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Are you confused by terms that educators use? The
Lexicon of Learning might be just what you need.
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PassKey
[Computer software]. Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 8787 Orion Place,
Columbus, OH 43240.
http://www.passkeylearning.com
Accessed July 7, 2007.
Correlations: PassKey has built-in correlations to
over 50 state and national proficiency tests, including Ohio's
graduation exit exam.
Tel: 1-800-598-4077
Grades: elementary-adult
Description: From the website:
PassKey is a modular diagnostic and prescriptive learning system for
self-paced instruction in math, reading, writing, science, and
social studies that is suitable for use with elementary grades
through adult education. There are five skill levels. It has a management system to
customize and track learner progress.
Note: T.H.E.
Journal (2002, February) reported in "Ohio Students
Discover the Key to Passing Exams" (pp. 52-53) that
PassKey has been successfully used at all four technical
centers of Great Oaks in Southwestern Ohio. One teacher
at Laurel Oaks Career Development Center indicated that the
program has been instrumental in helping students pass Ohio's
ninth-grade proficiency test, particularly for those trying to
eliminate deficiencies in math.
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Path
to Mastery (new name for OPT for Success) [Computer software]. (2002).
KAMICO® Instructional Media, Inc., 4413 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin,
TX 78759. http://www.kamico.com
Accessed July 7, 2007.
Email: info@kamico.com
Correlations: NCTM standards
Tel: 512-343-0801
Note: Demo software is available. Kamico has test
preparation materials for individual states.
Description: See details at http://www.kamico.com/software/pathtomastery
Path to Mastery is an interactive software program that combines
student instruction and data disaggregation. The Student Instructional
Program presents mathematics problem solving created to develop state
education standards. Educational content is presented in real-world
contexts along with engaging graphics and animation. Grade-level
themes include such scenarios as the Old West, Middle Ages,
historical figures, and great structures of the world.
Available in
English and Spanish, Path to Mastery provides pre- and post assessments,
practices and tutorials, and isolated skill instruction. The Data
Disaggregation Program disaggregates student academic data to assist
educators in determining instructional focus; monitoring individual
student, class, grade level, and demographic group progress; and
maximizing effectiveness of classroom instruction.
The software itself
is unchanged from OPT for Success. OPT for Success materials are
still available for Ohio.
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Paws and Pyramids [Computer software].
(1999). Gamco Educational Software, Siboney Learning Group,
Sales & Marketing, 325 North Kirkwood Road, Suite 200, Saint
Louis, MO 63122 http://www.gamco.com
Accessed July 7, 2007. Email:
sales@gamco.com
Tel: 1-888-726-8100
Grades: 4-8
Description: From the Gamco website
http://www.gamco.com/index.php?cPath=21_25_47 :
Paws and Pyramids is a perimeter, area, and volume learning
game for students in grades 4-8, but can be used for remediation
in higher grades. All the cats have turned blue
thanks to the evil queen. Students enter the Queen's pyramid and
find a secret formula that will cure the cats. To find the secret
formula, students must solve a variety of problems testing their
mastery in perimeter, area, volume, and surface area. There are
twenty skill levels.
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Pearson PASeries Mathematics and Algebra
I. [Formative Assessment Software].(2006). Pearson Education, Inc.
http://www.pearsonpaseries.com/ Accessed July 7, 2007.
Email: PASeries@pearson.com
Correlations:
NCTM standards
Tel: 1-888-281-8443
Description: From
the web site:
Pearson PASeries (Progress Assessment Series)
Mathematics for grades 3-8 is a formative assessment product
(screening, progress, diagnostic and item analysis) designed to help
educators monitor student progress in meeting state performance
goals and grade level expectations. Pearson Education
indicates that the product is "built from the ground up to be
scientifically valid, reliable, and research based." The screening
test is for placement. There are six progress tests for each
grade to measure growth and forecast performance on statewide tests
or toward grade level expectations. Diagnostic tests are by
strand for targeting instruction. At the student level, the
item analysis will shed light on probable errors.
