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Savvas’s enVisionMATH California Common Core is a comprehensive mathematics curriculum for grades K-6 that includes print and eBook resources with additional online content. Students learn through hands-on activities that focus on understanding, fluency, and flexibility with math concepts while developing problem-solving skills. Learning List recently reviewed eBook and online resources. enVisionMATH is organized using the Understanding by Design (UbD) model that frames instruction in terms of “Big Ideas,” “Essential Understandings,” and “Essential Questions.” Content is presented in “Topics” (i.e., chapters) made up of sets of lessons that address a particular concept or skill. Each Topic includes at least one “Problem-Solving” lesson that focuses on a particular problem-solving strategy, such as drawing a picture or looking for a pattern. Teacher and student editions have a “Mathematical Practices Handbook” that provides an overview of the MPS and guidance in how to use them. MPS videos provide a student-friendly overview of the standard, questions to support students in using the practices (e.g., “How can I check to make sure my answer makes sense?”), and examples of the standards in use. Videos help teachers make connections between the MPSs and evaluate students’ ability to use them. At each grade level, enVisionMATH provides a “Common Core Standards Practice Workbook” and the a “Math Diagnosis and Intervention System” (MDIS). Workbooks contain practice activities for each standard and end-of-year practice tests and performance tasks. MDIS includes a diagnostic test and intervention resources to support RtI, remediation, and summer school instruction. About Savvas* Discover research-based K-12 programs that give you the freedom to choose how you teach. Whether you’re looking for an interactive, problem-solving approach or an inquiry-based, student-centered curriculum, Savvas has you covered. Our basal and NSF mathematics programs were designed to support Common Core Math curriculum. We also offer programs to meet supplemental, and intervention needs. *The content provided here was provided by or adapted from Savvas. Subscribe to Learning List  for access to the spec sheet, full editorial review and detailed alignment report for this material.

Learning List recently reviewed two Wiley Publishing courses that support the early transcendental approach to calculus instruction: Calculus: Early Transcendentals and Calculus: Early Transcendentals Single Variable. Both are comprehensive resources written by the team of authors led by Howard Anton that support instruction in Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB and AP Calculus BC courses. They are available in print and eBook formats; additional online instructional materials are available from Wiley. Additional course resources are available at www.howardanton.com and using the WileyPLUS learning management system (LMS). Calculus: Early Transcendentals presents instruction in 16 chapters, including a “Chapter 0: Before Calculus” that reviews functions students have likely encountered in algebra and other math courses (e.g., absolute value functions, piecewise functions). Calculus: Early Transcendentals Single Variable presents the same content that is included in Calculus: Early Transcendentals chapters 0-10, which addresses single variable calculus. Both courses support instruction in teacher-led and student self-study learning environments and emphasize the application of calculus to real-world problems. Instruction includes biographical information about important figures in the development of calculus (e.g., Leonhard Euler) and frequent example problems with step-by-step solutions. Chapters end with “Making Connections” problems that require students to combine concepts and strategies presented in the chapter to solve problems. A set of icons indicates when students will need to use a graphing calculator or a computer algebra system (e.g., Maple) to solve problems. The course does not include materials, question sets, or practice tests that specifically address preparation for AP exams. About Wiley Publishing* Wiley's Global Research business is a provider of content-enabled solutions to improve outcomes in research, education and professional practice with online tools, journals, books, databases, reference works and laboratory protocols. With strengths in every major academic, scientific and professional field, and strong brands including Wiley Blackwell and Wiley VCH, Wiley proudly partners with over 800 prestigious societies representing two million members. Through Wiley Online Library , we provide online access to a broad range of content: over 4 million articles from 1,500 journals, 9,000+ books, and many reference works and databases. Access to abstracts and searching is free, full content is accessible through licensing agreements, and large portions of the content are provided free or at nominal cost to nations in the developing world through partnerships with organizations such as HINARI, AGORA, and OARE. Wiley's Professional Development business creates products and services that help customers become more effective in the workplace and achieve career success. It brings to life the ideas and best practices of thought leaders in business, finance, accounting, workplace learning, management, leadership, technology, behavioral health, engineering/architecture, and education to serve these communities worldwide. Wiley Global Education serves undergraduate, graduate, and advanced placement students, lifelong learners, and, in Australia, secondary school students. We publish educational materials in all media, notably through WileyPLUS, our integrated online suite of teaching and learning resources. Our programs target the sciences, engineering, computer science, mathematics, business and accounting, statistics, geography, hospitality and the culinary arts, education, psychology, and modern languages. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Wiley Publishing . Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

