StudySync was founded in 2009 and has since evolved, expanded, and partnered up to offer a powerful ELA learning tool for schools.
Now used by more than 4 million students and teachers, this is a rich source of entertaining educational materials. At time of publishing, this service offers 30 feature-length films, 500+ hours of professionally recorded audio, more than 2,000 texts, more than 20,000 lesson plans, and plenty more.
This core literacy program is Common Core State Standards-aligned and not only offers rich learning materials but also learning activities and instructional resources.
This guide aims to explain all you need to know about how StudySync could work for your class.
What is StudySync?
StudySync is a core literacy program that uses original rich media to make this a super engaging way to learn.
Aimed at grades six to 12, this is Common Core-aligned and uses current research to get the best possible reading, writing, and comprehension instructions.
Three core options are available to pick from: StudySyncELA, for the complete ELA curriculum; SyncBlasts reading and writing assignments to build critical thinking; and StudySync Global, which is an ELA hybrid system built for international middle and high schools.
How does StudySync work?
StudySync offers a huge array of texts that are backed by lesson plans for teachers. Full-length texts, such as Shakespeare, are available, plus excerpts from books, poems, essays, and more. Thanks to built-in activities, these can be worked through in a way that's more interactive than reading alone -- allowing for deeper learning as well as analysis of progress.
SyncBlasts also has a very up-to-date selection of information and resources, including current event stories and nonfiction articles. This makes for a great on-device resource for students to access personally, wherever they are.
What really makes this platform stand out over others though is the rich selection of original media, which remains standards-aligned. These videos use teen actors to create conversation pieces to help students work on discussions.
What are the best StudySync features?
StudySync offers some great original video resources, made with students for students. These can work as a fantastic learning tools but also a starting point for lessons.
Texts are widely varied with a great selection of options. For each grade there are six units, each comprising 30 days of work -- so a good 180 days worth of learning available at a base level for middle and high school ages.
Usefully, it is possible to switch between lexile levels within texts, allowing for various ages and abilities to find their comfort zone.
Thanks to video guidance, printable materials, and plenty of setup guidance for teachers, it is possible to use this service without having a device required for every student in the class.
The option, for some texts, to be available in PDF and epub versions allows for a wide variety of digital and print reading options for students in and beyond the classroom.
How much does StudySync cost?
StudySync offers a few pricing options to suit requirement levels including a free trial.
The plan for students in grades 6-12 is priced at $36.44, which gets you a one-year subscription.
Subscriptions are also available on a contract basis that cater to solo teacher, building-wide, and district-level options.
StudySync best tips and tricks
Present and discuss
This naturally lends itself to classroom discussion and presentations, so keep that in mind when planning.
Use responses
From prompts and extended writing projects to oral projects, there's plenty to get students feeding back.
Give feedback
The developers are into feedback and really integrate it into updates so do give back if you want this to improve.
