote learning, Dewey held that students must be actively engaged with and invested in what they are learning and that curriculum must be connected to students’ lives. Dewey’s approach recognized the role of students’ personal experiences in shaping their learning and that students learn best when they are ready for new content.  This idea was expressed again in 1966 with Jerome Bruner’s concept of the spiral curriculum where concepts are revisited across the elementary and middle grades in order to address differences in students’ readiness to learn. Dewey believed that teachers should not act as instructional authorities.  Instead, they should serve as facilitators of student learning, observing, supporting, and attending to individual learning needs. Dewey also asserted that the curriculum should be relevant to students and their lives.  For example, in a 1916 argument in support of vocational education, Dewey wrote: This approach to curriculum and instruction continues to resonate in American education. Dewey’s work, along with that of Jean Piaget, is fundamental to the contemporary Constructivist movement. Beyond Constructivism, most contemporary American educators understand the importance of a relevant curriculum and student-centered instruction in engaging students with content and meeting diverse student learning needs.

Heinemann’s Comprehension Toolkit About Heinemann* Heinemann Publishing was established in the spring of 1978 on New Hampshire’s seacoast, as a U.S. subsidiary of Heinemann UK. It is a publisher of professional resources and a provider of educational services for teachers, kindergarten through college. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Heinemann. Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews and alignment reports.

The Center for the Collaborative Classroom’s Making Meaning “ About Center for the Collaborative Classroom * The Center for the Collaborative Classroom is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to providing continuous professional learning for teachers and curricula that support the academic, ethical, and social development of children. The organization brings to bear 51 years of collective experience from two leading educational nonprofit organizations: Developmental Studies Center (DSC) and Cornerstone Literacy, Inc. (CLI). We believe that how we teach matters as much as what we teach. Our professional development honors all teachers and empowers them to create the conditions for learning that will meet rigorous state standards and nurture the needs of the whole child. Our programs and carefully selected trade books help children appreciate the ideas and opinions of others, learn to agree and disagree respectfully, think critically about big ideas, and become responsible citizens of the world. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from the Center for the Collaborative Classroom. Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews and alignment reports.

The Center for the Collaborative Classroom’s Being a Writer About Center for the Collaborative Classroom * The Center for the Collaborative Classroom is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to providing continuous professional learning for teachers and curricula that support the academic, ethical, and social development of children. The organization brings to bear 51 years of collective experience from two leading educational nonprofit organizations: Developmental Studies Center (DSC) and Cornerstone Literacy, Inc. (CLI). We believe that how we teach matters as much as what we teach. Our professional development honors all teachers and empowers them to create the conditions for learning that will meet rigorous state standards and nurture the needs of the whole child. Our programs and carefully selected trade books help children appreciate the ideas and opinions of others, learn to agree and disagree respectfully, think critically about big ideas, and become responsible citizens of the world. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from the Center for the Collaborative Classroom. Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews and alignment reports.