Curriculum

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Reading
It may have the catchy name of Sticky Learning, but the idea behind the Odyssey Reading and Vocabulary series from Compass Learning is to create a virtual teacher that can engage students of all abilities. It’s meant for third to eighth graders. www.compasslearning.com; 800-232-9556

Renaissance’s Read Now with Power Up can help fourth to seventh graders catch up who are at least one grade level behind. By combining fiction and nonfiction passages with a self-paced teaching routine, the program reinforces learning with built-in practice and quizzes. www.renlearn.com; 800-656-6740

With a slew of visual elements, Imagination Station can capture the attention of K-through-third-grade students with large letters and animation to help teach reading. With special emphasis on phonemes, letters, and vocabulary, the program’s tiered structure requires that students show proficiency before moving on to the next section. www.imaginationstation.com; 866-883-READ

Tech Literacy
With the ability to work with all the disciplines needed for a K-through-six curriculum, Pearson’s KnowledgeBox can help make computer learning more interesting and effective. Rather than relying on static screens, KnowledgeBox features a fast-paced combination of interactive software, web links, and video clips. www.pearsondigital.com; 888-977-7900

Science
The science lab goes digital with computer-based tutorials from Biology Labs On-Line that show science in action. The 12 tutorials range from the theory of evolution to how the cardiovascular system works and feature compelling illustrations, graphs, and comparisons. www.biologylabsonline.com; 415-402-2500

Math
Using the program’s interactivity, seventh and eighth grade students can master prime numbers, ordered pairs, scientific notation, and other important ideas with Compass Learning’s Odyssey Mathematics 7–8. The program can keep a class in sync with your state’s curriculum while also using the latest research in learning to help kids acquire the needed math concepts, operations, and procedures. www.compasslearning.com; 800-232-9556

The Hot Math online curriculum center now covers 90 percent of the most popular math textbooks for elementary, middle, and high school classes with subject material that ranges from basic arithmetic to calculus. The web pages not only follow the printed texts but also have reviews, tips, and extra problems. www.hotmath.com

Music
Pianomouse Goes to Preschool is a symphony of software for introducing elementary students to music theory in a fun and nonintimidating way. The CD includes sections on meeting famous composers. www.pianomouse.com; 888-287-3380

Tech-Support Success Stories
Find out how eight school technology experts have maintained stellar tech support to keep computers and software running and secure without slashing programs.

A Look at Tools for Assessment and Accountability
Technology is becoming more and more important to the efforts of new teachers to measure and account for student progress. First year teachers, see how you can use computers to conduct assessments and manage student data.

Why We Use STIDistrict
With STIDistrict, district administrators can access student and teacher demographics and schedules, grades, attendance records, discipline details, and testing information for every school. The software lets users centralize district-wide student information while allowing local school-data control.