What We Do

What is it? CRISS for Students II: LEARNING To Succeed is a flexible curriculum designed to teach the CRISS learning principles and strategies directly to students. Half of the lessons in the student workbook are based on the CRISS Keys to Learning - learning principles derived from cognitive psychology and brain research. To be independent, successful learners, it's critical that students understand and can use these principles: metacognition, building on background knowledge, setting purposes for reading and learning, identifying an author's craft and style, staying actively engaged while learning, and transforming information. Alternating with these lessons, students apply strategies to untangle the issue of global warming as presented by award-winning science author Sneed B. Collard III in his book, Global Warming: A Personal Guide to Causes and Solutions.

    As students work through the lessons, their learning is guided by the CRISS Framework for Learning, a four-step plan that incorporates learning strategies to help students "Prepare" for reading, "Engage" with the text, "Organize" the newly learned information, and "Apply" or use it in meaningful ways. After each lesson students reflect on the content learned and the processes used for learning; they identify strategies that worked for them and write about how they can use those strategies in their other classes; finally, they collect applications of successful strategy use to put into their LEARNING To Succeed portfolios.

When should it be used? LEARNING To Succeed may be adapted to a variety of situations. Teachers may use all chapters or focus on those that make the most sense for their students. For example, reading teachers may choose to target the chapters dealing with the Keys to Learning. Science teachers might prefer to use the lessons devoted to global warming. Following are just some of the settings in which the curriculum may be effectively used:

• A stand alone study skills or reading class
• The literacy component of a Freshmen Experience course
• A science unit dealing with global warming
• A summer school reading or literacy skills class
• Guided strategy instruction through the use of individual chapters

Who is it for? The target audience for this program is high school students; however it can be used with advanced middle school students, as well. It is intended for all students, not just those with special needs. Within the Teacher's Wraparound Edition, we have provided guidelines for differentiation - lesson modifications for high and intermediate ability students and for struggling and English language learners.

What does it cost? The materials for LEARNING To Succeed may be purchased as a classroom set for $650.00 (plus shipping and handling), an 18% discount. Additional individual pieces may be purchased as indicated below. The set includes:

• 1 Teacher's Wraparound Edition (TWE) including a CD-Rom that provides PowerPoint Slides for all lessons, blackline masters, and some additional background information. Additional TWEs may be purchased for $55.00 plus S&H.
• 30 reusable (or consumable) Student Learning Guides (SLG) Additional SLGs in sets of ten may be purchased for $80.00 + S&H. Call the CRISS office for licensing information.
• 31 Global Warming: A Personal Guide to Causes and Solutions hardcover books Additional books in sets of ten for $160.00. Individual books may be purchased for $18.00.

May I see a sample? Selected sections from the Teacher's Wraparound Edition, the Student Learning Guide, and from Global Warming: A Personal Guide to Causes and Solutions can be reviewed by selecting the following links.

• Teacher's Wraparound Edition, Introductory pages and Chapter 9: Learning Plan for Key #4, Purpose Setting
• Global Warming, Table of Contents and Chapter 1: Global Warming - The Basics
• Student Learning Guide, Table of Contents and Chapter 4: Learning Plan for Global Warming Chapter 1 - Global Warming: The Basics
• Ordering Information

For more information, contact the Project CRISS National Office.

Project CRISS
40 Second Street East, Suite 249
Kalispell, Montana 59901

Toll Free: 877-502-7477
Phone: 406-758-6440
Fax: 406-758-6444
E-mail: info@projectcriss.com