Pearson PASeries Algebra I for grades 6-12
contains six progress tests and five diagnostic tests--one for each
of the five content strands per grade.
Assessments can be delivered online and/or via
paper and can be completed during one class period. Reports
can be generated by student, classroom, school, district and state,
including sub-groups.
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PLATO Learning and Straight Curve Math
Series [Instructional software]. PLATO Learning, Inc., 10801
Nesbitt Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55437. www.plato.com
Accessed February 27, 2008.
Email: info@plato.com
Correlations:
PLATO Learning: over 250 local, state
and national standards; Straight Curve aligns with NCTM K-6 Focal
Points
Tel: 1-800-447-5286
Description: From the PLATO Learning Web site:
PLATO courseware integrates
the latest technology and brain-based research. PLATO courseware
modules contain tutorials, drills, applications, problem solving
activities, reviews, practice, and mastery tests.
Products for K-6 elementary math include Straight
Curve (Series 1 and 2) and PLATO Achieve Now and Math Expeditions.
Straight Curve offers game-style practice, individual assessments,
compatibility with interactive whiteboards and can be used with
whole class direct instruction (e.g., manipulatives are included) or
small group instruction. It supplements classroom instruction
on the most difficult topics to teach in each major math strand.
PLATO Learning's secondary math collection is comprehensive with Foundational
Mathematics, Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry 1 and 2, Math Problem
Solving, and Math Expeditions. Applied Math contains content
typically taught in grades 6-9 and can be used with middle school,
high school, and adult learners.
Academic Systems® Algebra provides full-course
instruction that actively engages college students in learning and
applying mathematics. It provides comprehensive, self-paced
instruction in prealgebra, elementary algebra, and intermediate
algebra aimed at helping students entering college under-prepared
for college-level math courses.
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PracticePlanet [Test prep software]. (2007).
Orchard
Software, 325 North Kirkwood Road, Suite 200, St. Louis, MO
63122.
http://www.practiceplanet.com/index.php
Accessed November 7, 2007.
Correlations: state standards
Tel: Sales and
Marketing: 1-800-610-7095
Grades: K-12
Description:
PracticePlanet is an online high-stakes test preparation
program for K-12 students. Test and practice items are
aligned with the testing standards for the grade levels
assessed in each state and mimic the items found on actual
state tests. Pretests identify areas of strength and
weakness; students practice the assigned concepts, posttests
show his or her level of growth. The reporting feature gives
real time student data to pinpoint areas needing additional
work. Games are included for motivation and are used
for rewards for completing practice modules.
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Pre-Algebra Pathways [Online software]. (2008).
Let's Go Learn, product
distributed by
Curriculum Associates Inc., P.O. Box 2001, North Billerica,
MA 01862-0901. http://www.letsgolearn.com/
Accessed June 19, 2008. E-mail:
info@cainc.com
Correlations: NCTM and
state standards
Tel:
1-800-225-0248 (to place an order with
Curriculum Associates).
Grades: middle and high
school
Description: From
Let's Go Learn website:
"Pre-Algebra Pathways brings together comprehensive
adaptive pre-algebra skills assessment with differentiated
instruction, all administered in an interactive, online
learning environment. Let's Go Learn's Diagnostic Online
Math Assessment (DOMA) Pre-Algebra first performs a
detailed assessment of each student's pre-algebra abilities
across 14 different mathematical constructs aligned with
NCTM and state standards. After the initial assessment, the
program transitions the student into interactive tutorials
and activities that improve math skills identified by
teachers as essential for success in Algebra I."
Let's
Go Learn also produces a series of diagnostic online math
assessments for basic skills, pre-algebra, and algebra 1.
Their product Unique Math offers a similar format as
Pre-Algebra Pathways, but offers assessment with
differentiated instruction in basic math skills suitable for
grades K-5.
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Pre-Algebra World [Computer software]. (1997).
