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Learning List has reviewed BrainPOP’s core content resources (i.e., science, social studies, mathematics, and English language arts) for grades K-8. Overview of BrainPOP BrainPOP is a supplemental program that supports instruction in the core content areas, as well as in technology, the arts and music, and health. Resources are available online and include some printable materials (e.g., worksheets). Instruction uses engaging videos and interactive concept maps to deliver content. BrainPOP organizes instruction in topics that address a range of subject-area concepts (e.g., atoms, citizenship, writing skills). Topics include a short video in which animated characters named Annie (grades K-3) and Tim (grades 4-8), along with their robot friend Moby, explore a question (e.g., How do tornadoes form?). Videos provide background information explore and illustrate key concepts (e.g., updrafts), and introduce and define new vocabulary. After the video, students can “Make a Map” and/or take a short quiz over the content. Make a Map allows students to create a concept map using a set of pre-made map templates or to create entirely new concept maps. The quiz is a five-question multiple-choice check for understanding. Other resources include content-related games, an “FYI” feature, and additional activities related to the video. FYI is a set of 5-paragraph, illustrated, informational articles and a related comic that extends students’ learning. About Learning List Learning List  has completed an editorial review of the program's instructional content, a standard-by-standard review of its alignment to the K-8 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for the four content areas, and a technology compatibility review. Contact info@Learninglist.com  for information about a low-cost subscription to access Learning List's reviews of Brainpop and thousands of other widely used K-12 instructional materials. About BrainPOP* BrainPOP was founded in 1999, when pediatrician Dr. Avraham Kadar set out to make complex concepts easier for kids to understand. Built on Dr. Kada's belief that any child can become a confident learner, the company strives to "empower kids to understand the world around them and within them." BrainPOP supports core and supplemental subjects, *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from BrainPOP .

Are you looking for a fun way for students to practice their ELA skills? Take a look at Learning List’s reviews of BrainPOP for English, grades 6-10. Overview of BrainPOP BrainPOP is a supplemental program that supports instruction in the core content areas as well as technology, fine arts, and health for grades 3-8+. Resources are available online and include some printable materials. The material is intended for students’ independent use. BrainPOP’s English content is comprised of five units that each include multiple topics. Units are Famous Authors & Books, Grammar, Study and Reading Skills, Writing, and Free Movies. Some topics are repeated in more than one unit. The program is intended for students’ independent use. Units and topics are not sequential and may be accessed by the student in any order. Instruction is provided through videos and interactive activities, such as creating a concept map, taking a quiz, or practicing vocabulary. The content is available in English and in Spanish (through BrainPOP Espanol), but Learning List reviewers noted that there is more content available in English than in Spanish. About Learning List Learning List has reviewed the TEKS alignment, instructional quality, and technology compatibility of this product. Read Learning List’s Spec Sheet to see whether or not BrainPOP will work on the devices your teachers and students use. To access the reviews of BrainPOP and thousands more PreK-12 instructional materials, contact Learning List for low-cost subscription information. About BrainPOP* BrainPOP was founded in 1999, when pediatrician Dr. Avraham Kadar set out to make complex concepts easier for kids to understand. Built on Dr. Kada's belief that any child can become a confident learner, the company strives to "empower kids to understand the world around them and within them." BrainPOP supports core and supplemental subjects. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from BrainPOP .

