Frequently Asked Questions

BACKGROUND

We are Texas Teachers serving Texas Teachers!

Q: How do I access the Teach BIG website so I can find more information on teacher training inservices, student training camps, conferences, and ELAR teaching materials?
A: www.teachbig.com


Q: Who developed Teach BIG?
A: Randi Whitney originally developed Teach BIG (also called The Writing Academy) while still a practicing classroom teacher in the state of Texas. She comes from a family of teachers and preachers and has been training teachers and students in all aspects of Language Arts for more than 20 years.


Q: Who are the authors of all the passages, questions, answer choices, and activities found within the Teach BIG Curriculum?
A: Randi Whitney is the primary author and developer of the materials; however, she is surrounded by an amazing and decorated team of educators and administrators - EVERYONE has taught in TEXAS! We are not a foreign company - we KNOW what Texas Teachers need! Please see our Teach BIG Staff below.


AMAZING APP DETAILS!

Q: Can the APP be used on a desktop or Chromebook?
A: Definitely! It is designed to be used by every student (grades 2-5) on a campus all at the same time to simulate a true testing situation. It can be used on any type of device.


Q: Can the APP be used on a smartphone or Ipad??
A: Definitely! It is designed to be used by every student (grades 2-10) on a campus all at the same time to simulate a true testing situation as well as a practice scenario on any day. It can be used on any type of device.


Q: Can the APP be downloaded in the APP Store?
A: Yes! The Teach Big APP is available for all Teach BIG Resources subscribers.


Q: What does the APP cost to download?
A: If you currently have a subscription, you have complimentary access to the mobile APP. Simply download the APP from the Apple Store and use the same login credentials.


Q: Can students use the APP when they are at home?
A: Yes, if they are granted access by their teacher to do so.


Q: How often are new passages, videos, and lesson plans released?
A: New passages, videos, and lesson plans are released the first of each month.


Q: How long do passages, videos, and lesson plans stay available?
A: Monthly information is available from the time you subscribe until you unsubscribe.


Q: Is ALL of the content contained in the APP TEKS-based?
A: Yes! Every passage, poem, drama, question, SCR, ECR, answer choice, poster, flashcard, daily lesson plan, virtual course, handout, and reteaching lesson are ALL based on the TEKS. They are also all labeled with their corresponding TEKS so that you do not have to search for them.


Q: Is the information repeated each school year?
A: No! Each school year brings a fresh set of passages, questions, answers, and resources!


Q: Is the APP available in Spanish?
A: Yes! All of the passages, poems, dramas, questions, and answer choices are available in Spanish. Parent letters and many of the tutorial activities are also available for your immediate use in Spanish.


Q: Is there an extra charge for the Spanish materials?

A: No! It is automatically included with every subscription.


Q: What styles and genres are addressed in the reading selections?
A: The selections are fiction, non-fiction, literary, poetry, and drama-based.


Q: Does the APP contain editing and revising passages and questions?
A: Yes! The APP releases editing and revising passages with questions and answer choices each month.


Q: Does the APP contain dual/paired passages and questions?
A: Yes! The APP releases dual passages with questions and answer choices each month.


Q: What types of questions are included in the Teach BIG Resources APP?
A: EVERY type of tested question type is included in the TBR APP including: multiple choice, multiselect, multi-part, hot text, text entry, inline, match table grid, SCR, and ECR. The types offered are dependent on state requirements at each grade level. Should the state alter their question types, Teach BIG will follow suit.


Q: Does the APP contain an Answer Choice Analysis?
A: Yes! The APP releases an Answer Choice Analysis page for every selection, question, and answer choice for reading, editing, revising, and paired passage each month. Every answer is labeled as correct (super-supported with textual evidence) or as incorrect and denoted by the type of distractor it is. The distractors are different for reading answer choices, editing answer choices, and revising answer choices, but they are all labeled for the ease of teachers and class discussions where they need to explain WHY an answer is incorrect. The reasons are there!


Q: How do I receive my students’ scores?
A: Automatic scoring for their “selected items” is included and is reported to their teacher immediately. We do not currently offer ASE grading, but after the ASE state grading tool is refined, we will mimic that process for teachers and students as well.


Q: Will I be able to see exactly which TEKS each student needs to focus on for improvement?
A: Yes! Individual Student TEKS Analysis is available under their profile.


