F.A.Q.

Jump to:

  1. So what’s the difference between Plugged-in to Reading and Plugged-in to Nonfiction?
  2. Who is Dr. Janet Allen?
  3. Who publishes the Plugged-in Programs?
  4. Are you the sole provider of Plugged-in Programs?
  5. How can I get more information about the Plugged-in Programs?
  6. Are audiobooks a part of the program? How do they work?
  7. What is your replacement policy?
  8. What schools are currently using the program?
  9. Where can I find resources for a Plugged-in title that has been replaced?
  10. How can I network with other teachers using Plugged-in?
  11. I use Plugged-in and would love to share my story with you. Who should I contact?

Have a question you’d like to see included in the F.A.Q? Email us!

So what’s the difference between Plugged-in to Reading and Plugged-in to Nonfiction?

  1. The titles included in Plugged-in to Reading are high-interest fiction. While there is a nonfiction component in the Nonfiction Reader’s Text-to-Text Connections, the program is not based in nonfiction.
  2. The titles included in Plugged-in to Nonfiction are all high-interest, engaging nonfiction texts. Text-to-Text Connections in the program are both fiction/literature and nonfiction pieces.
  3. Plugged-in to Reading’s Peer-Supported Learning section uses Literature Circles, where each student is assigned a role during group work.
  4. Plugged-in to Nonfiction’s Peer-Supported Learning section focuses on the Power Strategies. Each of the 8 Power Strategy Group titles focuses on one of the 8 Power Strategies identified by Janet Allen.

Who is Dr. Janet Allen?

Dr. Allen taught for 20 years. She is now an internationally renowned researcher and consultant on adolescent literacy. Dr. Allen has won many teaching awards, including the Milken Foundation’s National Educator Award.

Who publishes the Plugged-in Programs?

Plugged-in to Reading and Plugged-in to Nonfiction are both published by Recorded Books.

Are you the sole provider of Plugged-in Programs?

Recorded Books is the sole provider of all Plugged-in Programs. Download a sole source letter here or on our ordering page. If you have any questions about Recorded Books being the sole provider, please do not hesitate to contact us.

How can I get more information about the Plugged-in Programs?

If you want to stay up to date on the programs and be notified of new products and events featuring the programs, sign up for our email list via the link on the sidebar of this webpage or add our RSS feed to your feed reader. Both options are available on the sidebar under the heading “Stay Informed.” You may always also contact us if you don’t find the information you’re looking for.

Are audiobooks a part of the program? How do they work?

Audiobooks are built into the program as a scaffold. Throughout the program, students listen to audio as they read along with the text. In Teacher-Directed Instruction, this allows the teacher more flexibility to monitor progress. In Peer-Supported Learning, it keeps all students in Power Strategy Groups on the same page. In Self-Directed Learning, it motivates readers and keeps them engaged. Listening to a fluent model reader helps students become fluent themselves, learning proper pronunciation and diction. Listening while reading also increases comprehension for students who struggle with the text, and has been shown to motivate students. To hear an example of an audiobook, see Resources.

What is your replacement policy?

Recorded Books Replacement Policy: Replacements are free for cassettes or CDs within the first year of purchase. After the first year, there is a shipping and handling fee of $5.95 for cassettes and $6.95 for CDs. Replacements of audiobooks not produced by Recorded Books are $7.95. After the first year, Playaway replacements must be purchased at the full price. You will be charged full price to replace print books, Teacher Guides, Resource Binders, student materials, and equipment unless they are damaged upon receipt and you have informed us within 90 days. We will replace bookshelves for free if they arrive defective and are reported within 90 days. Otherwise, bookshelf replacements are $100 plus shipping per unit.

What schools are currently using the program?

Over 400 schools are currently using the Plugged-in programs! Click here to download a PDF with a list of all the schools and school districts using Plugged-in to Reading and Plugged-in to Nonfiction.

Where can I find resources for a Plugged-in title that has been replaced?

Occasionally, it’s necessary for us to replace a title when it is no longer available in print. We try to do this as little as possible, but it is sometimes unavoidable. If a title has been replaced and your school requires materials, print books and audiobooks will be mailed to your school. Please visit the Plugged-in Educators’ Network to download teacher and student materials for the new replacement title. If you have any questions, please contact us.

How can I network with other teachers using Plugged-in?

To network with other Plugged-in educators, join the Plugged-in Educators Network! Educators from all over the country are members, and it’s a great opportunity to collaborate and share, and gain access to additional resources. You can also follow @pluggedintoread on twitter.

I use Plugged-in and would love to share my story with you. Who should I contact?

We love getting testimonials! If you’d like to share your experiences with Plugged-in, contact your local sales representative or email your story to beth at pluggedintoreading dot com. You can also share your story at the Plugged-in Educators Network.