Learning List has reviewed BrainPOP’s Algebra I, U.S. History, and Biology resources for high school. About BrainPOP BrainPOP is a supplemental program that supports instruction in the core content areas as well as technology, fine arts, and health. Resources are available online and include some printable materials. Instruction uses videos and interactive concept maps to address content. BrainPOP organizes content in “Topics” that address a range of subject-area concepts (e.g., historical figures, cells, polynomials). Topics include a short video in which animated characters explore a topic-related question, provide background information, explore and illustrate key concepts, and introduce and define new vocabulary.  Students can “Make a Map” and/or take a short quiz over content. Make a Map allows students to create a concept map using a set of map templates or to create their own.  The quiz is a five-question multiple-choice check for understanding. The product also offers students several activities, including: Creative Coding, Sortify, Gameup, Challenge, and Primary Source. Activities vary by Topic. Topics and their content are not presented in a sequential quential order and may be taught or accessed by the student in any order. Each Topic provides suggestions for related topics. About Learning List Learning List  has completed an editorial review of the program's instructional content, a standard-by-standard review of its alignment to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for each high school course, and a technology compatibility review. Contact info@Learninglist.com  for information about a low-cost subscription to access Learning List's reviews of Brainpop and thousands of other widely used K-12 instructional materials. About BrainPOP*   BrainPOP began in 1999, when pediatrician Dr. Avraham Kadar set out to make complex concepts easier for kids to understand. Built on Dr. Kada's belief that any child can become a confident learner, the company strives to "empower kids to understand the world around them and within them." *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from  BrainPOP .

Are you looking for an easy way to provide math manipulatives for students? Take a look at Learning List’s review of Brainingcamp. About Brainingcamp Brainingcamp is a supplemental digital site for students in grades K-12 mathematics. The site consists of sixteen digital math manipulatives, designed to support instruction across multiple areas of mathematics. The purpose of the site is to make using math manipulatives convenient and effective across a variety of instructional settings by providing a digital alternative to physical manipulatives. The manipulatives are easy to use and can be accessed by students or teachers on a variety of devices. The site provides tutorials for each manipulative and includes ideas for their use. The site does not provide math instruction or curriculum. Reading Learning List’s full editorial review to learn more about Brainingcamp’s manipulatives and their use in meeting a variety of student learning needs. About Learning List Learning List has also completed a review of the product’s technology compatibility.  Contact info@Learninglist.com  for information about a low-cost subscription to access Learning List's reviews of Brainingcamp and thousands of other widely used K-12 instructional materials. About Brainingcamp* Brainingcamp is passionate about using technology to make abstract math more interactive and visual for learners. They believe physical manipulatives provide students with an important tactile experience, but digital manipulatives can be more convenient, easier to use, and include many special features to facilitate learning. Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Brainingcamp .

Is your district looking for new prekindergarten materials?  Take a look at Learning List’s reviews of Benchmark Education’s Ready to Advance Early Learning Program.  About Ready to Advance Early Learning Program Ready to Advance is a comprehensive program for Prekindergarten. The program is designed to support the ten domains of the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and is based on a developmental learning progression. Instruction is delivered through a mixture of print and digital materials. The material provides consistent classroom management routines and a highly structured instructional narrative. The material is organized in units, which enable students to make connections and develop conceptual understanding through essential questions and big ideas. Instruction includes a balance of teacher- and student-directed learning. Throughout the material, small-group and review lessons provide options for differentiating instruction for students who need additional support. Additionally, the material is available in English and Spanish and provides equivalent instruction in both languages. Read Learning List’s full editorial review to learn more about the types and styles of assessments offered in the Ready to Advance program. About Learning List In addition to the editorial review, Learning Lis t has completed a review of the material’s technology compatibility to complement the state alignment report to the Texas Prekindergarten guidelines. The state alignment report is available on LearningList.com .  Contact info@Learninglist.com  for information about a low-cost subscription to access Learning List's reviews of Benchmark's Ready to Advance Early Learning Program and thousands of other widely used PreK-12 instructional materials. About Benchmark Education* Benchmark Education Company  provides students and teachers with the resources they need to become problem-solvers, decision-makers, and joyful learners. Benchmark's mission is for every student to find lifelong inspiration, growth, and success through literacy, language, and knowledge development. *Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Benchmark Education .

