For Immediate Release Contact: Cindy Ryan 512-852-2132 Learning List's New Spec Sheets and Explorer Tool Help Districts Transition Successfully to a Blended Learning Environment Austin TX, October 1, 2015 – Learning List launches new Spec Sheet reviews and Explorer tool at the TASA/TASB Convention in Austin, Texas. According to the Texas Education Agency , Texas school districts have already spent over $250 million this school year on new instructional materials. If history serves as a guide, many of those products will go unused because they will not live up to the publisher’s claims. The challenge of finding high quality instructional materials is exacerbated as districts increasingly transition to a blended learning environment with either 1:1 or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Now, not only must administrators find instructional materials that meet their students’ academic needs, but the materials must also work with multiple devices, browsers and operating systems. District staff seldom has the time and/or expertise to thoroughly review the academic attributes and technology requirements of instructional materials before the district decides which products to buy. Learning List’s new Spec Sheets and Explorer tool help districts meet that challenge. The Explorer tool helps educators navigate the vast (and expanding) universe of K-12 instructional materials to find products the meet their academic and technical specifications. The new Spec Sheet, Learning List’s two-page checklist of a product’s key academic attributes and technology requirements, will help curriculum and technology teams quickly narrow the list of available products they need to review themselves. For each material, the Spec Sheet includes several criteria within each of the following categories: “We have found that reviewing the technology specs of a product is just as critical as reviewing the academic side of materials. If your district’s technology is not compatible with the specs of the product, your teachers won’t be able to use it.  So regardless of how good a product is instructionally, if the square peg doesn’t fit in the round hole then you are just wasting money. Learning List’s new Spec Sheets are going to make shopping for instructional materials much less time consuming and will give districts of all sizes greater confidence in the products they select,” Matt Tyner, Textbook Manager for Dallas ISD and Executive Board Member of the Instructional Materials Coordinators’ Association of Texas (IMCAT). The Spec Sheets are consistently formatted to make it easy for educators to compare critical product features. These at-a-glance reviews complement Learning List’s more in-depth Alignment Reports and Editorial Reviews. Subscribers now get three independent, professional reviews to help inform their buying decisions. Learning List is an instructional materials review service for schools and districts. With subscribing districts in five states serving over a million students, Learning List has reviewed more than 1,000 preK-12 products in the four core subjects. Learning List reviews both textbooks and digital instructional materials upon subscribers’ requests. “Learning List is a service for schools and districts. Our subscribers asked us for help verifying and comparing products’ technology requirements. The Spec Sheet and Explorer tool are our latest response to districts’ need for high-quality, transparent information in the rapidly evolving K-12 instructional materials marketplace,” said Jackie Lain, Learning List’s President.   About Learning List –Learning List is the industry-leading instructional materials review service for schools and districts. Like Consumer Reports®, Learning List provides independent reviews of preK-12 instructional materials to help administrators choose and teachers use materials effectively. For further information about Learning List’s Spec Sheets and/or new Explorer tool, contact Cindy Ryan at Learning List 512-852-2132 or CindyR@LearningList.com.