Q: What tools are included in the Teach BIG Resources APP that also appear on the STAAR 2.0 Assessment?
A: The following tools are available in the Teach BIG Resources APP: four highlighting colors (yellow, mint green, lavender, and orange), eliminator for incorrect answer choices, question toggle tabs, star icon when a question is answered, mark for review button, end test and submit button, text to speech, speech to text, dictionary, all editing tools available during the typing input portion of the test, SCR typing box with character countdown from 475, ECR typing box with character countdown from 2300, and interactive notepad.


Q: Do you have TEKS Posters available to post in my classroom when I am teaching specific TEKS so that I do not have to make them?
A: Yes! They are in the teacher section of Level A.


Q: Where can I find the corresponding printable handout for the Virtual courses?
A: They are in the teacher section of Level B.


Q: Will I have access to my students’ scores?
A: You will have access to your students’ scores as long as they also have a subscription.


Q: Will I be able to respond electronically to my students?
A: You will be able to respond to each student electronically after they have submitted a test. You will be able to type words of encouragement, guidance, and compliments to them directly under their SCR and ECR type responses. They will receive this input instantly after you hit the “save” button.


Q: Where can students view my feedback?
A: Students can view your feedback on their profile by clicking on the “View Scores” button.


Q: Are the passages available to be printed?
A: Yes! You may print the passages and questions to use with your students only. Although, automatic grading will only be possible when students answer questions electronically online.


STUDENT, TEACHER , AND CAMPUS TRAINING INFORMATION

Q: Is training available for my district to help us use the Teach BIG Resources App?
A: Yes! Simply call the Teach BIG office to schedule an in-person or virtual training regarding how to use the amazing Teach BIG Resources APP!


Q: Where can I find the User’s Manual for the Teach BIG Resources Online Platform?
A: You can find the User’s Manual on the Teach BIG website (teachbig.com), under “Shop”, then “Products”, then “Funding Documents.” It is full color, and it is FREE!


Q: Is training available to teach me how to use the available tools with purpose?
A: Yes! Call our office to set up an in-person training or a Zoom training. 281-549-4466


Q: How can I bring a Student Training Camp to my campus?
A: Call the Teach BIG office to schedule a date that’s perfect for your school’s schedule. No subs required! 281-549-4466


Q: How can I schedule a Teacher Inservice at my campus?
A: Call the Teach BIG office to schedule a date that’s perfect for your school’s inservice schedule. 281-549-4466


Q: Where can I go for additional in-person training?
A: Teach BIG offers in-person training in three different manners:

  • Conferences at our Ranch location in Crockett, TX
  • Conferences at our Beach location in Galveston, TX
  • We come to your campus at any time!

Call the Teach BIG office to register or schedule any of the above! 281-549-4466


SUBSCRIPTION REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Q: Do “annual” subscriptions run for a calendar year or a school year?


A: An annual subscription runs a full calendar year from the date of purchase.


Q: What is the subscription process?
A: The annual rate will automatically be charged/invoiced on the annual anniversary, unless the subscription is canceled 30 days in advance. This is accurate for any level for which you register.


Q: What is released through June and July?
A: Passages and corresponding questions types, virtual teaching videos, and summer school/small group lesson plans are released through June and July. This is a good time to build your passage and resource library for the coming year.


Q: Do I have access to passages, videos, and lesson plans prior to my subscription start date?
A: The access to your selected subscription level begins when your subscription begins.


Q: How do I receive previous content if I register late in the school year?
A: The interactive capabilities are available when you subscribe; however, pdf versions that are not automatically graded can be found in the Teach BIG Teacher store.


Q: Can I raise my level of subscription?
A: Yes. You may increase your subscription level at any time. It will be effective at the first of the following month.


Q: If I have an annual subscription and raise my subscription to a higher level, will my annual renewal date change?
A: No. Your annual renewal date will remain the same as when you registered for the subscription.


Q: Are passages, videos, and lesson plans released during the summer months?
A: Yes! They are designed for summer school target groups and planning-ahead purposes.


Q: Will archived materials from previous years be available?
A: Yes! Archived materials will become available beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. Pricing for the archived materials is not yet set.


Q: How updated is the Teach BIG Resources APP?
A: The TBR App is as up-to-date as the TEA website and time to develop/change allows. The benefit of using our APP is that any change I make is automatically updated. All you need to do is log-in or refresh your APP! We will also post any sizable changes on our social media


FOR PARENTS AND HOMESCHOOLERS

Q: If I’m a parent, can I use the app with my child at home?
A: Yes! This is an excellent way to practice and prepare your child for all the question types and tools that will be available in a true testing situation for your child’s grade level.