Learning List has reviewed Benchmark Education’s STAAR Reading Practice. This test preparation product helps Texas students in grades 2-6 prepare for STAAR Reading exams. Content is available in print format. Instruction focuses on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills' (TEKS) Readiness and Supporting Standards at each grade level and helping students build test-taking skills. Overview of Benchark Education's STAAR Reading Practice At each grade level, STAAR Reading Practice begins with an overview of resources and the TEKS covered by instruction. Core content is broken into three sections: Literary Texts Informational Texts, and Reading and Understanding Across Texts. In the literary and informational texts sections, an introduction explains the text type, provides examples, and briefly discusses the purpose, audience, and uses of each type. A graphic organizer illustrates common features of each type of text. Students then practice reading several passages and answering text-based short-answer and multiple-choice questions. The section for Reading and Understanding Across Texts contains a brief discussion about comparing and contrasting texts within the same text type or across different types. Students are then presented with two texts and asked to identify their similarities and differences. Instruction is designed for students who are reading at grade level. The materials do not include resources to support English language learners. About Learning List Learning List  has completed an editorial review of the program's instructional content, a standard-by-standard review of its alignment to the TEKS, and a technology compatibility review. Contact info@Learninglist.com  for information about a low-cost subscription to access Learning List's reviews of Benchmark STAAR Reading Practice and thousands of other widely used K-12 instructional materials. About Benchmark Education* Benchmark Education Company  provides students and teachers with the resources they need to become problem-solvers, decision-makers, and joyful learners. Benchmark's mission is for every student to find lifelong inspiration, growth, and success through literacy, language, and knowledge development. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Benchmark Education .

Learning List has reviewed Benchmark Education’s Benchmark Advance, designed to address the California English language arts/reading (ELAR) and English language development (ELD) instructional frameworks for grades K-6.   Benchmark Advance is a comprehensive ELA program available in print and eBook formats. Instruction develops close reading skills and addresses the five themes of the California frameworks: Content Knowledge, Making Meaning, Foundational Skills, Language Development, and Effective Expression. Overview of Benchmark Advance Content is organized into ten 3-week units that focus on a single topic (e.g., Developing a Nation). Units contain specific “knowledge strands” (e.g., character, life science, economics) and include content addressed by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and California History and Social Studies Standards (HSS). Instruction relies on the Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR) and incorporates predictable routines (e.g., read-alouds). The first week of each unit provides modeling and guided practice. During weeks two and three, students practice, apply, and extend what they have learned. Resources support instruction in classrooms with variations in student literacy skills. Reading materials include Texts for Close Reading, Texts for English Language Development, and Reader’s Theater scripts. Texts for Close Reading are available as print consumables and eBooks. Print books have space for notes and numbered paragraphs that help students cite evidence from the text in written and spoken communication. eBooks contain interactive annotation tools (e.g., highlighters and note-taking). Texts for English Language Development help English language learners and struggling readers build the skills to become on-level readers. Students develop fluency skills using engaging Reader’s Theater scripts. A Spanish language version titled Benchmark Adelante is available separately. About Learning List Learning List has completed an editorial review of the program's instructional content, a standard-by-standard review of its alignment to the California CCSS, and a technology compatibility review. Contact info@Learninglist.com for information about a low-cost subscription to access Learning List's reviews of Benchmark Advance and thousands of other widely used K-12 instructional materials. About Benchmark Education* Benchmark Education Company provides students and teachers with the resources they need to become problem-solvers, decision-makers, and joyful learners. Benchmark's mission is for every student to find lifelong inspiration, growth, and success through literacy, language, and knowledge development. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Benchmark Education .

Does your district need middle school ELA materials to support blended learning? Take a look at Learning List’s reviews of Amplify ELA California Edition for grades 6-8. About Amplify ELA California Edition Amplify’s ELA California Edition (Amplify California) is a comprehensive literacy program that supports English language arts instruction for PreK-8th grade. Learning List recently reviewed the English language arts content for grades 6-8.  This fully digital program provides a blended learning experience.   Each lesson integrates reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Amplify ELA California Edition provides high-quality, complex texts that represent a variety of genres and reading levels. Students read, analyze, and respond to the texts through written assignments and discussions. Students are required to support their ideas and arguments with evidence and complete a variety of formal and informal writing assignments. They carry out activities independently, online. They also participate in group and partner discussions and debates. Completed work is shared on the digital platform, which allows teachers and students to communicate with each other. Although the material is only available in English, it includes a variety of supports for EL students that are based on their specific language proficiency level. Read Learning List’s full editorial review of Amplify ELA California Edition to learn more about the alignment, rigor of the material, and how Amplify California supports blended learning. About Learning List Learning List has completed a standard-by-standard review of the material's alignment to the California CCSS, a qualitative review of the instructional content, and a review of the technology compatibility for each grade level covered by this material.  To learn more about this product and thousands more PreK-12 instructional materials, contact Learning List for subscription information. About Amplify* Amplify   strives to “lead the way in high-quality, next-generation curricula and assessments.” The company creates K-12 core and supplemental curriculum, assessment, and intervention programs in ELA, math, and science, with the goal of “helping teachers provide the targeted instruction students need.” Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Amplify .