Learning List has reviewed two of Wiley Publishing’s calculus courses written by the team of authors led by Deborah Hughes-Hallet. These resources include: Calculus: Single Variable and Calculus: Single and Multivariable.  Each course supports instruction in Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus . AB and BC courses. Resources are available in print and eBook formats, with additional online content. Materials for each course support teacher-led instruction and student self-study. As its name suggests, Calculus: Single and Multivariable is the more comprehensive course.  It contains 21 chapters, the first 11 of which present instruction in single variable calculus. This is the same content addressed by Calculus: Single Variable . The subsequent 10 chapters present multivariable calculus . Both products emphasize the real-world applications of calculus in contexts such as economics, medicine, and engineering. Frequent example problems model new techniques and strategies and provide step-by-step solutions that are easy to follow. Algebraic sentences are explained in detail and common student misconceptions are identified. Overall, Learning List’s reviewers found that each text did a good job of integrating the big ideas, enduring understandings, and essential knowledge for AP Calculus AB and BC. Reviewers said that concepts were framed clearly and that instruction clarified the connection between each concept and its real-world applications. Online self-study resources available at WileyPLUS include ORION adaptive practice tools, video tutorials, and additional reading and practice activities for each chapter. ORION adaptive software provides a diagnostic assessment that evaluates students’ understanding of chapter content by each objective. Video tutorials, or “Mini Lectures,” present whiteboard instruction with voiceover narration for some example problems. About Wiley Publishing* Wiley's Global Research business is a provider of content-enabled solutions to improve outcomes in research, education and professional practice with online tools, journals, books, databases, reference works and laboratory protocols. With strengths in every major academic, scientific and professional field, and strong brands including Wiley Blackwell and Wiley VCH, Wiley proudly partners with over 800 prestigious societies representing two million members. Through Wiley Online Library , we provide online access to a broad range of content: over 4 million articles from 1,500 journals, 9,000+ books, and many reference works and databases. Access to abstracts and searching is free, full content is accessible through licensing agreements, and large portions of the content are provided free or at nominal cost to nations in the developing world through partnerships with organizations such as HINARI, AGORA, and OARE. Wiley's Professional Development business creates products and services that help customers become more effective in the workplace and achieve career success. It brings to life the ideas and best practices of thought leaders in business, finance, accounting, workplace learning, management, leadership, technology, behavioral health, engineering/architecture, and education to serve these communities worldwide. Wiley Global Education serves undergraduate, graduate, and advanced placement students, lifelong learners, and, in Australia, secondary school students. We publish educational materials in all media, notably through WileyPLUS, our integrated online suite of teaching and learning resources. Our programs target the sciences, engineering, computer science, mathematics, business and accounting, statistics, geography, hospitality and the culinary arts, education, psychology, and modern languages. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Wiley Publishing . Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