Are digital resources more effective than textbooks? They are certainly more trendy these days. Although Learning List has reviewed hundreds of instructional materials in both formats, it’s difficult for us to say that one format is better than another. Online adaptive products that individualize learning for each student have the potential to differentiate instruction and keep all students challenged, while textbooks are easier to use, particularly for students without Internet access at home. As more digital content providers are entering the K-12 marketplace, we are paying close attention to research and policy discussions about the effectiveness of online products. We thought our readers might be interested in a recent Bloomberg View that summarizes findings from a 2015 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report. The report’s key finding is that “increased computer use in classrooms leads to lower test scores.”  The OECD compared test results from the 2009 and 2012 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) for groups of students who did and did not use digital resources for instruction. Results indicated that “the use of computers was negatively correlated with improvements in student performance” in both math and reading. That is, students who did not use digital resources performed better on the PISA tests, though there were some anomalies. In addition, students in Japan, China, South Korea and other Asian economies where fewer students use computers, also did better on computer-based assignments. These students were no less comfortable using technology than students in Australia and Northern Europe where computers are more prevalent in instruction. The reason? The report concludes: Gaps in the digital skills of both teachers and students, difficulties in locating high-quality digital learning resources from among a plethora of poor-quality ones, a lack of clarity on the learning goals and insufficient pedagogical preparation for blending technology meaningfully into lessons and curricula create a wedge between expectations and reality. If these challenges are not addressed as part of the technology plans of schools and education ministries, technology may do more harm than good to the teacher-student interactions that underpin deep conceptual understanding and higher-order thinking. Learning List’s Alignment Reports, Editorial Reviews and new Spec Sheets help educators overcome two of the challenges identified in the OECD report: finding high quality digital resources and blending digital resources into lessons and curricula effectively. The new Spec Sheets are Learning List’s two-page checklist of each product’s key academic and technology attributes. The Spec Sheets complement our more comprehensive Alignment Reports and Editorial Reviews to help educators quickly identify high-quality digital products that meet their students’ needs and can be implemented successfully using the district’s current technology. We hope that this at-a-glance review will help districts’ curriculum and technology teams quickly narrow the list of products to review themselves. Learning List’s Alignment Reports also help educators integrate digital instructional materials into their lesson plans/curricula for more effective instruction. These detailed reports identify multiple citations (i.e. page numbers, lesson names) that Learning List’s subject matter experts determined to be aligned to the content , context and cognitive demand of each standard. Only by assigning the parts of the material that are aligned to each standard can teachers have confidence that their students are learning the knowledge and skills the standards require. Stop by our booth (#1817) at the TASA/TASB Convention this weekend, and let us show you how our service and our new Spec Sheets can help your district choose and use instructional materials more effectively. If you won’t be at the conference, request a webinar at your convenience, and we’ll be glad to introduce you to our service.

Apex Learning’s Texas World History  is a year-long, online course in world history for Texas high school students. Resources support instruction in self-paced, remediation, and credit recovery programs. Instruction focuses on building students’ reading, writing, and historical thinking skills. Learning List has recently completed reviews of the materials for high school students. Texas World History is available in two versions: core and prescriptive. The core version supports instruction in core classes and the prescriptive version supports credit recovery programs. Both versions cover the same content, but the prescriptive version includes prescriptive pretests for each unit. In both versions , c ontent is presented chronologically and divided in two semesters made up of six instructional units. Each semester focuses on a discrete set of historical thinking skills (e.g., causation, chronology). Units begin with a short video overview in which engaging characters and teachers introduce new content with age-appropriate humor. Content is written at grade level and includes tools to help struggling readers. Writing activities are integrated throughout instruction. Online pages have worksheets with questions that help students take notes and prepare for quizzes and exams. Other materials include an interactive syllabus, study tips, glossary of key terms, printable readings, and research tips, such as avoiding plagiarism and citing sources. About Apex Learning* Founded in 1997, Apex Learning is the leading provider of blended and virtual learning solutions to the nation's schools. The company's standards-based digital curriculum — in math, science, English, social studies, world languages, and Advanced Placement® — is widely used for original credit, credit recovery, remediation, intervention, acceleration, and exam preparation. Schools across the country are successfully using Apex Learning digital curriculum to meet the needs of students, from building foundational skills to creating opportunities for advanced coursework. *The content provided here was provided by or adapted from Apex Learning.

When selecting materials, one important criterion educators should consider is the instructional model on which the material is based. Resources should mirror and support the model the district uses or else instruction may become disjointed. Over the next few months, Learning List’s blog will discuss the instructional models most frequently implemented in the products we review. Our discussion will seek to highlight the key attributes of each model and clarify where a particular model may or may not be an appropriate structure for content. Learning List has reviewed more than 1,000 instructional materials in the four core content areas and Technology Applications. In the process of our reviews, we have become familiar with products that incorporate a variety of instructional models. We’ve reviewed products that organize instruction using well-known models, such as 5E, Universal Design, and Understanding by Design (UbD), as well as lesser known models targeted to particular subject areas and specific learning needs. Generally speaking, each model presents a recognizable structure that seeks to order content in a way that supports engagement and helps students make sense of what they are learning. Models compress the learning cycle into a predictable set of routines that may be effectively implemented in classroom schedules at the elementary, middle, and/or high school levels. Each model provides an underlying framework for instruction that provides consistency and coherence within and across grade levels, structuring learning experiences in ways that enable teachers to plan effective lessons and allow students to purposefully explore content.

