The Makes Sense Strategies 4 Learning software consists of three kinds of interactive instructional resources. The first, GOsheets, are an extensive array of interactive graphic organizers that depict the four organization structures – hierarchic, compare/contrast, cause/effect, and sequence. Each area includes graphic organizers that vary in complexity, ranging from very simple versions appropriate for the primary grades to relatively sophisticated versions appropriate for high school and college students. Included are an extensive samples of ways K-12 general education and special education teachers and students have used them for reading, writing, social studies, and science.

The second type, SMARTsheets, address four areas: Vocabulary, Essential Understandings of Content –area Subjects, Math Literacy, and Social Literacy. What distinguishes SMARTsheets from GOsheets is the use of embedded semantic prompts that cue students to (a) think about topics in ways designed to focus on critical features and essential understandings, and employ an array of high-impact critical thinking skills, and/or (c) cause the learner to elaborate on important information and relate it to background knowledge.

The third type, STRATEGYsheets are think-sheets designed to cue users to employ sophisticated strategies for learning and employing a strategic approach to completing tasks. Included are STRATEGYsheets for students, which focus on cognitive reading strategies, process writing strategies, and project-based learning strategies. A range of K-12 developmentally sequenced think-sheets and examples are provided. The STRATEGYsheets for teachers are designed to facilitate use of highly strategic approaches to designing units and lessons that address learning standards, differentiate instruction, and designing effective assessments of student learning. Included are instructional resources for pre-instruction assessment strategies for determining students’ knowledge and misconceptions of a topic, specific scaffolding instructional strategies used by educators during instruction, and post-instruction “reflective review strategies” students use to assess their own learning and understanding.

Also included are a range of STRATEGYsheets designed to facilitate school-wide implementation of MSS 4 Learning with fidelity. Included are interactive think-sheet for (a) analyzing the school environment to determine factors that enhance or inhibit effective use of MSS 4 Learning, (b) strategic planning implementation of MSS 4 Learning, and (c) evaluating the fidelity of implementation to create data used for improving implementation efforts.

The GOsheets, SMARTsheets, and STRATEGYsheets are accompanied by an extensive array of Power Point presentations used for both pre-service teacher-education and inservice professional development.

Software Operating Requirements: The MSS 4 Learning software will operate on both PC (Windows 2000, and XP operating systems) and Apple Macintosh (OSX operating system) computers. The software requires Adobe Reader (4.0 or higher), Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Power Point.

Software License Information: Makes Sense Strategies software is sold on a per-teacher basis. A teacher licensed to use the software may load the software on computers at school that are accessible only to the licensed teacher and the students on the teacher’s roll. (e.g. computers in the licensed teacher’s classroom). A copy of the software may also be placed on the teacher’s personal computer away from school so that the software is accessible for planning instruction. Instructional resources from the software may be printed, duplicated, and distributed to students on the licensed teacher’s roll. No portion of the MSS software may be distributed in digital, hard-copy or in any other form of information-storage to non-licensed persons. The software may not be loaded on computers accessible to non-licensed persons (e.g., computers in a teachers’ workroom, computer lab, library, etc.).