Learning List recently reviewed WileyPLUS’s The Molecular Nature of Matter , which is a comprehensive, advanced high school chemistry course. Resources include online and print materials. Instruction focuses on developing students’ conceptual understanding, problem solving skills, and knowledge of the real-world application of chemistry concepts. Content supports instruction in Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry courses. A first-year chemistry course is recommended as a prerequisite. The Molecular Nature of Matter begins with a short history of chemistry that provides a foundation for understanding the course’s approach to molecules and chemical reactions. Subsequent chapters address the factual and conceptual content that forms the basis for developing theoretical models in chemistry.  Chapters include “Chem FAQ” interactive slide shows that address common student questions (e.g., “What is an atomic mass unit?”). Some chapters include video demonstrations of chemistry concepts and/or links to PhET interactive simulations hosted by the University of Colorado. Course resources facilitate teacher-led instruction and student self-study, and the program includes ORION online adaptive study and practice software, which offers individualized instruction. Students complete a diagnostic assessment that evaluates their understanding of chapter content by objective and prescribes customized “Study” and “Practice” activities tailored to their individual learning needs. The Study feature of the program recommends sections of the e-text for students to read or review. Practice uses adaptive software to customize practice problems for each student. About Wiley* Wiley's Global Research business is a provider of content-enabled solutions to improve outcomes in research, education and professional practice with online tools, journals, books, databases, reference works and laboratory protocols. With strengths in every major academic, scientific and professional field, and strong brands including Wiley Blackwell and Wiley VCH, Wiley proudly partners with over 800 prestigious societies representing two million members. Through Wiley Online Library , we provide online access to a broad range of content: over 4 million articles from 1,500 journals, 9,000+ books, and many reference works and databases. Access to abstracts and searching is free, full content is accessible through licensing agreements, and large portions of the content are provided free or at nominal cost to nations in the developing world through partnerships with organizations such as HINARI, AGORA, and OARE. Wiley's Professional Development business creates products and services that help customers become more effective in the workplace and achieve career success. It brings to life the ideas and best practices of thought leaders in business, finance, accounting, workplace learning, management, leadership, technology, behavioral health, engineering/architecture, and education to serve these communities worldwide. Wiley Global Education serves undergraduate, graduate, and advanced placement students, lifelong learners, and, in Australia, secondary school students. We publish educational materials in all media, notably through WileyPLUS, our integrated online suite of teaching and learning resources. Our programs target the sciences, engineering, computer science, mathematics, business and accounting, statistics, geography, hospitality and the culinary arts, education, psychology, and modern languages. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Wiley Publishing . Subscribe to Learning List  for access to the spec sheet, full editorial review and detailed alignment report for this material.

Learning List recently reviewed WileyPLUS’s comprehensive, advanced high school physics course that includes online and print materials. Instruction focuses on developing students’ conceptual understanding, problem solving skills, and knowledge of the real-world application of physics concepts. Content supports instruction in Advanced Placement (AP) Physics courses. A first-year physics course and Algebra 2 are recommended as prerequisites. The Physics course begins with a review of key math concepts and skills (e.g., symbolic manipulation, the quadratic formula), and then addresses physics concepts (e.g., force, momentum, energy, optics) with a focus on problem solving and the examination of real-world phenomena through the lens of physics. The course has frequent example problems with complete solutions. Textboxes highlight and review the math skills needed to solve problems.  Example problems are followed by two or more similar practice exercises for students to solve independently. Some practice problems include “Chalkboard Video” tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance in solving problems and discuss common misconceptions and mistakes.  Other problems are accompanied by “Video Help” or “Guided Online” (GO) tutorials to facilitate solutions. Assessment resources include a downloadable test bank of multiple choice questions and answer key for each chapter. Test bank items are editable and indexed by chapter section and level of difficulty.  About Wiley* Wiley's Global Research business is a provider of content-enabled solutions to improve outcomes in research, education and professional practice with online tools, journals, books, databases, reference works and laboratory protocols. With strengths in every major academic, scientific and professional field, and strong brands including Wiley Blackwell and Wiley VCH, Wiley proudly partners with over 800 prestigious societies representing two million members. Through Wiley Online Library , we provide online access to a broad range of content: over 4 million articles from 1,500 journals, 9,000+ books, and many reference works and databases. Access to abstracts and searching is free, full content is accessible through licensing agreements, and large portions of the content are provided free or at nominal cost to nations in the developing world through partnerships with organizations such as HINARI, AGORA, and OARE. Wiley's Professional Development business creates products and services that help customers become more effective in the workplace and achieve career success. It brings to life the ideas and best practices of thought leaders in business, finance, accounting, workplace learning, management, leadership, technology, behavioral health, engineering/architecture, and education to serve these communities worldwide. Wiley Global Education serves undergraduate, graduate, and advanced placement students, lifelong learners, and, in Australia, secondary school students. We publish educational materials in all media, notably through WileyPLUS, our integrated online suite of teaching and learning resources. Our programs target the sciences, engineering, computer science, mathematics, business and accounting, statistics, geography, hospitality and the culinary arts, education, psychology, and modern languages. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Wiley Publishing . Subscribe to Learning List  for access to the spec sheet, full editorial review and detailed alignment report for this material.

