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SkillsTutor [online software]. Achievement Technologies, Inc. School Division: 10400 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 310, Columbia, MD 21044. http://skillstutor.com/hmh/site/skillstutor/ Accessed Oct. 12, 2011. Email: skillstutorsupport@hmhpub.com
Correlations: State and national standards, including Common Core State Standards.
Tel: 877-219-1537 or customer service at 800-222-3681
Grades: K-adult
Description: Derived from the website:
Achievement Technologies' SkillsTutor is the web-based descendent of SkillsBank software. It is a comprehensive courseware package addressing mathematics, science, reading and language arts, and information skills for K-12, adult learning including employability skills and career preparedness, and alternative education for GED test prep and Response to Intervention. The program also provides direct instruction for the development of higher-order thinking skills such as problem solving and decision making. Pre and post tests identify and diagnose students' skill deficiencies and prescribe lessons to teach core concepts. An easy-to-use management system generates a variety of progress reports.
Mathematics modules are described as follows:
Sophia Pathways [Online software]. (2011). Sophia Learning, LLC, 110 North 5th St., Suite 520, Minneapolis, MN 55403. http://www.sophia.org Accessed Oct. 1, 2011. Email: info@sophia.org
Correlations: Common Core State standards; state standards, such as West Virginia
Grades: K-12
Description:
"The Sophia Pathways program is a complete solution for differentiated instruction. In addition to the 22,000 math [video] lessons, Pathways includes learning preference profiles for each student, real-time quizzes and assessments, lessons that are aligned to the school's textbook or standards, and multiple other features to assist teachers with classroom instruction. This program is priced at 29.95 per student" (Sophia personal communication, Sept. 30, 2011).
Math instruction is "delivered by a multitude of teaching styles" as the video library was developed by hundreds of teachers. Each video is 2-5 minutes in length. Content addresses basic mathematics to algebra, geometry, advanced math, pre-calculus/trigonometry, calculus, and statistics.
Additional description of Sophia Pathways is available at http://blog.sophia.org/sophia-pathways/ and http://www.edutechpartners.net/interventionssolutions/sophiapathways.html
ST Math [Online software]. Mind Research Institute, 3631 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite 200, Santa Ana, CA 92704. http://mindinstitute.net/ Accessed Jan. 26, 2012.
Correlations: state standards
Tel: 888-751-5443
Grades: K-12
Description: From the website:
ST Math software is designed to visually explain math concepts. The ST Math™ product family consists of engaging courseware which employs the learners’ spatial temporal reasoning abilities to explain, understand, and solve multi-step math problems. The language barrier to learning math is eliminated, and the program has proven uniquely engaging and effective with students at every level of math and language proficiency.
ST Math: K-5 is comprehensive, grade-level math courseware aligned to state math standards and appropriate for supplementing any third party text.
ST Math Touch: K-5 includes puzzle games for elementary learners and is designed for tablets (iPad, Android-based tablets, and Microsoft Windows-based tablets). Students use virtual manipulatives to help solve problems and gain mastery of nearly all the math standards. Teachers will also appreciate the reporting features to monitor progress.
ST Math: Algebra Readiness is a "full curriculum that rebuilds a solid math foundation for middle and high school students and prepares them for success in Algebra 1." It connects essential math concepts and skills covered in grades 2-7.
ST Math also has other products: ST Math: Fluency, ST Math + Music: K-5, and ST Math: Secondary Intervention.
STAR Math [Computer software]. (1999). Renaissance Learning, Inc., PO Box 8036, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-8036. http://www.renlearn.com Accessed Jan. 22, 2010.
Correlations: Popular high-stakes standardized tests. Specific names not provided.
Tel: 800-656-6740
Grades: 3-12
Description: From the website and program documentation:
STAR Math helps teachers to determine placement levels for all students in grades 3-12, and to accurately forecast outcomes on high-stakes tests. The program provides four scores: a scaled score ranging from 300-1200; a grade equivalent score representing how the student performed relative the normative sample; a percentile rank that compares the student's performance to that of peers on a national level; and a normal curve equivalent that is derived from the percentile ranks.
STAR Math’s computer-adaptive testing delivers helpful, time-saving data within seconds after a student completes the test. Fifteen detailed reports provide objective information to help students, teachers, administrators, and parents see what needs to be done to make progress. The program was validated with nearly 80,000 student tests; results correlate to popular high-stakes standardized tests.
