Ways to Use Sirius Programs in Your Instruction

A Concise Two-page Primer on Implementing Sirius

Sirius Educational Solutions programs have been designed to meet the needs of all students preparing for success on the STAAR Test both online and in the classroom. This document aims to describe how educators can effectively use Sirius Programs flexibly and effectively according to student need.

Program Design

Available online and in print, educators and students can use Sirius Programs as:

1. Supplementary text for all students for STAAR-focused review and reinforcement.
   
2. Primary text for struggling students for TEKS instructions and STAAR Practice by topic
   
3. Both primary and supplementary text for TEKS/STAAR instruction, practice and review by selecting content by student needs, by topic, or by TEKS
   

Delivery Timelines

Sirius may be delivered across the school year in a variety of ways:

1. Full year, integrated into your curriculum, with whole class or pullout/instructional groups
   
2. Intensive: Three to six weeks intensive review and reinforcement
   
3. Immersive: One to three weeks immersive for retesters
   

Customizable Approaches According to Need

Sirius may be customized according to both need and schedule:

1. Timeframe approach: different time frames for different abilities; two weeks to full year
   
2. Ability levels approach: select content by topic, TEKS, or individual student needs
   
3. Instructional groups approach: individuals, partners, groups, full class
   

Adaptable According to Timeframes

Sirius may be adapted for delivery as:

1. Daily supplement: warm ups, transition activities, mixed review, check-out questions, games
   
2. Weekly review and reinforcement: 1 day per week
   
3. Monthly spaced review or unit summary: 1 or more days per month
   
4. Intensive STAAR Preparation: 1-3 weeks for STAAR camps based on needs
   

Grouping Strategies

According to performance on diagnostic assessments, students can be grouped according to:

1. Whole class: traditional instruction
   
2. Small groups: such as one day each week
   
3. Partners: one or more days each month
   
4. Individuals: two or more weeks, as in Summer EOC camps
   
5. Combinations of above groups within the same class
   

Maximize Uniqueness of Sirius

Taking full advantage of the uniqueness of Sirius programs, tap into and extend the following opportunities in course planning and implementation:

1. Matches STAAR: create an environment in which students practice for STAAR with a user experience that mimics the STAAR testing experience, especially in accordance with tools and accommodations that level the playing field.
   
2. Combines instruction with practice: Scaffolded lesson work and practice gently move students from concept to successful production of correct responses.
   
3. Supports teachers in giving students live, actionable feedback as they practice building skills and knowledge
   
4. Three-step approach to individualize remediation: 1) Diagnostic tests to identify needs; 2) Focused intervention with lesson instruction and STAAR practice; 3) Post test to monitor progress.
   
5. Easy to use to use and adapt for different needs