Across the country, states and school districts are placing increasing emphasis on selecting and implementing high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). Research from organizations such as RAND and TNTP shows that the curriculum teachers use plays a critical role in shaping students’ daily learning experiences and their opportunities to master grade-level standards. As districts work to improve student outcomes, leaders increasingly recognize that the quality of instructional materials directly influences what students read, write, discuss, and solve in the classroom. Materials that are well aligned to standards and thoughtfully designed help ensure that students consistently engage in rigorous, grade-level learning. However, not all instructional materials provide the same level of quality or support for teachers. Some materials omit key standards, present concepts in a fragmented sequence, or provide limited instructional guidance. Without careful evaluation, districts may adopt or rely on materials that do not fully support the learning goals they expect students to achieve. Understanding the quality, alignment, and usability of instructional materials is therefore essential for district and campus leaders responsible for curriculum decisions. What Are High-Quality Instructional Materials? High-quality instructional materials are curricula designed to support consistent, standards-aligned instruction and meaningful student learning. When implemented effectively, high-quality materials provide several important benefits for both students and teachers. Benefits of High-Quality Instructional Materials While definitions may vary slightly across states and organizations, strong instructional materials typically share several important characteristics. One of the most significant advantages is that well-designed materials help ensure consistent access to grade-level content . When curriculum aligns closely with academic standards, students are more likely to encounter the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn during the school year. Strong instructional materials also support instructional coherence . Teachers can rely on a clear sequence of lessons and activities that build toward deeper understanding, rather than needing to assemble resources from multiple sources. Another benefit is instructional support for teachers . Well-developed materials include explanations of concepts, suggested questions, examples of student work, strategies for addressing common misunderstandings, and lesson-specific strategies for adjusting the lesson to meet the needs of all students. These features can reduce planning time and help teachers deliver effective instruction for students. High-quality materials can also improve student engagement . Lessons that incorporate discussion, inquiry, and meaningful practice help students think critically and apply their learning rather than simply memorizing information. When instructional materials incorporate these elements, they help ensure that classroom instruction consistently reflects the expectations of state standards. In contrast, materials that are poorly aligned or difficult to use can create gaps in instruction. Teachers may need to spend significant time identifying missing content, modifying lessons, or searching for supplemental resources. For these reasons, many districts are placing greater emphasis on evaluating the quality of instructional materials before adopting or implementing them. How Learning List Helps Districts Evaluate Instructional Materials Determining whether instructional materials truly support teaching and learning can be challenging. Evaluating curriculum requires time, expertise, and careful analysis. For more than a decade, Learning List’s independent reviews and comparison tools have helped curriculum leaders evaluate the quality of instructional materials before adoption and teachers make informed decisions about how to use materials already in place. Standards Alignment Reports Our standards alignment reports show whether, and precisely where, each state standard is addressed in an instructional material. When a material is fully aligned to a standard, the report identifies the specific page numbers and/or lesson titles where the material addresses the content, context, and cognitive rigor of the standard. The reports also identify standards to which each material is not aligned, making it easy to see where gaps exist. Learning List's alignment reports help answer the question, "which part of the material should I use," making lesson planning more efficient and helping ensure that the standards are fully taught. Fill-in-the-Gap™ Tool If a material is not aligned to 100 percent of a state’s standards for a grade level or course, Learning List’s Fill-in-the-Gap™ tool recommends additional core or supplemental materials that address the remaining standards. This allows districts to strengthen existing curriculum resources without replacing entire instructional programs. Compare Alignment Tool Learning List’s Compare Alignment tool allows educators to conduct a standard-by-standard comparison of multiple instructional materials. Educators can use this tool to: Compare how different materials address each state standard Evaluate new curriculum options before adoption Analyze the strengths of materials already in use Support lesson planning and curriculum development These insights help districts implement instructional materials that best support standards-based instruction and maximize students’ opportunities to learn. Evidence-Based Reviews of Instructional Quality In addition to evaluating standards alignment, Learning List conducts evidence-based editorial reviews that examine the instructional quality of each product. These reviews analyze factors such as: Instructional rigor Vertical alignment across grade levels Student engagement Supports for special student populations Teacher guidance and resources Progress monitoring Ease of use For example, our reviews highlight whether a material Is text-heavy and requires extensive reading Provides diagrams, visuals, and videos to support student learning Breaks instruction into manageable segments with regular checks for understanding Includes embedded activities that reinforce key concepts These insights help educators understand how instructional materials function in real classrooms and how effectively they support student learning. Technology Compatibility Reviews When instructional materials are delivered through digital platforms, Learning List’s technology reviews test how well the materials function with the devices and systems campuses and districts are using. These reviews help districts: Avoid costly technology implementation problems Ensure materials work across devices and learning platforms Support teachers in effectively using digital instructional resources Making Informed Curriculum Decisions About Instructional Materials Instructional materials shape what students learn each day in the classroom. As states and districts place greater emphasis on high-quality instructional materials, the ability to evaluate curriculum carefully has become increasingly important. When districts select materials that are well-aligned with standards and designed to support effective instruction, they help ensure that students consistently experience rigorous, standards-based learning. Learning List’s independent reviews and comparison tools provide educators with clear, objective evidence about the quality and alignment of instructional materials. With this information, district and campus leaders can identify high-quality instructional materials and make informed decisions about the curriculum resources they use to support teaching and learning.