MathRealm,
5 Sotweed Ct., Potomac, MD 20854. http://www.mathrealm.com/CD_ROMS/PreAlgebraWorld.php
Accessed July 7, 2007. E-mail: sales@mathrealm.com
Correlations: NCTM standards
Tel: 1-800-335-0781
Note: This product is part of the MathRealm series.
Grades: 3-8
Description:
Pre-Algebra World, Number Sense for
grades 3-8, is entirely 3D rendered in a cartoonish/realistic
style. A colorful guide helps students through the program and
provides hints and instructions. The program covers place value,
number systems, rounding, estimating, factoring, and fractions.
The theme of this title is exploring places that are subject
lessons. Themes include: building a rainbow over a lake as
students learn to factor; shop to learn about place value; visit
an observatory to learn about powers of 10 and scientific
notation; visit an archaeological dig to learn about prime numbers
with Eratosthenes' sieve; play basketball for rounding and
estimating; and enter a factory for factoring lessons. Learn about
fractions and fraction operations in a pizza shop, art gallery,
stock market, and more.
The product contains extensive animations, interactivity,
voice, fun music, sound effects, and videos. There are an
unlimited number of practice problems. Number Sense builds bridges
from math to science, history, and real world phenomena. School
versions of the program come with a teacher manual that includes
additional problems that teachers may copy for students. It
provides helpful teacher tips to students on what to look for as
they navigate through the program.
Other CD-ROM products in the series include algebra, geometry,
and trigonometry. The following recommendation from the website is
of interest: "The software does an outstanding job of
introducing basic algebra concepts. Students loved the
illustrations and sound effects, and they enjoyed interacting with
the computer-generated manipulatives. ... The program was
intrinsically motivational." - National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics, February 1999 issue of Mathematics
Teaching in the Middle School.
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Prentice Hall Middle Grades
Mathematics: Courses 1, 2, and 3. [Text and computer
software]. (2004). Prentice Hall.
http://www.phschool.com/math/index.html
Accessed July 7, 2007.
Tel: 1-800-848-9500.
Grades: 6-8
Description: From the website
http://www.phschool.com/successnet/math.html#middle:
Mathematics for Middle School, Courses 1, 2, and 3
interactive textbook is the same trusted content as your print textbook.
The interactive textbook, available online and on CD-ROM, provides powerful
class reports for teachers to address NCLB requirements and motivates all
learners with:
- Interactive learning
tools—videos, real-world applications, demonstrations
- Built-in reading support
with audio—in English and Spanish
- The Instant Check
System—before, during, and after each lesson
- The Online Intervention
System—providing testing, remediation, and re-testing
adapted to meet the needs of each student
Note: Prentice Hall also has
Connected Math 2 for grades 6-8, which was developed with
National Science Foundation funds and provides an investigative
approach to learning math. Their Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1
and 2, and Geometry texts include online editions.
Pre-calculus and calculus are available.
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PrimeTime Math-Series
[Computer software]. Tom Snyder Productions, 80 Coolidge Hill Road,
Watertown MA 02472-5003. http://www.tomsnyder.com/
Accessed May 1, 2008. Email: ask@tomsnyder.com
Correlations: Meets state and national standards
Tel: 1-800-342-0236
Grades: 4-9
Description: See full description at
http://www.tomsnyder.com/products/product.asp?SKU=PTMPTM
Award-winning PrimeTime Math engages students in grades 4-9 in
real-world stories about professional people using math in
situations such as wilderness search and rescue, medical
emergencies, crimes, and fires. Titles include Adrift, Cliffbound,
Fire, Lost, Emergency, and Stakeout. Instructional content focuses
on problem solving and communicating, real world connections,
numbers and operations, data analysis and graphing, measurement,
geometry and spatial reasoning, and algebra. The product
includes video dramas, reproducible worksheets and answer keys, and
in-class assessment.
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Prime Time Math
[Computer software]. (1998).
