'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.

McGraw-Hill’s My Math is a comprehensive resource to support mathematics instruction in grades PK-5. Resources are available in print and eBook formats with additional online resources. Student materials are available in English and Spanish. The program addresses the Common Core State Standards  (CCSS). Instruction emphasizes hands-on activities in which students explore and discover math concepts using manipulatives and interactive learning tools. Learning List recently reviewed My Math for grades K-6. My Math organizes content by CCSS domain (e.g., Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Geometry). Chapters open with an essential question (e.g., “How can different fractions name the same amount?”), an introductory video, and a set of “Getting Started” activities that include an “Am I Ready?” quiz of the prerequisite learning. Lessons are structured using the Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR) instructional model and include opportunities for direct instruction, guided and independent practice, and problem solving. Problem sets address real-world activities (e.g., a horseback riding tour), develop higher order thinking (HOT) skills, and foster students’ ability to communicate mathematical reasoning in writing (e.g. “How are improper fractions and mixed numbers alike? How are they different”). Additional resources include leveled readers in English and Spanish for students approaching, at, or above grade level. Readers provide a cross-curricular context for using math to solve real-world problems connected to students’ experiences. For example, “Early American Settlements,” a leveled reader at grade 5, addresses the migration of early American peoples and presents math problems in the context of social studies. About McGraw Hill Education* At McGraw-Hill Education, we believe that our contribution to unlocking a brighter future lies within the application of our deep understanding of how learning happens and how the mind develops. It exists where the science of learning meets the art of teaching. Educators have been and always will be at the core of the learning experience. The solutions we develop help educators impart their knowledge to students more efficiently. We believe that harnessing technology can enhance learning inside and outside of the classroom and deepen the connections between students and teachers to empower greater success. By partnering with educators around the globe, our learning engineers, content developers and pedagogical experts are developing increasingly open learning ecosystems that are proven to improve pass rates, elevate grades and increase engagement for each individual learner while improving outcomes for all. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from McGraw-Hill Education. Subscribe to Learning List  for access to the spec sheet, full editorial review and detailed alignment report for this material.

Learning List has reviewed McGraw Hill’s Reading Wonders, a comprehensive reading and language arts program for students in grades K-6. Instruction focuses on the close reading, collaborative discussion, and analytic writing strands of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), including the California CCSS. Materials are available in print and digital formats. Wonders uses a variety of student materials, such as the Reading/Writing Workshop, Your Turn Practice Book, Close Reading Companion , Leveled Readers, a Literature Anthology, and Grammar Handbook, and WonderWorks for Response to Intervention. The Reading/Writing Workshop is at the center of instruction and addresses the CCSS Anchor Strands for close reading of complex texts, collaborative conversations, and analytic writing, as well as foundational skills (e.g., phonics) as appropriate for a particular grade level. At each grade, Workshops present six-week thematic units (e.g., New Discoveries) organized in weekly instructional blocks. Wonders focuses on the reading of literary and informational texts, rereading for specific purposes, and the use of textual evidence to support conclusions and opinions in spoken and written formats. Lessons are structured using the Gradual Release of Responsibility (i.e., GRR) instructional model. Instruction relies on a set of instructional routines (i.e., introduction, modeling, and guided and independent practice) that are applied to specific learning task (e.g., sound categorization). Optional technology-based activities are provided. About McGraw Hill* At McGraw-Hill Education, we believe that our contribution to unlocking a brighter future lies within the application of our deep understanding of how learning happens and how the mind develops. It exists where the science of learning meets the art of teaching. Educators have been and always will be at the core of the learning experience. The solutions we develop help educators impart their knowledge to students more efficiently. We believe that harnessing technology can enhance learning inside and outside of the classroom and deepen the connections between students and teachers to empower greater success. By partnering with educators around the globe, our learning engineers, content developers and pedagogical experts are developing increasingly open learning ecosystems that are proven to improve pass rates, elevate grades and increase engagement for each individual learner while improving outcomes for all. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from McGraw Hill. Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

McGraw-Hill’s SRA Imagine It! is a comprehensive reading and English language arts program for students in PreK-6. Resources are available in print and online formats and address to the Common Core State Standards (PK-6) and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (K-5). Learning List recently reviewed SRA Imagine It! CCSS-aligned materials for grades K-6 and TEKS-aligned materials for grades K-5. SRA Imagine It! provides explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing. At each grade, instruction is presented in units organized around themes (e.g., Risks and Consequences). Reading selections include features that familiarize students with the author and illustrator. A “Theme Connections” page asks students to consider how the unit’s theme is evident in the current reading and to make connections to other readings and their own lives. Lessons include “Write About It!” writing prompts and “Inquiry” research activities that link content to social studies and science. Teachers have access to extensive online instructional support, including on demand professional development videos provide grade specific support for teaching reading and writing skills. Teachers in Common Core states have access to a “Common Core Literacy eHandbook” that supports the transition to the Common Core State Standards. About McGraw-Hill Education* McGraw-Hill Education  (MHE) believes that their contribution to unlocking a brighter future lies within the application of their deep understanding of how learning happens and how the mind develops. It exists where the science of learning meets the art of teaching. Educators have been and always will be at the core of the learning experience. The solutions they develop help educators impart their knowledge to students more efficiently.  MHE believes that harnessing technology can enhance learning inside and outside of the classroom and deepen the connections between students and teachers to empower greater success. By partnering with educators around the globe, their learning engineers, content developers and pedagogical experts are developing increasingly open learning ecosystems that are proven to improve pass rates, elevate grades and increase engagement for each individual learner while improving outcomes for all. Why? Because learning changes everything. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from McGraw-Hill Education. © 2015 Learning List

McGraw-Hill Education’s Everyday Mathematics 4 About McGraw-Hill Education* At McGraw-Hill Education, we believe that our contribution to unlocking a brighter future lies within the application of our deep understanding of how learning happens and how the mind develops. It exists where the science of learning meets the art of teaching. Educators have been and always will be at the core of the learning experience. The solutions we develop help educators impart their knowledge to students more efficiently. We believe that harnessing technology can enhance learning inside and outside of the classroom and deepen the connections between students and teachers to empower greater success. By partnering with educators around the globe, our learning engineers, content developers and pedagogical experts are developing increasingly open learning ecosystems that are proven to improve pass rates, elevate grades and increase engagement for each individual learner while improving outcomes for all. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from McGraw-Hill Education. Subscribe to Learning List for access to full editorial reviews, alignment reports and spec sheets.

McGraw-Hill’s SRA FLEX Literacy About McGraw-Hill Education* McGraw-Hill Education  (MHE) believes that their contribution to unlocking a brighter future lies within the application of their deep understanding of how learning happens and how the mind develops. It exists where the science of learning meets the art of teaching. Educators have been and always will be at the core of the learning experience. The solutions they develop help educators impart their knowledge to students more efficiently.  MHE believes that harnessing technology can enhance learning inside and outside of the classroom and deepen the connections between students and teachers to empower greater success. By partnering with educators around the globe, their learning engineers, content developers and pedagogical experts are developing increasingly open learning ecosystems that are proven to improve pass rates, elevate grades and increase engagement for each individual learner while improving outcomes for all. Why? Because learning changes everything. *The content in this section is provided by or adapted from McGraw-Hill Education.