Does your district need math materials to support critical thinking in math? Take a look at Learning List’s review of Accelerate Learning’s STEMscopes Math for the CCSS. About STEMscopes Math for the CCSS  STEMScopes Math is a comprehensive mathematics program for grades K-Algebra I. With the addition of reviews of the middle school math content, Learning List has completed reviews of STEMscopes CCSS Math (K-Algebra I) for the Common Core State Standards. The materials are digital, with the option of printing PDF documents for most program components. The program makes intentional connections to math concepts found in everyday life.  Scopes (lessons) require students to use critical thinking, reflection, and collaborative exploration. The goal of the program is to provide meaningful learning experiences that focus on 21st-century skills and support student success in STEM careers. STEMscopes Math includes instructional experiences that support inquiry-based learning and consistently require students to explain and justify their thinking. Teacher supports include pedagogical suggestions to help teachers support high-level thinking and questioning. The STEMscopes digital platform provides an abundance of resources, including a Teacher Toolbox to support teachers in implementing the program. Read Learning List’s Editorial Review to learn more about how STEMscopes   Math supports teachers in differentiating instruction for students with specific learning needs. Learning List's Reviews of STEMscopes Math Learning List has also completed a standard-by-standard review of this material’s alignment to the CCSS, as well as a review of its technology compatibility and support for remote learning. These reviews not only inform selection decisions, they also facilitate instructional alignment and curriculum mapping, too. To learn more about this product and thousands more PreK-12 instructional materials, contact Learning List for subscription information. About STEMscopes* STEMscopes™, created by Accelerate Learning Inc., is an award-winning, research-based national PreK-12 STEM curriculum. Accelerate Learning has grown from a single product to a brand that now offers a variety of STEM curriculum and professional development solutions to support early learning, NGSS, and state-aligned Math and Science curriculum. Information in this section is provided by or adapted from Accelerate Learning .