Q: Will I receive all the Teacher Resources as a Homeschooling parent?
A: Of course! You are your child’s teacher, so you will have access to all of the teacher components.


TEACHER/ADMINISTRATOR INFORMATION

Q: If I am a teacher, will I be able to see all my students and their scores?
A: Yes! You will have access to your students and their scores.


Q: If I am an administrator, will I be able to see multiple classes of students and their scores?
A: Yes! You will have access to all students and classes.


Q: Is text-to-speech an available accommodation?
A: Yes! Text-to-speech is available.


Q: Is Speech-to-Text an available accommodation?
A: Yes! Speech-to-Text is available.


Q: Is a built-in Dictionary available?
A: Yes! A built-in Dictionary is available.


Q: Can I assign accommodations and adjust them through the year as needed?
A: Yes! It is under the class list and simply click on that student’s profile. Then select the accommodations that are desired.


Q: Am I able to see how long my students took to take an assessment?
A: Yes! You can see how long a student took to complete a passage and its corresponding answers.


Q: Am I able to see annotation marks my students utilized during an assessment?
A: Yes! You can see what they highlighted, which colors they used, what they scribed on their notepad, which answer choice(s) they eliminated, the SCR and ECR they typed, along with any self-checking strategies you have taught them to use. Follow this path: Click class list, then student’s name, then “view activity.”


ACCESSING DATA-DRIVEN REPORTS

Q: Is there a report when I can see which TEKS a specific student missed?
A: Yes! You will simply select “View Users” from your dashboard and it is under the class list. From there, click on that student’s name and the “TEKS Summary.” This document can be viewed on your device, but it can also be printed for sharing at a parent meeting, referral meeting, and grade level meeting. When printed, the missed TEKS are displayed in RED. This data helps create differentiated and specialized reteaching opportunities which are data-driven. Intervention activities, parent letters, and accomplishment certificates can be found under the “Interventions” tab in the Teach BIG Teacher Resources section.


Q: Is there a report when I can see which TEKS my whole class missed?
A: Yes! You will simply select “View Users” from your dashboard and then put in the parameters (dates, passages, etc) that you want to view and then click on “TEKS Summary.” This document can be viewed on your device, but it can also be printed for sharing at a parent meeting, referral meeting, and grade level meeting. When printed, the missed TEKS are displayed in RED. This data helps create differentiated and specialized reteaching opportunities which are data-driven. Intervention activities, parent letters, and accomplishment certificates can be found under the “Interventions” tab in the Teach BIG Teacher Resources section.


Q: Is there a report when I can see which TEKS certain students missed so I can make data-driven tutorial groups?
A: Yes! You will simply select “View Users” from your dashboard and then put in the parameters (dates, passages, etc) that you want to view and then click on “TEKS Intervention Groups.” This document can be viewed on your device, but it can also be printed for sharing at a parent meeting, referral meeting, and grade level meeting. When printed, students are automatically placed in groups by the TEKS they missed. This is especially helpful when creating the HB 1416 tutorial groups. This data helps create differentiated and specialized reteaching opportunities which are data-driven. Intervention activities, parent letters, and accomplishment certificates can be found under the “Interventions” tab in the Teach BIG Teacher Resources section.


Q: Is there a report when I can see which students are doing extremely well on the assessments?
A: Yes! You will simply select “View Users” from your dashboard and then put in the parameters (dates, passages, etc) that you want to view and then click on “TEKS Enrichment Groups.” You can then type in a score parameter (such as 90 and above) to view only students who have met that particular goal. This document can be viewed on your device, but it can also be printed for sharing at a parent meeting, referral meeting, and grade level meeting. This data helps create differentiated and specialized enrichment and project opportunities which are data-driven. Enrichment activities can be found under the “Enrichments” tab in the Teach BIG Teacher Resources section.


Q: Is there a report that helps me customize a referral?
A: Yes! You will simply select “View Users” from your dashboard and then put in the parameters (dates, passages, etc) that you want to view and then click on “Customizable Student Reports.” You will then answer the 30 questions to help demonstrate the needs of a specific student. This document can be viewed on your device, but it can also be printed for sharing at a parent meeting, referral meeting, and grade level meeting.


