Writable is an extensive web-based writing program and is a Google for Edu partner. It can be integrated with any other LMS (learning management system). It focuses on a recursive writing process with a lot of peer and teacher feedback. Content covers all major writing genres taught in grades 3 to 12: argumentative/persuasive, narrative, and informational/expository. (Grades 3-12)

Pros: Supports the writing process from first to last draft and helps students learn how to give appropriate peer feedback.

Cons: There's a significant learning curve, and teachers will need support to get started.

Bottom Line: This is an intelligently structured tool for teaching writing and review that focuses on process as much as product.

Common Sense Rating: http://bit.ly/36samQo

ReadWorks is a free website offering resources for differentiated reading instruction, specifically comprehension. There's a range of nonfiction texts, activities, and assessments as well as an online platform teachers can use to track student progress. (Grades K-12) Learn more about ReadWorks in 30 seconds.

Pros: Standards-aligned content across subject areas allows for targeted reading instruction via leveled reading passages, detailed lesson plans, and thorough comprehension activities.

Cons: Students can't access additional content on their own, and teachers can't customize questions.

Bottom Line: The quality and scope of texts, lesson plans, assessments, and supports on this platform can help facilitate targeted reading instruction in any classroom.

Common Sense Rating: http://bit.ly/2KIEkqg

A civics website that makes teaching the Constitution manageable, meaningful. (Grades 6-12)

Pros: The videos are solid and are extended with multiple materials connecting the Constitution to current events.

Cons: There's no built-in differentiation, and while the lessons have a variety of videos, illustrations, and photos, the website itself is lacking.

Bottom Line: Go for the videos, stay for the lessons: Annenberg Classroom saves teachers' prep time when teaching the Constitution, current events, or other civics lessons.

Common Sense Rating: http://bit.ly/2KI9dLI

Track progress, play games with standards-aligned multi-subject lessons. (Grades K-8) Learn about Moby Max in 30 seconds.

Pros: There's no shortage of activities across subject areas, and teachers can get tons of data about student progress, which helps inform instruction.

Cons: It's too easy to inundate students with direct standardized test prep; there's room for more student collaboration and broader skill-building activities.

Bottom Line: Use these standards-based lessons to promote independent, self-driven learning and monitor student growth, but avoid over-reliance on them.

Common Sense Rating: http://bit.ly/2O6APw6

Social storytelling site helps kids create & publish storybooks. (Grades K-12) Learn about Storybird in 30 seconds.

Pros: A huge collection of curated art provides student-authors with distinct and inspiring illustrations.

Cons: Students can't add their own art to stories, which limits creativity a bit.

Bottom Line: A great fit for teachers looking to develop students' writing and digital citizenship skills through storybook creation.

Common Sense Rating: http://bit.ly/2XwQjwu

Formative is a web-based student response and assessment tool for the flipped, BYOD, or 1-to-1 classroom. (Grades 3-12). Learn more about Formative.

Pros: Flexible features make creating simple or detailed assessments a snap, and the ability to see student responses in real time helps teachers meet students where they are.

Cons: Assignments are tailored to individual use and lack opportunities for peer collaboration.

Bottom Line: Cleverly designed for teachers, Formative offers a flexible and attractive solution for gathering a variety of student response types and offering individualized feedback.

Common Sense Rating: http://bit.ly/2D3bKf5

Flocabulary is an online platform that delivers educational hip-hop songs, videos, and supplemental activities for kids in grades K-12. Flocabulary covers math, vocabulary, language arts, social studies, science, and life skills and offers a weekly news update. (Grades K-12) Learn about Flocabulary in 30 seconds.

Pros: Smart songs are helpful and catchy; teachers and students will appreciate the variety of engaging activities.

Cons: Some subject areas and standards are lighter on content than others, but new material is added regularly.

Bottom Line: Flocabulary has the goods: It's savvy enough to keep kids focused, and teachers will love the engaging, multi-modal platform.

Common Sense Rating: http://bit.ly/3331zBO

Create and share high-quality screencasts without breaking the bank. (Grades K-12)

Pros: The intuitive design makes for a fun user experience, and the paid versions are cost effective and include a full suite of editing tools.

Cons: It takes time to build a content library; a gallery of standards-based, high-quality screencasts would be helpful for time-starved teachers.

Bottom Line: A well-designed screen and video recorder that lets teachers and students focus on creating engaging content from the get-go.

Common Sense Rating: http://bit.ly/2Oa8Z1K

Stellar language learning tool levels up skills in bite-size bursts. (Grades 6-12)

Pros: Comprehensive, clear lessons guide students through questions and let them set the pace, personalizing the experience.

Cons: The games are great, but they'll work even better coupled with teacher-led differentiation and thoughtful classroom instruction.

Bottom Line: Duolingo's lessons provide a simple, effective, and engrossing way to learn a language.

Common Sense Rating: http://bit.ly/35xeQob