New Text Connections for Grades K–2

PELHAM, NY, Jan. 5, 2015— Benchmark Education Company (BEC) announced its new Text Connections series for Grades K–2, a next-generation leveled reading program based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and other new state standards.

Text Connections contains 100 leveled texts and 95 foldout poetry posters aligned to theme sets. Each set contains four text types: Narrative Fiction, Narrative Nonfiction, Informational, and Opinion/Argument. Poetry posters for each grade level are also included.

Every Text Connections title has been both quantitatively (Lexile) and qualitatively leveled to assist teachers in using the texts for on-level and differentiated instruction.

“The Common Core, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and other new state standards stress the importance of reading, analyzing, and writing text types,” said Tom Reycraft, president of BEC. “Even at the kindergarten level, the CCSS require students to read and write informational, narrative, and opinion texts.”

“Text Connections not only exposes young readers to key text types,” continued Mr. Reycraft “but the series also has some unique features. No other text series introduces opinion/argument texts at these levels and no other series links titles to the poetry recommendations of the CCSS. These books were developed to help teachers prepare students for the CCSS and assessments.”

Mr. Reycraft noted that Text Connections titles can be read independently or in small-reading groups and students can build reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills; make literary and content connections across texts; and demonstrate strategy and concept development.”

Mr. Reycraft added that every title has a Teacher’s Guide and a Text-Dependent Comprehension Question Card. Titles within each theme also have a Cross-Text Analysis Card with developmentally appropriate questions that require students to analyze, and compare and contrast multiple texts. Mr. Reycraft noted that the CCSS strongly recommends that questions posed to students be based on text analysis and not on common knowledge.

The Text Connections series includes the following key components:

• 100 titles: Informational, Narrative Fiction, Narrative Nonfiction, and Opinion/Argument
• 95 foldout poetry posters
• A Teacher’s Guide for every title with a close-reading guide and mini-lessons focused on CCSS
• A Comprehension Question Card for every title
• A Cross text Analysis Card for every letter level
• Range of genres within each text type

For more information or to find a sales representative for Text Connections or other products, go to www.benchmarkeducation.com.

ABOUT BENCHMARK EDUCATION COMPANY

Headquartered in Pelham, NY, Benchmark Education Company (BEC) is a leading provider of K–12 core, supplemental, and intervention literacy resources in English or Spanish. These resources are supported by instructional technology solutions as well as on-site and online customized professional development training for teachers and administrators. BEC print and online resources are differentiated to support all learners in all settings and are research-based and proven. They are also used in schools and training centers in the Middle East, Canada, South America, and Asia.