ADDITIONAL TEACH BIG SERVICES

Q: What all does TEACH BIG offer beyond the BIG Resources APP?
A: We are so glad you asked! Our goal is to empower teachers and students to feel confident about all things ELAR!!! Our BIG focus is in training teachers so that they can knowledgeably and confidently teach students the ins and outs of reading and writing. Here is a list of all the inservices that we provide for teachers! Each inservice has an accompanying STUDENT training that we call Student CAMPS as well!

  • Phonics/Spelling Training: Systematic delivery of direct phonics instruction has the most effective results regarding students’ reading abilities and confidences. The Teach BIG Phonics approach has two audiences: 1.) new readers who are ages 3-6 and 2.) new readers of all ages (upper grade levels, second language learners, dyslexia learners, adult learners). Join us in the rewarding journey of teaching someone how to read. There is no greater joy in education than seeing a person light up because they know how to read. The Teach BIG systematic approach to teaching phonics begins with understanding the 4 Quadrants of Sounds. After this is mastered, 98% of all sounds made in the English language can be classified and decoded according to rule. Did you know that memorizing the 315 high frequency words only leads to being able to recognize 315 words? Whereas, teaching the 44 sounds and the 75 ways to make them leads to being able to read an entire language with confidence! All this knowledge then pours into spelling like a waterfall! Most people think that anything they do not have a rule for is an exception; however, if you know all the rules, there are very few exceptions. Start mastering all the phonics pieces with this training that will help you with new and struggling readers of all ages.
  • Reading/Vocabulary Training: Explore how to be a discerning reader and see all the small details that make a big difference in reading comprehension. This includes sharing knowledge from years of research regarding analyzing the types of questions asked on the STAAR test. The 4 Dimensions of Reading Comprehension Question Analysis is invaluable as teachers and students learn to break down what is truly being asked of them. The answer choices are also disaggregated into what makes a correct answer correct and what makes incorrect answers distracting. Couple all this with a study in vocabulary, and your students will be prepared and excited to tackle the test and any reading comprehension assignment that ever comes their way.
  • SCR/ECR Training: Be immersed in the written constructed response era! Upon deciphering the differences between an SCR and an ECR, your students will finally feel empowered and excited to tackle this aspect of the state assessment. Learn how to shape a prompt, delineate the pieces to a thesis, extract relevant textual evidence, write effective connecting sentences, make inferences that relate to the evidence and the prompt, make real world connections, and create introductions and conclusions that wrap up an effective essay. By understanding how the 4 Dimensions show up in writing prompts, your students will never miss a prompt again. They will forever KNOW what the prompt is asking for and be able to answer with authority! Don’t wait any longer to relieve your stresses about teaching written constructed responses!
  • Editing/Revising Training: After students have poured themselves into their constructed responses, they will be ready to make their writing even better after this engaging training. Parts of speech no longer have to elude us when we teach them through symbols and kinesthetic approaches. No worries if you aren't strong in grammar components when you enter our training because you will be when you leave the training! Take a look at how the questions are asked and then have the knowledge and skills to answer them correctly. Gain an understanding of what incorrect answer choices have to do with the question! This is often misunderstood, but learning about the wrong answers actually increases the likelihood that students will KNOW which answer is correct. Revising can easily be broken into several types of questions which gives students the ability to focus on the true design of the passage they hope to improve. When you are ready to have all of this knowledge at your fingertips, we are ready to serve you!


Q: Where can I find agendas for the training that Teach BIG offers?
A: You can find the Agendas for everything we offer on the Teach BIG website (teachbig.com), under “Shop”, then “Products”, then “Funding Documents.” They are in full color and complimentary to print!


Q: Where can I find additional activities, lesson plans, and games that Teach BIG offers?
A: You can find thousands of products (for free and very reasonably priced) on the Teach BIG website (teachbig.com), under “Shop”, then “Products”, then select the category that interests you.


Q: Where can I find original Literature created by Randi Whitney?
A: Randi Whitney has authored over ten children’s books which are designed for use in the classroom to accompany her curriculum. They can all be found on Amazon.com. Simply search “Randi Whitney” to see all of the titles.


