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Don’t miss the New York Times’ set of debates and discussions, Schools for Tomorrow , about the potential of technology to transform education.  Khan Academy founder, Sal Khan, provides the keynote address , and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan discusses the role of online learning in public education, including the President’s ConnectED initiative . Panel discussions with education experts and policymakers address the role of technology in leveling the playing field in education , engaging students , and changing what we understand about teaching and learning . To help educators and parents evaluate the rapidly expanding number of online and print-based educational resources, LearningList.com has just launched with independent reviews and alignment reports of online courses, online instructional resources, and textbooks from a range of providers, including Britannica Digital Learning , Compass Learning , Davis Publications (Discussions4Learning) , Edgenuity , Gourmet Learning , Read Naturally Live ,  and Rock ‘N Learn . Reviews for ORIGO Stepping Stones , Bridges in Mathematics , and STEMscopes science curriculum are coming soon.  Learning List will continue to release reviews on an ongoing basis.

The Texas legislature appropriated $838.7 million for instructional materials and technology for the 2014-15 biennium. This means that Texas school districts and open-enrollment charter schools can expect $175 per student in instructional materials allotment (IMA) funding over the next two school years. Of the almost 940 education-related bills filed during the 83rd legislative session, several passed that will affect the selection and purchasing of instructional materials. House Bill 5 was the education bill that received the most attention. That legislation changed the state’s high school graduation requirements, reduced the number and impact of high school end-of-course assessments, and restructured the school and district accountability ratings system. The bill also contained several less publicized provisions affecting instructional materials purchasing: Beginning with the 2014-15 school year, school districts and open-enrollment charter schools may use state instructional materials allotment (IMA) funds to purchase college preparatory courses and instructional materials for those courses; and Effective immediately: The commissioner of education is required to notify each school district and open-enrollment charter school as early as practicable during each fiscal year of the estimated amount of IMA funds to which the district/charter school will be entitled during the next fiscal year; The commissioner of education may allow school districts/charter schools to order instructional materials before the beginning of the fiscal year (i.e., before the appropriation for those materials becomes available) and to receive the materials before payment. Districts may not use more than 80 percent of their IMA funds for such orders. The commissioner must prioritize payment for such orders as soon as the appropriated funds become available and must inform publishers of potential delays in payment. Publishers may decline to accept such orders. Though effective immediately, the commissioner may adopt rules to implement these provisions. Stay tuned for future Learning List blog posts summarizing state legislation affecting the selection and purchasing of instructional materials.

We just learned that the Urban Curriculum Council asked Pearson, McGraw-Hill and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt to submit the instructional materials they submitted for state adoption to Learning List for review, as well. The Urban Curriculum Council is a consortium of the instructional leaders of the 17 largest school districts in Texas. Why did they make this request? On September 20 th , the Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced that there are 277 K-12 science products and 131 K-8 math products going through the state adoption process.  Furthermore, the state panels have found that 280 products address 100% of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). How are districts going to determine which are best for their students? Learning List supplements the state’s adoption process by providing of reviews to help educators determine which products are best suited for their students. For state adopted products, LearningList.com will feature: the state panel’s verification of each product’s alignment to the TEKS, a professional review that concisely explains the features and functionality that makes each product unique, as well as the requirements for implementing the product successfully, and subscriber ratings and reviews where educators can share feedback about the products. For instructional materials that have been submitted for state adoption, Learning List provides an verification of each product’s alignment to the TEKS or the Common Core standards, as well as a professional review and subscriber ratings and reviews. Learning List is currently accepting English language arts, math and science products for review. Subscribers and publishers may submit products for review, .  The reviews on LearningList.com are available through an individual, district- or campus-wide subscription. To learn more about our service, go to LearningList.com.

