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­­ Learning List recently reviewed Baobab Education’s Mathventure —a supplemental, digital resource to help students in grades 3 and 4 develop problem solving strategies.  Content is provided in an interactive eBook that presents engaging, real-world situations which require students to apply mathematical reasoning skills. Digital tools allow students to access tutorials and other resources that help them identify problem-solving strategies independently.­­­­­­­­­­­ Mathventure content is structured in “theme-based problems” and their related “activity sequences.” Problems are organized in age-appropriate and engaging themes (e.g., Take a Vacation) that contains real-world problems that address a situation related to the theme (e.g., Building a Birdhouse with Grandpa). Each theme-based problem is linked to an activity sequence that is made up of several problems addressing the same concept(s) (e.g., reading mixed numbers). Teachers may choose to start with theme-based problems and use activity sequences as additional support or as a check for understanding. Alternatively, teachers may use the activity sequence as an introduction to concepts and then use theme-based problems as the check for understanding. Throughout problems students have access to interactive buttons that provide support. About Baobab Education* Baobab Education provides education consulting services that can fit your needs and requirements. Baobab Education does more than create great products—we can also collaborate with you and turn your project into a success story. Baobab Education’s consultants have been providing teacher training around the world for more than 20 years. In North America and Africa, for example, we have hosted hundreds of workshops in education at conventions and schools, as well as provided training for private and public companies. Whether you’re dealing with students in the public or private school sectors, students working at home, special-needs students who don’t necessarily fit within a traditional teaching infrastructure, or students who are looking for an extra teaching aid, Baobab Education offers amazing, interactive eBooks for the iPad, Mac and iPhone. Our eBooks' interactive elements include animation, drawing pads, video, audio and reviews. Best of all, once downloaded, no internet connection is needed. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Baobab Education. Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

Learning List now features reviews of  Mastery Education's Measuring Up to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills: Reading.  This supplemental print resource helps students in grades 3-8 (i.e., Levels C-H) prepare for STAAR reading tests. Content is organized in short lessons that address specific TEKS. Instruction provides ample opportunities for students to practice and apply reading comprehension skills. Content is scaffolded, building from simple to more complex concepts. Instruction is organized in chapters that address the TEKS for each grade level (e.g., make predictions). Each chapter is made up of short lessons that address specific TEKS. Lessons are presented in three parts: Each lesson begins with an introduction titled Understand the TEKS that supports direct instruction. Guided Instruction provides a reading passage for guided practice of new skills. On Your Own presents a second independent practice reading passage for students to read independently. Most chapters include one or more “STAAR Minitests” formatted to reflect the STAAR exam. Minitests combine concepts from multiple lessons and require that students use higher-level thinking skills. Teacher editions also contain two versions of a cumulative STAAR practice test, a table identifying the TEKS addressed by each practice test problem, and a prescriptive answer key to support reteaching. The prescriptive answer key identifies the lessons where the knowledge and skills addressed by each problem are taught. All practice tests are formatted to reflect the STAAR exam.  About Mastery Education* Mastery Education®, formerly Peoples Education, is a creator of print and online educational materials for the K-12 school market, best known for the flagship brand Measuring Up®. The company focuses on supplemental instructional and practice materials that are standards-based and customized for specific markets. Founded in 1991, Mastery Education has a long history of accurate and astute content creation, working closely with educational partners and analyzing mandated standards and assessment criteria in order to create the most useful and relevant teacher support tools. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Mastery Education. Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

Learning List has reviewed LAB- A I D S’ SEPUP Science resources for middle school science (i.e., grades 6-8) and high school biology courses. LAB-AID’s inquiry-based program organizes instruction around themes related to societal issues and students’ lives. Hands-on activities are at the center of instruction and provide opportunities for all students to explore science concepts. Course resources are available in print and eBook formats . The Science Education for Public Education Program (SEPUP) Science program incorporates a student-centered, activity-based approach to instruction. Content is organized using the 5E Model of Instruction (i.e., engage, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate), and investigations are at the center of learning experiences. Teacher Resources include detailed guidance in implementing the SEPUP system of instruction, including questioning strategies, for mative and summative approaches to assessing student progress. Literacy strategies are embedded throughout instruction. New vocabulary is introduced in context and referenced in the student edition index. Student readings reinforce the concepts addressed in investigations and frequent writing activities allow students to reflect on and derive meaning from their experiences. Course activities are designed to address the learning styles of young adults and incorporate many opportunities for peer interaction, including role play and collaborative group work. About LAB- A I D S’ SEPUP Science* SEPUP (Science Education for Public Understanding Program) began in 1987 as a not-for-profit project to develop hands-on materials about chemicals and their use for schools and community groups. It was initially called CEPUP (Chemical Education for Public Understanding Program). As the mission of the project expanded to include other scientific disciplines, the name changed to SEPUP. Part of UC Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science, SEPUP continues to be a not-for-profit project that is primarily supported by grants. However, most of our curriculum is now intended for schools. We have commercially available curricular materials that are used in school districts from Los Angeles to New York. For information on purchasing these materials, please visit LAB-AIDS , the sole producer and distributor of SEPUP materials. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from  LAB- A I D S’ SEPUP Science. Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

Focus Lesson Guided Instruction Collaborative Learning Independent Practice

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.

Khan Academy Students complete a diagnostic “Mission Warm-up” prior to beginning work. The Warm-up assesses students’ knowledge of the concepts and skills included in the domain. About Khan Academy* Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. Khan Academy tackles math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, and more. They've partnered with institutions like NASA, The Museum of Modern Art, The California Academy of Sciences, and MIT to offer specialized content. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Khan Academy. 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.