According to a STAR Math sales representative (personal communication, October 4, 1999), students can complete the program in about 15-20 minutes. It is strictly diagnostic for the grade equivalency of the student. It does not tell teachers a breakdown of particular strengths and weaknesses of a student. The company suggests that students take the test three times a year. The software contains a bank of questions norm referenced, as in "x" number of questions for a grade level. Students who take the test get an initial grade level performance score. The next time they take the test, a bank of questions is generated from the set of norm referenced questions to see if improvement has been made based on previous test results. There are a limited number of norm referenced questions in the data bank.
Study Island [Online test prep software]. (2000+). Study Island, 3232 McKinney Avenue, Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75204. http://www.studyisland.com Accessed Apr. 7, 2011. Email: info@studyisland.com
Correlations: individual state standards
Tel: Sales and support: 800-419-3191
Grades: elementary and high school
Description: Study Island has been available since 2000 and is a commercial product for standardized test prep in your state for elementary and high school grade levels and exit exams or end of course exams--whatever your state requires. The developers link their multiple choice questions to specific state standards. The program is web-based offering diagnostics and instruction and will generate various reports to help monitor mastery.
SuccessMaker Math [Computer software]. (2010). Pearson Education: Customer Service, P.O. Box 2500, Lebanon, IN 46052. http://www.pearsonschool.com/ Accessed Jan. 22, 2010.
Correlations: NCTM and state standards
Tel: Customer Service: 800-848-9500
Grades: K-8
Description: See Mathematics for all of Pearson's textbooks and support materials.
Adapted from the program description about SuccessMaker: SuccessMaker Math is multimedia courseware for grades K-8 that addresses six strands: data analysis, number sense and operations, probability and discrete math; patterns, algebra, functions; geometry, and measurement. It provides appropriate placement within the courseware after students complete an initial set of questions, then guided interactive practice, differentiated instruction based on developmental needs, and assessment. Lessons provide feedback and additional intelligent tutorial intervention when necessary. There is audio support. A toolbox includes a ruler, measuring tape, protractors, and a calculator available for all appropriate exercises. The product features real-world contexts for problem solving. There is a teacher management system with reports to help teachers know where students are in mastering content and to further assist with individualization.
Teaching Textbooks [Texts + Computer software]. (2006-2010). Teaching Textbooks Distribution, P.O. Box 60529, Oklahoma City, OK 73146. http://www.teachingtextbooks.com Accessed Jan. 22, 2010. Email: customerservice@teachingtextbooks.com
Correlations: unknown
Tel: 866-867-6284 toll-free
Description:
According to the developers, "Using a Teaching Textbook™ is like having a friendly tutor available at the push of a button, but for only a fraction of the cost." Texts (grades 5-7, pre-algebra, algebra 1 and 2, geometry, and pre-calculus) are designed to be used by independent learners and home-schooled students. They provide maximum explanation and are accompanied by CDs with "audiovisual step-by-step explanations for every single one of the almost 3,500 problems in the book" (sec: FAQs).
Note: The teacher (shorelineschools.org) who recommended this product stated,
I think the program makes math concepts so accessible that even students who are "below grade level" will be able to gain understanding and catch up to where they ought to be....In levels 5-7, students can input answers on the computer, and have their work automatically graded, and records kept. But the real gem of this program is that for every single problem in the program, there is a viewable solution, explaining how a problem was solved, step by step, that students can view as often as necessary. Students (or parents) can also telephone the company for advice if the student has reviewed a problem's video and still does not understand. Levels Pre-Algebra through Pre-Calc have videos. (Pre-calc videos are not available until late 2008.) The lectures are clear, the practice problems explain how to use new concepts, and make sense of calculations. The only drawback for some students is they feel the voice over of the problems goes too slowly, and it is hard to jump ahead to exactly the step of the problem you want, without viewing an entire problem. (personal communication, July 31, 2008).
Tenth Planet Math [Computer software]. (1996+). Sunburst Technology Corporation, Customer Service: 1550 Executive Drive, Elgin, IL 60123. http://commerce.sunburst.com/ Accessed Sept. 28, 2011. Email: service@nySUNBURST.com
Correlations: NCTM standards, state frameworks and leading math programs. Contact Sunburst.
