English ClassTools^®

View detailed information on each of the available English ClassTools:

• *American Literature
• *AP English Language and Composition
• *AP English Literature and Composition
• *British World Literature
• *Critical Reading and Effective Writing
• English Foundations II
• * Honors American Literature
• * Honors British and World Literature
• * Honors Critical Reading and Effective Writing
• * Honors Introduction to Literature and Composition
• *Introduction to Literature and Composition Core
• Reading Skills and Strategies
• Writing Skills and Strategies

Register: ClassTools

About English ClassTools by Apex Learning

English ClassTools provides resources to help teachers assess each student's progress, evaluate individual learning needs, and then respond with specific online learning resources. These comprehensive curriculum materials cover an entire English scope and sequence and are designed for use by teachers in classroom instruction. English ClassTools can be used to supplement an existing curriculum or as the primary source of content for a course. Each subject is developed by experienced instructional designers and subject matter experts to align to state and national standards.

• Original core subject matter
• Multiple representations of key concepts
• Interactive self-check activities
• Computer-scored practice problems
• Web explorations
• Unit diagnostic tests and individual study plans

Combined with the professional development and ongoing teacher support and mentoring offered by Apex Learning, English ClassTools can be a powerful set of resources for teachers to help each student achieve to his or her potential.

Based on the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) standards and aligned to state standards, Apex Learning's online English curriculum incorporates multimedia content and dynamic activities in purposeful ways to help all students become better and more engaged readers and writers. The curriculum blends the six strands of literature, reading, writing, vocabulary, language, and listening. Reading selections are age-appropriate and selected to engage the attention of today's students. Direct instruction tutorials and receptive and productive exercises provide pre-reading, during reading, and after reading support. A simple and effective writing process that is reinforced throughout the content takes the mystery out of writing.

Online Courses make effective use of the Internet for peer-to-peer collaborative prewriting and review. As a result, students learn to be better writers and critical reviewers of writing. ClassTools includes teacher support materials to support teachers in implementing similar collaborative activities in the classroom.

Formative assessments are embedded throughout the content. Interactive self-check exercises allow students to gauge their understanding of new material as they learn. Computer-scored practice problems and lesson quizzes provide timely feedback on student progress. Unit tests and semester exams provide summative assessment opportunities in Online Courses. Diagnostic tests for each unit in both ClassTools and Online Courses reveal strengths and weaknesses for a whole class and individual students. Automatically generated study plans direct students to relevant tutorials for remediation.

We evaluate the usual grade level at which a course is to be taught and then write the course at one year below that grade level. We have a distinct writing policy to keep sentences and paragraphs short and to keep pages short in overall length. This approach is very helpful to those students not reading at grade level. In addition, we use various forms of multimedia to help convey the message on a page; allowing even challenged readers to interact meaningfully with the content.

User Support

Apex Learning provides email and phone support for all participating teachers, mentors, administrators, students, and parents. This support goes beyond technical support and also includes instructor guidance and knowledge of the curriculum. In addition, there is 24x7 access to online help for all of the most frequently asked questions. Apex Learning's support team answers all emails and voice mail messages within 1 school day; 75% of all issues are resolved within the same school day. Phone support is available Monday - Friday, between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM Central Standard Time.

Orientation

Apex Learning provides orientation resources to ensure every participant (including students, teachers, mentors, site-coordinators, and tech coordinators) is prepared for their online learning experience.

• System Checkup. This online tool ensures each participant's computer is set up with an appropriate browser, plug-ins, and settings.
• Guided Tours. Each participant has access to an online overview that explains how the learning program works and describes the responsibilities associated with his or her particular role.
• School Readiness Kit. Online course mentors, site coordinators, and tech coordinators receive online or printed Getting Started sheets as well as access to an online School Readiness Kit with extensive instructions and information.

Technical Specifications

Apex Learning Web-based courses operate on both PC and Macintosh computers. PCs must have at least 16 MB Ram and run Windows 98, 2000 or preferably XP. Macintosh systems must have at least 32 MB RAM and run Mac OS 9.2 or preferably OS X v10.2.4 or higher. Browsers supported include Internet Explorer 6.0 and Safari 1.2 or higher, reliable Internet access at 56.6 Kbps or higher, an email account and at least 20 MB available hard drive space. See http://www.apexlearning.com/systemrequirements for a complete list of requirements.

Apex Learning, the Apex Learning logo, ClassTools, and Beyond Books are registered trademarks of Apex Learning Inc.