English Language Learners Database

Located in LOTE section of VRC

English Language Learners

Information about this database: 

"Reference Center provides ELL students and their teachers with an easy-to-use interface and reference materials that are designed to support English-language proficiency and comprehension. Literacy, researching, note-taking and academic writing skills are reinforced in all topics; all text can be read aloud." (ESBOCES)

Other Features: 

• Use translation button to translate text into numerous languages.
• Listen to text read aloud.
•  Contains articles on subjects such as history, civics, culture, literature, and science.
• Contains a section on life skills  

Pro/Con Research Resources

Writing a evidence based research paper?  

 

Visit the Pro/Con section our our Virtual Reference Collection (VRC) for access to authoritative and credible information.   You will find a wealth of articles from journals, magazines and newspapers.  

 

Pro/Con

Contains full-text articles and images from thousands of domestic and international publications, maps, current events, biographies, special in-depth features [Election, Science Fair Explorer, Skills Discoverer, Activities, Biographies, Fiction, Country Facts, Pictures, Maps of the World, Educator Resources, Dictionary / Thesaurus.] Current Events topics are updated every 15 minutes [and then archived] from the wire services.

SIRS Knowledge Source (SKS) provides a portalto relevant, credible information carefullyhand-selected by our SIRS editorial staff. Whenstudents use SIRS SKS, they receive best-ofcontent designed to support student research,study, & homework in key curricula subjects. 

Opposing Viewpoints in Context

 Opposing Viewpoints in Context helps students research, analyze, and organize a broad variety of data, complete writing assignments, prepare for debates, and create presentations. Included are pro/con viewpoint essays, topic overviews, primary sources, biographies, court cases, full text magazine articles, statistical tables, charts, graphs, podcasts, including weekly presidential addresses and premier NPR programs, and national and state curriculum standards, correlated to the content. Educators may search and identify material by grade and discipline.

Database of the Month~New York State Newspapers

 

Our database of the month is New York State Newspapers.  It is located under the magazine/newspaper section of the VRC.  

This database contains: 

"Full-text articles from ten major newspapers published in New York State, including Newsday, New York Times, and the New York Post. These are selections of news, opinion and commentary sections, not every page from every edition"

 It's a good place to research information for current events, pro/con research, location information, etc.

Database of the Month: SIRS Knowledge Source

Spotlight on SIRS Knowledge Source. 

This mega database includes the following: Researcher, Government Reporter, Renaissance and WebSelect

It contains full-text articles exploring controversial social, scientific, health, historic, business, economic, political, global and current events issues. Articles and graphics are selected from 1,500 domestic and international publications.

• The database contains summaries, overviews, Powerpoint slideshows, updated links and special in-depth features [monthly spotlight, comprehensive coverage of terrorism and natural disasters, Pro/Con, Curriculum Pathfinders, World Almanac and Maps.] World Conflicts explores 10 protracted, unresolved conflicts through maps, unbiased news articles, primary sources, books, and opinion pieces.
• SIRS® Issues Researcher covers the leading issues most studied and debated by students. 
• SIRS Government Reporter includes historic and government documents, directories and almanacs. 
• SIRS Renaissance provides current perspectives on the Arts & Humanities and SIRS 
• WebSelect features editorially selected web sites that are vetted daily.