Tel: 800-321-7511
Note: Tenth Planet (originally at 625 Miramontes St., Half Moon Bay, CA 94091) is now a subsidiary of Sunburst Technology Corporation, and modules designed by Tenth Planet are available from Sunburst.
Description: See Sunburst's math products: Tenth Planet
From the original Tenth Planet website:
This software, which is ideal for effectively integrating technology into the mathematics curriculum, includes number concepts and geometry. By integrating multimedia software with hands-on activities and Internet resources, Tenth Planet creates powerful learning experiences.
An accompanying teaching guide features illustrated instructional plans for both multimedia and hands-on activities. Included activities provide interdisciplinary connections with examples from diverse cultures, art, architecture and nature. All of the Investigations support NCTM standards, state frameworks and leading math programs. By communicating about their work in personal multimedia journals, students demonstrate their understanding of math using pictures, writing and their own recorded voices. Each Investigation includes assessment opportunities to further gauge students' learning. Examples include teacher questions, observation guidelines, reflection time, and more formal assessment activities.
This is award winning software. For example, the May/June 1997 issue of MultiMedia Schools rated Tenth Planet Explores Math with five stars, the magazine's highest rating.
TestGEAR [Online test prep software]. (2003-2010). Bridges Transitions Co., 33637-B Hwy 97 N., Oroville, WA 98844. http://www.bridges.com/us/prodnserv/testgear/more/tgmath.html Accessed Jan. 22, 2010. Email: sales@bridges.com
Tel: Sales: 800-281-1168
Description: From the website:
TestGEAR uses an online environment to help students prepare for standardized tests and demonstrate adequate yearly progress. The testGEAR for Math online test prep course offers powerful customized lessons for students, based on their strengths and weaknesses. Delivered over the Internet, this program provides learning modules that target skill-deficiencies and assigns practice tests to build student confidence with acquired skills. For teachers, TestSCOPE generates real-time, easy-to-use reports that identify student mastery of content standards.
The Cruncher (Version 2.0) [Computer software]. (1999). Knowledge Adventure, 2377 Crenshaw Blvd., Suite 302, Torrance CA 90501. http://knowledgeadventureschool.com/default.aspx Accessed Jan. 22, 2010.
Tel: 800-871-2969 for customer service
Description: See details on the Cruncher at http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/school/catalog/crunch_2.aspx
From Knowledge Adventure, The Cruncher™ 2.0 is a student and teacher-friendly spreadsheet featuring six easy-to-follow tutorials and twenty cross-curricular learning projects. Students learn the basics of how to set up a spreadsheet, how to input and calculate data, and how to create charts and graphs. They develop creative and open-ended problem-solving skills, use high-level thinking to analyze and synthesize information, draw correlations between math and real-world problem solving, and use inductive and deductive reasoning. They can set Internet links within any spreadsheet cell for immediate access to the World Wide Web. A library is included with over 300 stickers and sounds to liven up spreadsheets.
The Geometer's Sketchpad [Computer software]. (2007). Key Curriculum Press, 1150 65th Street, Emeryville, CA 94608. http://www.keypress.com/x5521.xml Accessed July 30, 2011.
Tel: 800-995-MATH
Grades: 3 and up
Description: From the website:
The Geometer's Sketchpad is an exploration and construction tool for Euclidean, coordinate, transformational, analytic, and fractal geometry. It is recommended for students in grades 3 and up, including college. It works well with an overhead projector, with one or two computers in a classroom, or in a computer lab. Sketchpad has multimedia enhancement capabilities, including action buttons to play sounds or record sounds with a microphone. Students can draw an object with Sketchpad, then experience its aspects by dragging the object with the mouse. All geometric relationships will be preserved, allowing students to examine an entire set of similar cases in a matter of seconds, leading them by natural course to generalizations. Sketchpad encourages a process of discovery in which students first visualize and analyze a problem, then make conjectures before attempting a proof.
The Geometer's Sketchpad also has a resource center for activities: http://www.dynamicgeometry.com/ You will also find an extensive curriculum (sketches, teaching notes, how-to videos, and student worksheets) aligned to standards, content topics, and textbooks in its Sketchpad LessonLink: http://www.keypress.com/x22318.xml Sketchpad Explorer is available in iTunes for use on the iPad.