Mastery Education Measuring Up to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills: Mathematics is a supplemental print resource to help students in grades 3-8 (i.e., Levels C-H) prepare for STAAR testing in math. Content is organized in short lessons that address specific TEKS. Instruction provides ample opportunities for students to practice and apply problem-solving strategies. Learning List  recently these materials for grades 3-8. Content is organized in chapters that address key concepts in the TEKS for each grade level (e.g., rational numbers, place value, measurement). Each chapter is made up of short lessons that address specific TEKS. Lessons are presented in five parts: (1) Understand the TEKS, (2) Guided Instruction, (3) Critical Thinking, (4) STAAR Practice, and (5) STAAR Assessment. Content is scaffolded, building from simple to more complex concepts, and includes frequent opportunities for students to write about mathematics. Student worktexts contain a letter to parents in English and Spanish. The letter explains the importance of the TEKS and the STAAR test, describes the program, and suggests ways that parents can support mathematics education at home (e.g., involve students in mixing recipes). 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.

The College Board’s SpringBoard Mathematics Courses 1-3 Algebra 1 Geometry Algebra 2 Precalculus Learning List has verified the alignment of courses to Texas, Common Core and Florida standards. The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT and the Advanced Placement Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from College Board.

When asked:  “Do you support or oppose the federal government continuing to require that all students be tested in math and reading each year in grades 3-8 and once in high school?” respondents answered as follows: Members of the public :  67% supported vs. 21% opposed continuing the federal requirements for annual testing (contained in the federal  No Child Left Behind Act) In answer to the question, “Do you support or oppose letting parents decide whether to have their children take state math and reading tests?” The responses were as follows:

Common Core Standards Plus About Learning Plus Associates* Standards Plus is a unique, nonprofit organization that provides supplemental educational products and professional development services to school districts, schools and classrooms throughout the United States. Our products and the people who provide our professional services have helped to successfully raise student achievement in over 1,500 schools, in 20 states, affecting over one million students. Founded in 2001, it has grown to a very vibrant and exciting company driven by the increase in student achievement in schools and districts using our educational materials. * The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Learning Plus Associates.

As the new school year approaches, schools across the country are in a hiring frenzy. How are districts filling the gap? As one rural Texas principal told me recently, “We’re having to rely on online courses more heavily than ever before. High school math teachers are hard to come by in small Texas towns. So, smaller districts like ours are using self-paced online courses when we can’t find a teacher for the course. What’s scary is that we don’t really know how good the courses are.” Learni...

Starfall Education provides supplemental reading programs for grades PK-1 and supplemental mathematics materials for grade 1.  Resources are available in print and online formats.  Learning List recently reviewed reading products for grades and K and 1 and Starfall’s first-grade math program. Starfall’s reading programs focus on literary and informational texts and the phonological awareness foundational skills of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). At grade K, instruction also addresses phonemic awareness, phonics skills, and motivating early readers. At both grade levels, content includes diverse sets of reading materials, including non-fiction, fiction, and poetry texts. Literary texts are emphasized and include folktales (e.g., Chicken Little), myths (e.g., Pegasus), Chinese fables, and comics.  Instruction provides opportunities for students to act out “Three Little Plays” in a reader’s theater or puppet show format.  Texts at both grade levels have colorful, age-appropriate illustrations and most have audio readers that highlight each sentence as it is read aloud. Content for the grade 1 math program is organized in terms of the CCSS mathematics domains for first grade and include “Operations & Algebraic Thinking,” “Base Ten Numbers & Operations,” and “Measurement & Geometry.” Instruction is provided in short interactive videos that address specific standards (e.g., add and subtract within 20) and concepts (e.g., regrouping). Videos have characters that will appeal to young learners (e.g., a skateboarding dog) and include audio that reads problems and solutions aloud. Although not specifically for the first grade, Main Index page includes additional mathematics resources, such as songs and games that may be used for instruction. About Starfall Education* Starfall strives to create a love of learning in an environment of collaboration, wonderment, and play. Starfall provides free and low-cost educational resources that promote understanding, diversity, and compassion. Starfall is the brain-child of Stephen Schutz. At age 9, Stephen was still struggling to read. What came easily for his peers required many more hours of his work. As a reader, he was consistently toward the bottom of his class. Now a PhD in physics and a successful publisher and artist, Dr. Schutz, with the help of his dedicated team, created Starfall to ensure today's children have resources that can help. * The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Starfall Education.