As a means to support educators in identifying resources that will meet their students’ needs, Learning List provides periodic updates about grants and funding opportunities focused on improving education. Today’s post highlights some opportunities that are currently accepting applications and proposals. Take a Trip Recognizing that some of the best educational experiences take place outside of the classroom, Target is currently accepting applications from educators for Target Field Trip Grants . The program provides grants of up to $700 to support field trips to museums, historical sites and cultural organizations for K-12 students nationwide. Applications for the 2013-14 school year are due by noon CST on September 30, 2013. Be Creative The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation sponsors an annual mini-grants program for public schools and public libraries. The program provides up to $500 in funding for projects that foster creative expression in diverse communities. Grant applications for the 2014-15 school year will be accepted through March 15, 2014. More information is available on the Foundation website. Get Some Action Research The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is offering collaborative grants of up to $3,000 for pre-service teachers, classroom teachers, and university faculty to conduct action research focused on improving the understanding of mathematics instruction in the PK-8 classroom. NCTM is currently accepting proposals for the 2014-15 school year with a deadline of May 2, 2014. More information about the grant program is available at the NCTM website .

CompuScholar’s KidCoder: Web Design is a year-long, online course that covers all topics generally included in introductory web-design programs at the middle school and high school level. Instruction meets the requirements for Texas Web Design courses and no prior programming experience is required. The course addresses the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript skills needed to create websites in both the Windows and Mac operating systems. Learning List has recently completed a review of the online course. KidCoder: Web Design introduces students to the basic concepts of web design, such as web languages and the organization of content. Instruction builds across the year to cover more advanced topics, including the use of graphics, audio, and video; HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript skills; and jQuery. Most lessons contain a closed-captioned video, a lesson text, and a quiz. Videos are narrated slide shows or animations that introduce and demonstrate web programming and design tasks. Lesson texts complement videos, providing more in depth coverage of content. Each chapter includes one or more hands-on projects and ends with a summative test. The course’s mid-term and final exam are projects in which students work with peers to create their own websites. Supplemental lessons and projects are provided to extend instruction and meet advanced student needs. Click here for a free trial. About CompuScholar, Inc.* The company was founded by software engineers with many years of experience in the software industry. CompuScholar has a passion for quality computer programming and encourages students of all ages to learn best practices and modern technical skills. A love of computers starts early. Many computer programmers write their first programs in middle school. Their courses let kids and teens take that important first step towards what could become a lifelong hobby, career, and passion! CompuScholar is led by Chris Yust, a 17-year computer science veteran and author of eight computer programming textbooks for children. Chris has a M.S. in Electrical Engineering and has run a professional consulting company for over a decade. Chris regularly speaks at workshops, telling teachers and parents that computer science really isn't that scary after all. CompuScholar, Inc. offers curriculum tailored for public and private school systems. Individuals who wish to purchase the same material in a self-study format can visit their sister company,  Homeschool Programming, Inc . * The content in this section is provided by or adapted from CompuScholar, Inc. © 2015 Learning List

'Tis the season for selecting instructional materials.  Board members often ask me what questions they should be asking during their district’s selection process. Below are five important facts for Texas school board members to keep in mind and seven key questions to ask as the board considers the district’s proposed list of instructional materials. Five Facts For Texas School Board Members Regarding Selecting Instructional Materials: Selecting instructional materials is ultimately the board’s responsibility. (Texas Education Code § 31.104(a), Policy CMD(Legal))  Districts do NOT have to purchase only state-adopted materials with IMA funds . (Texas Education Code (TEC) §31.0211(c-d); Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §66.1307(c); Policy CMD (Legal)) Instructional materials (except state-adopted materials) are subject to competitive procurement laws.  (Local Govt. Code §271.054; §271.064) Just because a material is “state-adopted” does NOT necessarily mean that it is aligned to 100% of the TEKS; and just because it is not state-adopted does not mean it is inferior. (TEC§ 31.023). Bottom line: to get the best value, districts must comparison shop for their instructional materials.  The board has a legal obligation to ensure that the district is in compliance with the 100% Rule . (TEC §31.004; 19 TAC §66.1305; Policy CMD (Legal)) Click here t o learn more about the Five Facts. 7 Key Questions for Board Members to Consider When Adopting Instructional Materials 7 Key Questions for Board Members to Consider When Adopting Instructional Materials (1) Does your district’s local policy allow the administration to consider both state-adopted and/or non-state adopted materials? If not, how do you know you are getting the best value for your students? (2) How many materials were considered for each grade/subject being selected? (3) Did the district engage in a competitive procurement process to select non-adopted or unbundled state-adopted materials? (4) Were teachers given an opportunity to sample the products recommended for adoption? For online materials, were both tech-savvy and non-tech-savvy teachers asked to review the products? (5) For online materials, does the district have the per student bandwidth and other technology infrastructure in place to support simultaneous use of the recommended products? (6) If online materials, how will the district ensure that all students will have access to the product at home, even students who do not have internet access at home? (7) Does the administration have an alignment report to prove that the recommended materials, either individually or in the aggregate, align to 100% of the TEKS for each grade/subject in the required curriculum, except PE? Learning=">Learning" List.="List."> Click here to subscribe to the Learning List Blog.