National Geographic/Cengage’s Body Structures and Functions (National Geographic Anatomy) is a comprehensive science program for high school Anatomy and Physiology. The program focuses on introducing students to the organization, structures, and functions of the body to help them understand how body systems work. The materials are available in print and digital format. Digital components are accessible to students and teachers from National Geographic Learning/Cengage’s interactive MindTap platform. Learning List has reviewed the version of the material submitted for state adoption in Texas under Proclamation 2024. While the Texas version contains some content specifically tailored to meet the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards, the Texas version is generally organized in the same manner and provides the same instructional features and functionality as the national version, which according to the publisher's website is "aligned to National Healthcare Foundation Standards as well as NGSS Next Generation Science Standards." Thus, the information contained in our editorial review (i.e., instructional quality review) will be helpful to districts in any state.   National Geographic Anatomy organizes learning in chapters based on major concepts of anatomy and physiology. Two introductory chapters, (1) Scientific Foundations and Lab Practices, and (2) Introduction to the Structural Units, provide background information that students need to be successful in scientific study and in an anatomy and physiology course. Chapters are structured consistently. Lessons include reading material, videos, Medical Highlights, Case Studies, and Career Profile(s), which enable students to connect what they are learning to the real world. Numerous figures and illustrations throughout the lessons demonstrate key concepts and terminology. Labs and open-ended questions at the end of each chapter allow students to apply what they have learned. All of the materials for students are provided on the MindTap platform. Teacher resources are linked on a companion site, nglsync. The teacher edition mirrors the student edition and includes an Instructor’s Manual, PowerPoint lectures, a variety of formative and summative assessments, and a test item bank. Teachers can create and customize summative assessments using the item banks. The material is provided in English only. Read Learning List’s editorial review to learn about the rigor of the material and supports for Emerging Bilingual students and other special student populations.   About Learning List Learning List’s reviews are available through a low-cost subscription. Contact  info@LearningList.com  to learn about subscribing to our instructional materials review service which provides immediate access to our independent, evidence-based reviews of more than 3,300 PreK-12 instructional materials. Subscribing districts can also submit additional materials for review at no additional charge.  About National Geographic/Cengage * National Geographic Learning, a part of Cengage Learning, is a leading educational publisher of PreK–12 School and English Language Teaching. At National Geographic Learning, we believe that an engaged and motivated learner will be a successful one, and we design our materials with a highly interactive storytelling approach which is a great way to invoke these connections. *Content in this section is adapted from National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning

Studies Weekly’s Texas Science  ( Studies Weekly)  is a core science program for grades K-5. The program focuses on engaging students in science using reading, writing, and drawing. The materials are available in print and digital format. The digital format includes printable PDF documents, accessed through the Studies Weekly platform. Science Weekly  organizes learning in units .  Units consist of three primary sections: the phenomenon or problem, inquiry activities, and additional activities to support learning the content. Within each unit, the content is organized by week, with one or two weeks of instruction per unit, generally focused on a single standard. The material is designed to support an average of 32 weeks of instruction, at 45 minutes per day. Learning is focused around a cast of characters and their experiences learning science. Units open with the presentation of a phenomenon in a comic strip starring the characters, and then through an image or video. The material includes some investigations and Engineering Design projects that encourage students to act as scientists, lead their own learning, and design their own investigations. A variety of other activities support students in learning the content. The teacher edition provides instructional resources and printable PDF materials for students. Teacher resources include a background podcast to support the teacher's content knowledge and detailed, scripted lessons for each unit. Teachers may rearrange the order of the units and the weeks, and they may create their own content. Teachers may also share their class and content with other teachers. Read Learning List's Editorial Review to learn how rigorous the material is and how it supports a diverse student population. About  Learning List Learning List’s reviews are available through a low-cost subscription. Contact  info@LearningList.com  to learn about subscribing to our instructional materials review service which provides immediate access to our independent, evidence-based reviews of more than 3,300 PreK-12 instructional materials. Subscribing districts can also submit additional materials for review at no additional charge.  About Studies' Weekly * Studies Weekly is a customized, standards-based core curriculum founded on deep learning strategies that increase student knowledge and skills in Social Studies, Science, and Health & Wellness. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Studies Weekly.