CUSTOMER SERVICE

Q: What is the main Teach BIG website?
A: The primary Teach BIG website is: teachbig.com


Q: What should I do if my video (only in Level B) doesn’t load?
A: Email app@teachbig.com


Q: Who should I email if I need assistance?
A: Email app@teachbig.com


Q: What is your contact phone number?
A: 281-549-4466


SECURITY & DATA PRIVACY

Q: What measures are in place for user security?
A: Security and data privacy are areas that we take very seriously. We have strict firewalls and electronic measures in place for the security of all users which follow state and federal guidelines.

Q: Do you have a security privacy policy?
A: Yes! We have a security and privacy policy in place which is sent to schools and districts in writing. We are in compliance with all TEA regulations.

THE LEGAL DETAILS

Q: How long has Teach BIG/The Writing Academy been in business?
A: Teach BIG was founded in 1998 by a practicing Texas classroom teacher.

Q: Does Teach BIG/Randi Whitney own a trademark?
A: Yes! Teach BIG/Randi Whitney owns multiple REGISTERED trademarks which are protected under federal trademark laws.

Q: Is Randi Whitney a published author?
A: Randi Whitney is a published author who holds over 10 ISBNs.

Q: Who owns the copyright to all of the passages, articles, poems, dramas, pictures, and depictions contained within the Teach BIG Resources APP?
A: Teach BIG/Randi Whitney owns all copyrights to information contained within the TBR APP. All Federal copyright and trademark laws apply to the information contained within.

Q: Can I share my login information with other educators?
A: Your login information is yours alone. You may not share it with others.


Q: How many devices can I login into with my login information?
A: You are granted access with your login information on 3 devices (phone, tablet, desk top computer, etc.).

PRICING

Q: What is the cost of Level A: Assessments?
A: Level A (Assessments) is $299 per year for 1 teacher and 25 students. Add-ons such as additional students, specialists, and administrators are available. Homeschool/Family pricing is $149 per year for parents and children within the same family.

Q: What is the cost of Level B: Bridges?
A: Level B (Bridges) is $399 per year for 1 teacher and 25 students. Add-ons such as additional students, specialists, and administrators are available. Homeschool/Family pricing is $199 per year for parents and children within the same family.

Q: What is the cost of Level C: Curriculum?
A: Level C (Curriculum) is $499 per year for 1 teacher and 25 students. Add-ons such as additional students, specialists, and administrators are available. Homeschool/Family pricing is $249 per year for parents and children within the same family.

FOR IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTIONS OF WHAT IS CONTAINED IN EACH LEVEL, PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE: teachbig.com

OUR STAFF

Q: Who all is part of this dedicated and inspiring business?
A: Thank you for asking! Here is a list of all the people who make Teach BIG possible!

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORS AND THEIR TITLES:

  • Lorie Morris- Retired Elementary Principal
  • Cheryl Fowler- Retired Elementary & Middle School Principal
  • Mike Fowler- Retired Associate Superintendent
  • Stacey Kluttz- Retired Elementary Principal
  • Kaylee Shelton- Elementary Teacher
  • Melody Shelton- Social Studies Coordinator
  • Rhonda Parmer- Retired Associate Superintendent
  • Joy Pickering- Retired Elementary teacher
  • Kim Rocha- Elementary English and Spanish Teacher
  • Jill Romig- 2-Time Elementary Teacher of the year
  • Rylie Stevenson- Preschool Principal
  • Jana Tarkington- Retired Elementary Principal
  • Jake Whitney- Ecological Biologist
  • Lolo Whitney- Child Social Worker
  • Luke Whitney- Content Producer - KENS5 News Station
  • Randi Whitney- Retired Teacher & Creator of Teach BIG
  • Sharon Whitney- Retired Elementary Librarian

TRANSLATOR:

  • Kim Rocha

LAYOUT AND DESIGN:

  • Sarah Figueroa
  • Jaclyn Holloway
  • Stefanie Loerwald
  • Jill Romig
  • Gavi Rocha
  • Kim Rocha
  • Rylie Stevenson
  • Randi Whitney
  • Emily Wolcik
  • Katelyn Young

TECHNOLOGY:

  • Ken Whitney
  • Jaclyn Holloway
  • Hope Garcia
  • Katelyn Young
  • Mikeala Solis

TECHNOLOGY:

  • Ken Whitney
  • Jaclyn Holloway
  • Hope Garcia
  • Katelyn Young
  • Mikeala Solis

EDITORS:

  • Mike Fowler
  • Kelley Kratky
  • Jaclyn Holloway
  • Randi Whitney

APP DEVELOPMENT:

  • Matt Turner
  • Ken Whitney