Learning List has reviewed two National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning products written by the team of authors led by Ron Larson: Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions, AP  Edition, and Calculus of a Single Variable, Early Transcendentals, AP  Edition. As their titles suggest, both courses incorporate the early transcendental function approach to calculus instruction and support instruction in Advanced Placement (AP) AP Calculus courses (i.e., AB and BC). The texts are comprehensive and available in print and online (i.e., eBook) formats. Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions, provides instruction for a three-semester engineering calculus course in in 16 chapters that present content in a linear and logical manner. Calculus of a Single Variable, Early Transcendentals presents the same content, but limited to single variable calculus (i.e., Chapters 1-10 of Calculus: Early Transcendental Functions). In both texts, each chapter begins with an overview of content by chapter section as well as photographs and images that help students understand the real-life applications of what they will learn. Some chapter sections include projects that provide opportunities for students to extend their knowledge and solve problems collaboratively. eBooks have sets of icons that cue users to access media resources that include: (1) video tutorials (tutorials are closed captioned and include transcripts), (2) interactive animations of concepts (requires the download of “Wolfram CD Player” technology), (3) “Try It” problems that feature pop-up windows with detailed solution strategies, and (4) articles addressing calculus concepts. Chapters end with review exercises and problem solving activities, some of which are formatted to reflect problems on the AP exam. Exercises focus on real-world applications and require students to draw on multiple concepts to identify solutions. Odd-numbered problems have tutorial support and completed solutions available at “CalcChat.com.” About National Geographic Learning /Cengage Learning* National Geographic Learning, a part of Cengage Learning, is a leading educational publisher of school, higher education, English Language Teaching, library and reference materials. At National Geographic Learning, we believe that an engaged and motivated learner will be a successful one, and we design our materials to motivate. We believe that learning can be exciting, inspiring, and transformational. Through our learning programs, we want learners to experience the excitement and joy of learning that National Geographic explorers, scientists, writers and photographers experience. We share real stories from National Geographic that increase learners' knowledge of the world and everything in it. We illustrate these materials with stunning National Geographic photography, video, and illustrations that bring the world to the classroom and the classroom to life. At National Geographic Learning, we have a responsibility to future generations to provide strong educational skills and an awareness of their role as caretakers of the planet. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from National Geographic Learning . Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning’s Voyages in World History is a comprehensive resource that supports instruction in Advanced Placement (AP) World History courses.  Materials are available in print and eBook formats and include additional online components. Instruction incorporates the theme of movement, including the travels of individuals, the trade of goods, and cultural shifts. Voyages covers the periods from the first “modern human behavior” (ca 150,000 B.C.E.) to contemporary events in 32 chapters structured by the unifying theme of movement and travel. The first part of the course describes how regional beliefs developed into the world’s religions. The second part addresses how the relationship between religion and politics shaped cultural and social outcomes as religions expanded. Final chapters examine the current role of religion in world events and the increase in fundamentalism in some parts of the world. Each chapter begins with the story of an individual, or “Traveler,” from the period who journeyed to distant lands, experienced new people and cultures, and participated in key events. Elements of Travelers’ stories are integrated throughout chapters, including biographical information, annotated maps of their journeys, and first person accounts their experiences. Each chapter incorporates a primary source document with questions to guide students’ analysis. The text contains essays with discussion questions to help students connect themes and develop historical thinking skills. Chapters end with a “Context and Connections” feature that links themes and identifies trends across geographic regions and historical periods. Online resources include highlighting and note taking tools, an audio reader, an interactive dictionary and glossary, flashcards of key terms and vocabulary, and an online study guide for each chapter, and a set of apps to support homework and study skills. About National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning* National Geographic Learning, a part of Cengage Learning, is a leading educational publisher of school, higher education, English Language Teaching, library and reference materials. At National Geographic Learning, we believe that an engaged and motivated learner will be a successful one, and we design our materials to motivate. We believe that learning can be exciting, inspiring, and transformational. Through our learning programs, we want learners to experience the excitement and joy of learning that National Geographic explorers, scientists, writers and photographers experience. We share real stories from National Geographic that increase learners' knowledge of the world and everything in it. We illustrate these materials with stunning National Geographic photography, video, and illustrations that bring the world to the classroom and the classroom to life. At National Geographic Learning, we have a responsibility to future generations to provide strong educational skills and an awareness of their role as caretakers of the planet. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from National Geographic Learning . Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