Sheppard Software, Suite 623, Pavilion, Jenkintown, PA 19046.
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com
Accessed July 7, 2007. Email:
Brad@sheppardsoftware.com
Developer: Brad Sheppard, President of Sheppard Software
Grades: 7-12
Description: This program can be downloaded
from the website:
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/pmath1_cat.htm
Prime Time Math is a multimedia educational game that will help
students in grades 7-12 improve their word problem solving skills and
boost their SAT scores. Problems in the game cover prime numbers,
factoring, squares, cubes, remainders, fractions, percentages, algebra
and logic. Prime Time Math features over 1000 problems in nine skill
levels with three options of play that include the ten problem game,
time trial and two-player combat. The problems in the game are
descriptions of the numbers 1 - 99. From these descriptions, the player
must identify the correct number. Hints and help files are provided.
Students can toggle sound on or off and view information on scoring,
benchmark numbers, tips and strategies and more.
Note: Sheppard Software has other
math products, such as Algebra: One on One, Brain Builder: Math
Edition, and Math Function Mania (http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/softwar1.htm#math).
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Pro-Ohio [Test prep software]. (2007). Computers in Education, Ben Hemingway, 3504 Tarpis Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208. http://www.pro-ohio.com/index.html
Accessed July 7, 2007. Email:
Hemingway@current.net
Correlations: Ohio state standards
Tel: 1-800-232-7118 or 513-766-3899
Grades: 2-12
Description: From the Pro-Ohio website:
PRO-Ohio is a diagnostic tool to help
teachers prepare students in grades 2—10 for success on the Ohio
Achievement and the Ohio Graduation Tests.
It features:
- Ohio-focused paper-and-pencil and web-based tests
correlated with state assessments.
- Diagnostics in math, reading, science, social studies
and writing.
- 2—5 day report turn-around for the pencil-paper
assessments.
- Automatically updates student and class profiles.
- Focused information for class and student interventions.
- Short-cycle web assessments for the indicators /
benchmarks.
- Opportunities for teachers to continuously measure
instructional effectiveness.
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Quarter
Mile Math [Computer
software]. (2005). Barnum Software, 1910 Lyon Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002. http://www.thequartermile.com/
Accessed July 7, 2007. Email: mail@TheQuarterMile.com
Correlations: The
Quarter Mile Math topics correlate to the math standards of all 50 states.
Tel: 1-800-553-9155
Grades: 3-9
Description: From the website:
The award-winning Quarter Mile Math programs include
three levels of K-9 content and problems selected at random: K-3 (174
topics and 22, 000 problems), 4-6 (214 topics and 33,000 problems),
and 6-9 (with pre-algebra and 29,000 problems). Programs can be
used by the broadest range of students: on grade level, gifted,
review/remediation (including for high school and adults), Title 1,
special education/special needs, and at risk students.
Problems appear one at a time. The goal is to
answer quickly. Each time the student enters the answer
correctly, his/her dragster or riderless horse will go faster.
Students race against their five previous best races which are
replayed on screen (six lanes with six dragsters (or six riderless
horses) in all.) Their score is the "elapsed time" for
the race, based on how quickly they answer the problems AND how
many they answer.
Topic areas include keyboarding, learning the
alphabet, number, whole numbers, rounding, fractions, decimals, percents, estimation, integers,
equations, and math strategies. Design integrates
all major learning modalities-visual, auditory, and
tactile-simultaneously in a meaningful, educational way. The
program detects even the smallest improvements that
wouldn't be detectable in any other software format. Student
improvement is rewarded with a better score.
According to the Texas educator who recommended this product,
"Students especially like the ability to choose between competing
against themselves, or change to multiple players" (Email
communication, February 5, 2004).
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Comments?
We'd love to hear from you.
To suggest a product or notify us of product
updates,
email deubelp@neo.rr.com
http://www.ct4me.net/software_pqr.htm
Last revised
06/20/08
Author: Dr. Patricia Deubel
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