Edmentum’s Study Island is a supplemental online resource that prepares students in grades K-12 for standardized tests. Across courses and grades, Study Island supports teacher-guided instruction and independent study. Instruction emphasizes preparation for standardized tests, including Texas’ STAAR exams and CCSS exams (e.g., PARCC).

Learning List recently reviewed mathematics materials for grades 7 and 8 and the high school Algebra I. Learning List’s reviews address the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M) for and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Learning List also reviewed a TEKS course for high school U.S. History.

Study Island begins instruction for each grade and course with a diagnostic test and/or pre-test that assesses students’ existing knowledge. Subsequent content is presented in a set of online lessons and practice activities formatted to reflect standardized tests. Some lessons include printable worksheets, interactive flashcards, and/or video-based content. Instruction ends with a post-test to be completed when students have finished all lessons. [Read more…]

Learning List has reviewed Matific Math Learning Platform, which is a supplemental online product that supports mathematics instruction in grades K-6. Content addresses a variety of standards, including the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and the Common Core State Standards. Instruction is presented in adaptive “episodes” (i.e., learning games) that help students discover mathematics concepts independently.

At each grade level, Matific presents instruction in interactive games and simulations. Each activity is linked to a grade and concept (e.g., grade 3, division), as well as a variety of learning standards. Teachers may select the relevant standards (e.g., TEKS) using a drop-down menu. Most activities include guidance for students in how to complete learning tasks. When guidance is text-based, an audio reader is provided. [Read more…]

Educators and publishers often use the terms “standards,” “curriculum” and/or “instructional materials” interchangeably. Moreover, many educators consider their instructional materials to be their curriculum. However, each of these terms represents a distinct component of an educational program. In the sections that follow, we provide explanations of each of these terms to differentiate their meanings in the context of PreK-12 education.

Standards set out what students are expected to know and be able to do at the end of each school year. Standards are generally established at the state level. In fact, ESSA requires that each state create learning standards for public schools in three subjects—English language arts/reading, mathematics, and science—and many states go beyond ESSA’s minimum to set standards in social studies, career and technical education, languages other than English, and other subjects.

In contrast, the curriculum is developed at the district level, the product of local policy making. While the standards tell you what is expected, the curriculum provides the road map to get there. Often described in documents such as “scope and sequence” and “units of instruction,” a curriculum includes goals, instructional practices and pedagogical guidance, suggested resources and instructional materials, and methods of measuring student progress. [Read more…]

Pearson’s enVisionmath2.0 Common Core is a comprehensive mathematics curriculum for grades K-8 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 for grades K-5. [Read more…]

American Reading Company’s (ARC) Core is a comprehensive, project-based reading, writing, and research program for students in grades K-12. Resources are available in print and online formats and address the instructional shifts of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) (e.g., “Building knowledge through content-rich nonfiction”). Instruction is organized in a workshop structure that provides opportunities for whole class, small group, and one-on-one instruction. Learning List recently reviewed resources for grades K-5. [Read more…]