MIDAS

Connect4Learning

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Core Code Alignment

Elementary / Early Childhood
Early Childhood (PreSchool)
22040000001: Early Childhood (Pre-K)

Recommendation

Recommended Limited

Evaluation

Connect 4 Learning is a program that is well researched, has sufficient teacher support and supplemental material. Many of the core standards are taught, but some are merely introduced and never reviewed. Many lessons do not meet the needs of students with no prior educational experience or background knowledge. The curriculum does not teach basic learning skills. Scaffolding suggestions are made, but there is not a lot of information on what to do with students who may struggle. For programs that have highly-trained and/or experienced teachers or high levels of staff support including ongoing professional development and a trained/qualified instructional coach, and access to supplementary ELA materials, this curriculum is a good option. The strong STEAM components give it value.

Educators Using These Materials

Amber Packer
Nebo District, Park School, Educator

Material Categories

No categories assigned.

Rubric : Generic

Compliance with State Law (Required)

Item	3 - Extensive	2 - Adequate	1 - Inadequate	0 - None
Sensitive Materials and Prohibited Submission 53G-10-103, R277-628	This item has not been graded.

Prohibited discriminatory practices 53G-2-103-5, 53B-1-118 and 67-27-107	This item has not been graded.

Maintaining constitutional freedom in the public schools. 53G-10-202	This item has not been graded.

Free from advertising, e-commerce, or political interest	This item has not been graded.

Content

Item	3 - Extensive	2 - Adequate	1 - Inadequate	0 - None
Alignment	The content of this resource aligns with appropriate grade-level core standards and is current, well-researched and referenced from reliable sources.	The content of this resource aligns with most grade-level core standards but will need supplementary materials to ensure coverage of all the objectives for this course.	The content of this resource aligns with a few grade-level core standards for a portion of the course.	The content of this resource does not align with standards and objectives for this course.
The program meets many of the core standards, but not all. Some standards are not reviewed. Program seems to be well researched and supported by experts in ECE STEAM. The curriculum approaches teaching and learning with a STEAM foundation. In order to meet all English Language Arts standards, teacher knowledge of ELA instruction must be at a high level. Supplementary materials are necessary for ELA. There is no traditional scope and sequence provided.
Navigation	Scaffolding supports for these materials are complex and challenging, engage learners from various skill levels, assist all students in enhancing conceptual understanding, and offer opportunities for students to share evidence and research.	Scaffolding supports for these materials engage learners from various skill levels and assist students in enhancing conceptual understanding.	Scaffolding supports for these materials engage learners from various skill levels.	Scaffolding supports for these materials do not engage learners.
Scaffolding for students is generally from lower level to higher level. Learners younger than 4 years old are not strongly supported and scaffolding would rely on the teacher. Includes some differentiated learning suggestions for extending the learning and supporting ELL students.
Instructional Support	Students can navigate the material independently. Instructions are clear and understandable.	The material contains instructions that are understandable and easy to navigate. Students may need educator support to navigate material.	The material may be used with direct educator support but lacks clear instructions.	The instructions in this material are unclear, and navigation is difficult.
The program appears easy to navigate. The organization makes sense and follows a pattern across multiple units.
Assessments	This item has not been graded.

Ethnic Studies Ethnic studies in core standards and curriculum should be a narrowly tailored incorporation of age-appropriate opportunities that naturally arise through education without pretextual effort in courses, programs, or activities where ethnic studies is not a primary focus. The material should incorporate a curriculum of people and cultures that reflect the state’s various demographics without commentary that seeks to violate the neutrality standard established in codes: 53B-1-118, 53G-2-103, 53G-2-104, 53G-2-105, 67-27-107,	This item has not been graded.

Shared Values and Character Traits	This item has not been graded.

Material Characteristics

Item	3 - Extensive	2 - Adequate	1 - Inadequate	0 - None
Physical Characteristics	This material goes beyond the content outlined in "Adequate" by incorporating modern, up-to-date, and relatable visuals.	In physical terms, the material is interactive and provides high-quality audio-visual and tactile experiences for all users.	The material offers limited or low-quality audio-visual and tactile experiences for students, but it is reusable.	The content either has low audio-visual quality or is not intended for reuse.
This program provides tactile experiences for students. Digital and physical materials are quality. Program is published in English and Spanish for accessibility to bilingual teachers. Each unit manual comes spiral bound with a laminated cardstock cover. Teacher resources are on laminated cardstock and in full color.
Technical Standards	This material surpasses the content outlined in "Adequate" by ensuring the safeguarding of student data privacy and easy installation or access without technical assistance. Furthermore, any licensing information is clearly stated in the description.	The materials meet all the requirements of federal and state laws, as well as accepted technical standards such as ISTE Standards and VPAT Compliance. Additional technical specifications and limitations, including hardware requirements, bandwidth demands, and software/web access restrictions, are clearly outlined in the description. The design of the materials allows for error-free installation or access without the need to purchase additional components.	The material is constrained by specifications that require additional materials, technical assistance, hardware, software, or infrastructure. Access to resources within the material expires after a trial period.	Student data privacy is at risk.
Technical requirements are met. Digital versions of this program are available. School calendars can be aligned with the digital program.
Adaptability	The material is currently relevant and adaptable for teacher and student use in individualized or group instructional settings across multiple content areas. The material can be customized for the needs of diverse learners.	Educators or students can utilize the material, but it may not be customizable for the needs of diverse learners.	The material has limited options to address adaptability for the needs of diverse learners.	The material is not suitable for different educational settings with diverse learners.
Instructional materials are adaptable for full day or half day programs. There are opportunities for small group and large group instruction. Time allotted for different activities/lessons seem appropriate time lengths. No one-on-one teacher/student opportunities are observed. There are a variety of ideas for adjusting time frames, schedules, etc. according to program structure and student needs. Individualization is accommodated in small group lessons or during free play. The program requires teachers to have a strong understanding of incorporating learning through interaction (using teachable moments) in free play in order to attend to one-on-one instruction.

UTAH STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

250 East 500 South

Salt Lake City, UT 84111-3204

Phone: 801.538.7807