11/01
* indicates specific, positive endorsement from ESs.
Approved vendors who carry a wide variety of computer software-based writing materials include:
Courses and Programs include:
American Education Corporation (http://www.amered.com) is a source for grade 1 - 12 A+LS computer-based curriculum materials; also available from other software vendors.
Apex Learning (http://www.apexlearning.com) offers on-line Advanced Placement (AP) composition courses.
* The Amazing Writing Machine, from The Learning Company, is a CD-ROM-based creative writing instruction program for ages 6 - 12 which provides tools for a variety of creative writing projects; available from various software vendors.
Child U -- The Learning Odyssey (http://www.childu.com) provides complete on-line courses for grades 1 - 8.
Division of Independent Study/ North Dakota (http://www.NDISonline.org) offers a variety of courses for middle through high school levels; several high school level writing courses are available in on-line format also.
EPGY (http://www-epgy.stanford.edu/) "uses a combination of CD-ROM and internet technologies to provide gifted students with a multifaceted, highly individualized, learning environment"; writing offerings include 4 - 12+ level courses.
Inspiration (http://www.inspiration.com) is a CD-ROM-based program that enables students to organize thoughts with concept webs, maps, and other graphic organizers, etc.; for K - 12; from various software vendors.
KC Distance learning/ Keystone National High School(http://www.keystonehighschool.com) offers high school level on-line and correspondence courses -- including several writing courses.
K12's (http://www.k12.com) program (associated with William Bennett) includes an on-line component; comprehensive curriculum and individual courses available; currently available for grades K - 2 only.
Secret Writer's Society (Forest Technologies) is an interactive CD-ROM-based writing program for ages 8 and up; utilizes the 5-step writing process to teach fundamental writing skills; available from various software vendors.
* Storybook Weaver Deluxe CD-ROM (The Learning Company) is a writing tool that is designed to encourage "engaging exploration of the creative writing process"; for grades 1 - 6; bilingual -- English/ Spanish; from various software vendors.
* Ultimate Writing and Creativity Center (The Learning Company) is an interactive CD-ROM-based writing resource that coaches students through the 5 - step writing process (for ages 8 - 11); available from various software vendors.
* World Book (http://www.worldbook.com) offers a CD-ROM based program that covers report writing.
ABOUT'S website resources includes "Creative Writing for Teens" (http://teenwriting.about.com/cs/aboutwriting/) which includes links to numerous writing resources.
A TO Z's COOL HOMESCHOOLING'S "Writing Right" (http://www.gomilpitas.com/homeschooling/explore/larts.htm) area of their website includes links to many homeschooler friendly writing helps; also check out their "High School English" area (http://www.gomilpitas.com/homeschooling/explore/english.htm).
S.C.O.R.E.'s website (Schools of California Online Resources for Education (http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/SCORE/cla.html) contains state standard's based writing resources.