'Using the Standards' is a traditional workbook that uses exercises specifically aligned to a specific national or state standard. The workbook provides practice in capitalization, punctuation, parts of speech, usage, and writing strategies. Each skill is introduced briefly in a sentence followed by a page to practice the skill. The workbook is not visually appealing and most of the content will not feel relevant or interesting to a child in the target age range. The work could be challenging for second graders. This workbook might be most appropriate for a self-motivated student working above grade level, particularly since the workbook has an unexpected number of errors which could confuse struggling students.

• Provides sufficient and varied types of practice problems to maximize understanding and generalization of the targeted skill/concept
• Manufacturer claims alignment with Common Core/Known Standards
• Presents educational concepts accurately
• Explains answers so students can learn from mistakes
• Better for teaching the skill to new or struggling learners
• Better for practicing or refreshing the skill
• Skills are practiced through authentic, meaningful problems (not just rote practice)

• Appropriate for a broad age range to use and enjoy
• Subject matter and problems are relevant, interesting and authentic to students
• Includes reward stickers
• Visually stimulating and appealing (uses student-centered pictures, colors, and themes)
• Graphics and overall feel of the workbook is appropriate for the target age range
• Relative to most workbooks, fun to use from a child's perspective
• Offers ongoing, progressive challenge
• Overall - Enjoyable. Given the option, students would choose this option

• Provides teaching guidance for adults to support the child and set appropriate goals
• Student should be able to use independently after first use
• Specific topics/lessons are easy to find
• Presents information in multiple formats (voice over, pictures and text, etc.)
• Overall - Easy to use

• Abstract Reasoning
• Directions may be confusing for students using independently
• Anxiety
• Displays grade levels that cannot be hidden from students
• Age inappropriate amount of work which could overwhelm or discourage students
• Attention
• Age inappropriate amount of work which could overwhelm or discourage students
• Problems or examples are not interesting for the target age range
• Directions may be confusing for students using independently
• Requires a disproportionate amount of writing
• Fine Motor Skills
• Requires a disproportionate amount of writing
• Flexible Thinking
• Directions may be confusing for students using independently
• Organization
• Age inappropriate amount of work which could overwhelm or discourage students
• Problems or examples are not interesting for the target age range
• Directions may be confusing for students using independently
• Reading Basics
• Directions may be confusing for students using independently
• Reading Comprehension
• Directions may be confusing for students using independently
• Verbal Reasoning
• Directions may be confusing for students using independently
• Visual Discrimination
• Visual Motor Speed
• Requires a disproportionate amount of writing
• Vocabulary
• Directions may be confusing for students using independently
• Working Memory
• Directions may be confusing for students using independently

The Using the Standards: Building Grammar and Writing Skills Series was developed to help students achieve the goals outlined in the IRA/NCTE Standards for the English Language. Theses standards encompass all types of language skills--reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and visually representing. Since this book is focused on grammar and writing, it emphasizes the standards most directly applicable. However, since reading and writing are inextricably linked, aspects of all 12 standards are included. The table of contents includes a listing of the related IRA/NCTE Standards that are addressed in that activity. The activities in the first half of this book focus on improving grammar skills; the second part includes activities to develop better writing skills.