Learning has reviewed two of National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning’s products to support instruction in Advanced Placement (AP) calculus courses:  Calculus (AP   Edition) and Calculus of a Single Variable (AP  Edition).  The texts are written by the team of authors led by Ron Larson and address content for AP Calculus AB and BC courses. Both courses are available in print and online (i.e., eBook) formats. Calculus (AP   Edition) presents instruction in single and multivariable calculus in 15 chapters.   Calculus of a Single Variable (AP  Edition) is limited to single-variable calculus and presents the same content as that of Calculus (AP   Edition) chapters 1-10. Both texts focus on the application of calculus to real-world problems The text narrative in both courses presents rigorous content in a conversational tone that is accessible to high school students. Textboxes highlight key theorems and definitions. Figures and graphs provide clear illustrations of concepts. Instruction addresses the use of technology, such as graphing calculators, in problem solving and highlights the potential shortcomings of technology. Chapters provide practice problems and “How Do You See It?” and “Writing about Concepts” exercises. How Do You See It? exercises may be solved through visual examination of figures, graphs, and data. Writing about Concepts develops students’ technical communication skills. Chapters end with review exercises and problem solving activities, some of which are formatted to reflect problems on the AP exam. About National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning* National Geographic Learning, a part of Cengage Learning, is a leading educational publisher of school, higher education, English Language Teaching, library and reference materials. At National Geographic Learning, we believe that an engaged and motivated learner will be a successful one, and we design our materials to motivate. We believe that learning can be exciting, inspiring, and transformational. Through our learning programs, we want learners to experience the excitement and joy of learning that National Geographic explorers, scientists, writers and photographers experience. We share real stories from National Geographic that increase learners' knowledge of the world and everything in it. We illustrate these materials with stunning National Geographic photography, video, and illustrations that bring the world to the classroom and the classroom to life. At National Geographic Learning, we have a responsibility to future generations to provide strong educational skills and an awareness of their role as caretakers of the planet. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from National Geographic Learning . Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

National Geographic Learning/ Cengage Learning’s Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life About National Geographic Learning* National Geographic Learning, a part of Cengage Learning, is a leading educational publisher of school, higher education, English Language Teaching, library and reference materials. At National Geographic Learning, we believe that an engaged and motivated learner will be a successful one, and we design our materials to motivate. We believe that learning can be exciting, inspiring, and transformational. Through our learning programs, we want learners to experience the excitement and joy of learning that National Geographic explorers, scientists, writers and photographers experience. We share real stories from National Geographic that increase learners' knowledge of the world and everything in it. We illustrate these materials with stunning National Geographic photography, video, and illustrations that bring the world to the classroom and the classroom to life. At National Geographic Learning, we have a responsibility to future generations to provide strong educational skills and an awareness of their role as caretakers of the planet. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from National Geographic Learning . Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