Learning A-Z’s Science A-Z is a supplemental program that supports science instruction in grades K-6. Resources are available online. Student materials must be downloaded and printed or displayed using classroom projection devices. Instruction blends science content with literacy skills through the use of leveled non-fiction readers and hands-on science activities. content is structured in units that address four science domains (i.e., Life, Earth, Physical, and Process Science) for specific grade spans (i.e., K-2, 3-4, and 5-6). Online content is organized simply using tabs for each science domain. Within each tab, resources are organized by grade band in terms of core and supplemental instruction and students’ reading level. Online resources are searchable by keyword, standard (e.g., TEKS) and material type (e.g., video). Each unit contains resources for core instruction and supplemental activities. Core instruction focuses on a non-fiction text about a science topic and includes vocabulary cards and sets of hands-on activities. Non-fiction texts are available in Spanish and at multiple reading levels to support students reading below, at, and above grade level. Supplemental materials include short reading assignments and videos addressing science topics. About Learning A-Z * Learning A-Z started as an idea. Bob Holl and Francis Morgan, two entrepreneurs with years of experience in the education industry, believed that every child deserved developmentally appropriate books and activities — at school and at home. With the support of a handful of staff, many of whom still hold key positions today, the pair started LearningPage, a free website that provides teachers with printable activities, and Reading A-Z , a subscription-based website that offers teachers effective, differentiated reading resources and instructional tools. Today, Learning A-Z provides a number of dynamic websites that deliver hundreds of thousands of resources to students and teachers across the world. As a leading PreK-6 online curriculum provider, Learning A-Z is now used in over half the school districts in the U.S. and Canada, and in more than 165 countries worldwide. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Learning A-Z. Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews and alignment reports.

If you have lived in Texas over the last 10 months, it would have been difficult to escape the debate over the CSCOPE lesson plans. If you are involved in public education in any way, it would have been impossible. CSCOPE is a curriculum management system aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) that was developed by a consortium of the 20 Education Service Centers (ESCs) in Texas. The system has been purchased and used by a majority of Texas school districts for many years. Though a later development, CSCOPE also includes TEKS-aligned lesson plans. The CSCOPE lesson plans came under intense scrutiny during the recently-ended Texas legislative session because of concerns about the content of some lessons. As a result, the legislature passed two bills addressing CSCOPE: S.B. 1406 subjects the CSCOPE lessons to review by the State Board of Education. The bill took immediate effect. SB 1474 requires school districts to adopt a process that solicits teacher, school district employee and public input prior to adopting a major curriculum initiative, including a curriculum management system, such as CSCOPE. Before the legislative session ended, the governing board of the non-profit organization formed to oversee CSCOPE voted to discontinue the CSCOPE lesson plans as of August 31, 2013. However, the lesson plans subsequently were made freely available to districts through multiple sources, including the Texas Tribune . During the July meeting of the State Board of Education, the general counsel for the Texas Education Agency stated that since CSCOPE lessons are in the public domain and there is no law prohibiting school districts from using them, districts may use CSCOPE lessons if authorized to do so by their school boards. Consequently, the controversy over CSCOPE continues, and Senator Dan Patrick, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and Thomas Ratliff, Vice Chairman of the SBOE, will debate the use of CSCOPE in Texas public schools this Saturday, August 23, at 6:30pm. Senator Patrick has been a vocal critic of CSCOPE, while Vice Chairman Ratliff has been a strong advocate of districts’ right to use CSCOPE lessons. The debate promises to be interesting. You can follow it here: http://clients.streamingmediahosting.com/jlepe/10571.html

In 2011, the Texas legislature decentralized and largely deregulated the purchasing of instructional materials and technology by school districts.  At the same time, school districts nationally were facing the challenge of implementing the Common Core State Standards. Education reformers were touting the cost-saving and academic benefits of online courses. And, faced with massive budget cuts, educators were surfing the internet to find free, open-source materials to fill the gap because their districts could not afford new instructional resources.  The marketplace needed order, and educators needed help identifying  the materials are best suited to their students’ learning needs.  The three types of review (alignment to standards, editorial review and subscriber ratings) and tools on LearningList are designed to help educators identify the right materials to for students.

