Learning List recently reviewed Edgenuity’s Integrated Physics and Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, and Physics courses. These video-based courses address the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and are appropriate for blended learning and/or self-paced instruction. However, teacher involvement improves rigor and increases the likelihood of student success.

A guiding question, such as “What is the relationship between hypotheses, theories, and laws?” forms the basis of each lesson. A variety of teachers provide instruction in short video lectures, supported by notes, demonstrations, guided practice, and brief checks for understanding. Some lessons include activities such as using Gizmos to explore Mystery Powder Analysis. Each lesson concludes with a teacher-led review, practice activities, and a short quiz. Each unit ends with a multiple-choice test. [Read more. . . ]

Edgenuity provides a comprehensive, online course that supports instruction in Texas high school Algebraic Reasoning courses. Content addresses the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and is appropriate for blended learning and/or self-paced instructional environments. Video-based lessons focus on developing students’ understanding of algebraic concepts and the applications of algebra in solving real-world problems.

Algebraic Reasoning deepens students’ understanding of a variety of functions (e.g., polynomial, rational, logarithmic) and introduces advanced concepts in algebra, such as matrices and their applications. Students learn to interpret, analyze, compare, contrast, and connect functions in both mathematical and real-world solutions. Instruction addresses the use of models to solve real world problems. Content is organized in ten units that are made up of lessons that address specific concepts (e.g., function inverses, Cramer’s Rule). [Read More…]

Learning List has reviewed Savvas’s Stats in Your World, which is a comprehensive product that supports instruction in high school statistics courses. Content is available in print and eBook formats and includes a variety of resources housed in Savvas’s “MyStatLab™” online platform. Instruction emphasizes the use of real-world data to introduce statistical concepts, develop statistical analysis skills, and enable students to “think statistically.”

Stats in Your World’s examples focus on real-world problems and applications of statistics that will be familiar to college-bound students (e.g., random assignment of students to dorms) and each chapter contains a discussion of common errors made in analyzing statistical data and interpreting results. [Read more…]

Learning List has reviewed Savvas’s Elementary Statistics: Picturing the World, which is a comprehensive product that supports instruction in high school statistics courses. Content is available in print and eBook formats and includes a variety of resources housed in Savvas’s “MyLab™” online platform. Instruction is algebra-based and emphasizes the importance of statistics in real-world contexts and the practical applications of skills.

Elementary Statistics begins with a preface that describes the course’s resources, including those found in MyStatLab and a short “How to Study Statistics” feature that provides a set of study strategies. MyStatLab contains an “Orientation” and “Getting Ready for Statistics” activities that are not included in the text. Elementary Statistics text-based content is organized in four parts: (1) Descriptive Statistics, (2) Probability and Probability Distributions, (3) Statistical Inference, and (4) More Statistical Inference. [Read More…]

Zaner-Bloser Handwriting Texas is a comprehensive handwriting product for students in grades K-5. Content is available in print and digital formats. Instruction emphasizes legibility and the real-world applications of handwriting. Lessons integrate content from other subject areas, including language arts and social studies. A Spanish-language version of the full K-5 product—La escritura—is also available from Zaner-Bloser. Learning List has reviewed La escritura.

At each grade level, Zaner-Bloser Handwriting Texas begins with a “Getting Started” unit that introduces handwriting concepts (e.g., stroke, spacing, posture) and program resources (e.g., QR Codes/tutorials). Getting Started includes a pretest and, where appropriate, a review of previously learned skills. The second and third units at each grade level address the formation of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and the use of letters and numbers in the writing of words, sentences, and compositions. The fourth and final unit at each grade is titled “Using What You Have Learned” and focuses on the real-world applications of handwriting. Cursive is introduced in grade 2. [Read more…]