Learning List has reviewed two National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning calculus products written by the team of authors led by James Stewart: Calculus: Early Transcendentals  and Single Variable Calculus: Early Transcendentals. Both texts use the early transcendental approach to calculus instruction and are appropriate for instruction in Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB and BC courses. Although Learning List’s review is limited to eBooks, both resources are available in print and eBook formats. Calculus: Early Transcendentals  addresses content for single and multivariable calculus in 17 chapters. As its title suggests, Single Variable Calculus: Early Transcendentals is limited to single-variable instruction.  It presents the same content as that of Calculus: Early Transcendentals  Chapters 1-11. Instruction in both courses emphasizes inquiry-based learning and the application of calculus to solve real-world problems. Both texts begin with a set of short diagnostic tests and a “Preview of Calculus” introduction. The diagnostic tests allow students to quickly evaluate their knowledge of algebra, analytic geometry, functions and trigonometry. The first chapter (i.e., “Functions and Models”) in each text establishes the courses’ approach to representing functions and solving problems. The chapter explains that functions may be represented verbally, visually (i.e., graphically), numerically, and algebraically, and it sets forth a four-step problem-solving process adapted from the principles of George Polya: (1) Understand the Problem, (2) Think of a Plan, (3) Carry Out the Plan, and (4) Look Back (e.g., identify mistakes). Chapters open with a short overview of content, a vivid photograph (e.g., a screw worm fly), and a short explanation that clarifies the relationship between the photograph and chapter content (e.g., “In Exercise 7.4.67 you will evaluate an integral that relates the female insect population to time”). Most chapters incorporate one or more inquiry-based projects, and each chapter includes ample sets of practice exercises. An icon indicates when problems require the use of a technology, such as a graphing calculator or a computer algebra system (e.g., Maple). eBook review problems with a pencil button are linked to a “Homework Tutor” video tutorial that provides narrated whiteboard presentations of step-by-step solutions. eBooks have a set of icons that cue students to additional learning resources, including “Lecture Videos,” “Explore It” mini lessons, video tutorials, and videos supporting example problems. About National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning* National Geographic Learning, a part of Cengage Learning, is a leading educational publisher of school, higher education, English Language Teaching, library and reference materials. At National Geographic Learning, we believe that an engaged and motivated learner will be a successful one, and we design our materials to motivate. We believe that learning can be exciting, inspiring, and transformational. Through our learning programs, we want learners to experience the excitement and joy of learning that National Geographic explorers, scientists, writers and photographers experience. We share real stories from National Geographic that increase learners' knowledge of the world and everything in it. We illustrate these materials with stunning National Geographic photography, video, and illustrations that bring the world to the classroom and the classroom to life. At National Geographic Learning, we have a responsibility to future generations to provide strong educational skills and an awareness of their role as caretakers of the planet. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from National Geographic Learning . Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

Learning List has reviewed two National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning calculus products written by the team of authors led by James Stewart: Calculus and Calculus of a Single Variable . Both are comprehensive resources that support instruction in Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB and BC courses.  Learning List has only reviewed eBook content, but both texts are available in print and eBook formats. Calculus covers single and multivariable calculus content in 17 chapters.  Calculus of a Single Variable is a single-variable course and presents the same content as that of Calculus’s first 11 chapters. Instruction in both courses emphasizes inquiry-based learning and the application of calculus to solve real-world problems. Online “Tools for Enriching Calculus” (TEC) materials are available to students using the “Enhanced WebAssign” learning management system (LMS) or at www.stewartcalculus.com. TEC provides course-specific “Visuals” and “Modules” that complement instruction, as well as “Homework Hits” for some chapter exercises. Visuals and Modules provide interactive animated illustrations of concepts with audio narrations. Using interactive tools, students are able to visualize how variable changes affect functions, and in turn, are better able to approximate solutions. Teachers using the Enhanced WebAssign LMS have access to online gradebooks, calendars, and communication tools. Analytic tools also allow teachers to monitor individual and class progress for students completing assignments using LMS resources. About National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning* National Geographic Learning, a part of Cengage Learning, is a leading educational publisher of school, higher education, English Language Teaching, library and reference materials. At National Geographic Learning, we believe that an engaged and motivated learner will be a successful one, and we design our materials to motivate. We believe that learning can be exciting, inspiring, and transformational. Through our learning programs, we want learners to experience the excitement and joy of learning that National Geographic explorers, scientists, writers and photographers experience. We share real stories from National Geographic that increase learners' knowledge of the world and everything in it. We illustrate these materials with stunning National Geographic photography, video, and illustrations that bring the world to the classroom and the classroom to life. At National Geographic Learning, we have a responsibility to future generations to provide strong educational skills and an awareness of their role as caretakers of the planet. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from National Geographic Learning . Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.