Hundreds of AP teachers from across the country will arrive in Austin, Texas, this week to attend the  AP Annual Conference .  Many will attend sessions with master teachers to learn how to teach the rigorous AP content.  A   critica l component to students’ success in AP courses is their instructional materials. The materials must teach students not only the content required for each course, but also the skills the courses are designed to develop. Districts spend more money to purchase AP products than any other instructional materials. When Learning List started receiving requests for reviews of AP materials, we contacted College Board to inquire whether they review and recommend texts to AP teachers. We were told that College Board does not recommend texts and that they shared our concern that AP materials must align with the course frameworks for AP courses in order to support student success.  They explained that in the past, course descriptions were too general to make an alignment of materials instructionally meaningful.  However, in response to teachers’ requests, over a 15 year schedule, College Board will be publishing new course frameworks that specify the content and skills students are expected to learn and will be tested on for each AP course. With a shared goal of helping publishers produce materials that will prepare students for success in AP courses, Learning List worked with College Board to develop alignment templates based on the recently r eleased course frameworks.  Learning List now reviews AP materials for alignment to the Learning Objectives (LO) (i.e., what students must be able to do) and separately to the Skills and Practices (i.e., larger transferable skills) contained in the newly revised course frameworks for AP Physics (1 and 2), Chemistry, Biology, World History, European History, and US History.  Reviews of materials for AP Calculus AB and BC will begin this fall.  For Texas subscribers, Learning List also reviews AP texts for alignment to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the relevant course. Learning List’s alignment templates not only help educators identify where the materials are or are not aligned, but also provide ongoing professional development to help AP teachers better understand the connections between Learning Objectives and Science Practices in AP science courses and between the Thematic Learning Objectives and Historical Thinking Skills in AP social studies courses. Recognizing the unique nature of AP courses, Learning List hires subject matter experts (SMEs) who are certified in the subject of the AP course and have experience teaching the course, as well.  Our SMEs report that reviewing AP materials is especially challenging because of the density of the texts.  “One cannot skim over a page or video to see whether a topic is addressed; you have to read all the text to determine whether it is aligned to an LO,” they explained. Subscribing districts have requested reviews of AP materials from several publishers; Wiley Publishing was the first to submit their products for review.  Wiley representatives commented that Learning List’s review process helped them better understand how educators will use the new course frameworks instructionally, which in turn will help them develop products more closely aligned to the content and skills of the frameworks.  As a result, teachers and students will benefit.

Sensible Solutions ’ A Common Sense Guide for Teaching Common Core Literacy is a resource to support grade 6-12 educators in transitioning to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for literacy. The print-based Guide clarifies the CCSS and the progression of literacy standards across grade levels. Content is primarily designed to support teachers in adapting their instruction and materials to meet the demands of the CCSS. The Guide’s first chapter breaks down each standard into its core concepts and tracks the development of concepts across grade levels. Learning List has completed reviews of the materials for grades 6-12. The Guide also contains guidance and supplementary materials for teaching literature and informational texts. These materials define key concepts (e.g., tone and voice) and provide examples and tips to help clarify meaning for students. Other resources include an extensive glossary of terms and concepts that apply to the CCSS and 300 pages of multiple-choice and open-ended questions that teachers may adapt and use for assessment. About Sensible Solutions* Sensible Solutions of Norton, Massachusetts, is an educational publishing company that is dedicated to providing quality school supplies and teaching aids at unbeatable prices. Co-founded by a middle school English Language Arts teacher of 9 years and former United States Recon Marine and entrepreneur, the company has combined its experience and expertise to build a business that caters to the unique needs of today’s teachers. Their aim is to save teachers time and money and to stay current on the educational trends and initiatives. With the Common Core Standards Initiative, they continue to strive to showcase the best products on the market to help teachers implement the new standards and will continue to offer new, innovative products as they are developed. Visit their  site  to see what’s new. * The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Sensible Solutions, Inc.. © 2015 Learning List