One day I was walking through a prairie in Kenya accompanied by a guide and two friends from the U.S., when we suddenly came across five kids and an adult huddled under a tree.  As we approached, we saw that the adult was teaching the students math.  The teacher threw out a question and the kids feverishly calculated the answer in the dirt using sticks as pencils. A hand shot up and the student answered the question with delight. The teacher confirmed the answer and the other students reveled in their collective victory. It was pure magic- teaching and learning at its essence.  After almost 20 years in education law and policy, that day I re-committed myself to doing whatever I can to make sure that all students have what they need to experience the of learning, as these five kids had under a tree on a prairie in Kenya.

Curriculum Associates’ STAAR Ready Math. About Curriculum Associates* Curriculum Associates is a rapidly growing education company committed to making classrooms better places for teachers and students. We believe that all children have the chance to succeed, and our research-based, award-winning products, including i-Ready®, Ready®, BRIGANCE®, and other programs, provide teachers and administrators with flexible resources that deliver meaningful assessments and data-driven, differentiated instruction for children. Because we are independently owned and operated, we are able to provide the best prices so that every district, school, and educator can afford to bring top quality resources to their students. By maintaining our independence, we are able to channel our investments toward the things that really matter—like product development, research, and unmatched customer service. For the past 40 years, we have consistently developed high-quality products that make a profound difference in the lives of students and educators, and we will continue to bring these proven products—as well as new ones—to you in the future. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Curriculum Associates. Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

Two of the most recent instructional materials reviews published on Learning List are science subjects. Perfection Learning provides comprehensive textbooks for introductory high school courses in earth science and marine science. Earth Science: The Physical Setting is a full-year course that explores topics in astronomy, meteorology, geology, and oceanography.  The course introduces fundamental concepts while developing students’ problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Instruction includes connections to mathematics, but most problems can be solved with skills learned in middle school and do not require high school algebra. Marine Science: Marine Biology and Oceanography is an interdisciplinary course in marine science that combines topics in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. Chapters include sections that introduce students to historical events and pioneers in marine science (e.g., Jacques-Yves Cousteau), ongoing marine science research, the role of technology in studying marine life, and issues in conservation. Frequent research projects and lab investigations allow students to explore topics in depth and make connections to real-world issues and events. Both textbooks are organized to support readability and comprehension. Chapters begin by clarifying objectives and identifying new vocabulary. Content is presented in manageable blocks of text with vivid visual elements, such as photographs, illustrations, tables and charts. Student editions are easy to use and are written with clear language that will be accessible to most high school students. Teacher’s Manuals for each textbook are available separately from the publisher. Teacher resources include comprehensive lesson plans that clarify learning objectives and the materials required for each lesson. Lesson plans suggest the sequencing and pacing of instruction and provide activities to motivate and develop student learning. Founded by two educators in 1926, Perfection Learning provides high-quality, innovative curriculum solutions to K-12 schools across the country and internationally. Through its Kinetic Books digital curriculum, the company provides cutting-edge math and science programs for high school and higher education that are designed for 21st century learners. More information is available at the Perfection Learning website .

As you are preparing to welcome students into your classrooms, you're probably thinking a lot about how you are going to provide the best instruction for your students. Research studies have provided us with the top factors that increase student achievement. Strong teachers and principals with great leadership skills are two factors cited in many studies as central to improving student achievement. A third commonly cited factor in raising student achievement is teaching the standards. That sounds simple but it's not. To teach the standards, teachers must know what students are required to learn and demonstrate. If a teacher does not teach the material to the depth and complexity required by the standards, students may not succeed in that grade or subject, no matter how hard the teacher works. To help educators teach what the standards demand, instructional materials must align to the standards. To be aligned, a lesson must meet the content, context, and cognitive rigor of the standard. In the next few weeks, our blog posts will address these three critical components of the standards.