NOTE: Educators who use Geometer's Sketchpad might be interested in Gerard Venema's Exploring Advanced Euclidean Geometry with Geometer's Sketchpad: http://www.calvin.edu/~venema/eeg/eeg.html. It is a sequence of pdf files (121 pages in all) on various topics in geometry.
The House that Math Built [Computer software]. (1994-). Real World Educational Products, PO Box 5561, Whittier, CA 90607. http://www.realworlded.com/ Accessed Jan. 22, 2010. Email: umed@microtek.com
Correlations: NCTM number, geometry, and measurement standards are covered in the product.
Tel: 800-621-7868
Grades: 6-12
Description: From the website:
The House that Math Built is an interactive game that takes students through the step by step process of building a house. It includes 30 projects each addressing a unique mathematical concept. An online demo is available. The program is for middle school and high school students, and is part of the Real World Math series. It provides students with a reason to do math because it involves real-world problems used everyday by builders, architects, and home improvement buffs. The problems are integrated into a unique and motivating game format. As students complete each problem, they see another section of the house come to life on the screen. The house builds itself as concepts are visually translated into doors, walls, windows, and more. Concepts covered: Area, Perimeter, Volume, Pythagorean Theorem, Unit Conversion.
Other products are available:
In Real World Math Notebook students investigate algebraic and geometric concepts related to building a house, trading stocks, planning a vacation, managing real estate, and designing products. This product meets NCTM standards.
In The Plane that Math Built middle to high school students are provided a challenging game that takes them step by step on a simplified journey of aircraft design. Each step is a mathematical challenge that ranges from simple plane geometry to algebraic equations to aerodynamic formulas Concepts covered: Aircraft Engine Power Calculations, Drag, Aircraft Stability, Speed-Distance-Time, Fuel Consumption, Engine Displacement, Area, Perimeter, Volume, Pythagorean Theorem, Linear Equation, Systems of Equations, Unit Conversion.
The House that Math Built 3D is aimed primarily at high school and technical colleges students, however able middle school students might also find it to their liking. Concepts covered: Area, Perimeter, Volume, Pythagorean Theorem, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Systems of Equations.
Time4Learning Math Learning System [Web-based]. Time4Learning, 6300 NE 1st Ave., Suite 203, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334. http://www.time4learning.com/ Accessed June 14, 2010. Email: info@Time4Learning.com
Tel: 954-771-0914
Grades: preK-4
Description:
This product has appeal for use by the home schooled preK-4 student. According to President and Founder, John Edelson (personal communication, July 12, 2005), "Time4Leaning's Math Learning System provides children from preschool through fourth grade with a comprehensive learning experience. The animated multimedia lessons, interactive exercises, assessments, and printable worksheets cover a standards-based math curriculum. After the lessons, the children are given access to an Online Playground. With reports for parents and games for kids, its a complete home-based learning system."
A reading system is also available for preK-4. Children are placed in the curriculum based on their language and math skills. According to Time4Learning's Demo page (http://www.time4learning.com/demos.htm), "The heart of Time4Learning's educational program is CompassLearning Odyssey." Mr. Edelson indicated, "They are the best comprehensive educational system for younger children that I could find."
TinkerPlots [Computer software]. (2011). Key Curriculum Press, 1150 65th Street, Emeryville, CA 94608. http://www.keypress.com/x5715.xml Accessed Sept. 28, 2011.
Correlations: Common Core State Standards
Tel: 800-995-MATH
Grades: 4-9
Description: From the website:
TinkerPlots is award winning software designed to develop students' understanding of data, numbers, probability, statistics, and graphs. Students analyze data by creating colorful visual representations that will help them make sense out of real data and recognize patterns as they unfold. Version 2 has an upgraded Sampler Engine so that students can design and run probability simulations, then plot the results to give a visual representation of the outcomes over many samples. The software comes with activities, tutorials, sample data, and help movies to get started.
Touchdown Math Series [Computer software]. (1997-2011). Gamco Educational Software, 1694 Larkin Williams Road, Fenton, MO 63026. http://www.gamco.com Accessed Mar. 27, 2011. Customer Support Email: support@orchardlng.com
Tel: 888-726-8100
Grades 3-8+
Description: From the Gamco website http://www.gamco.com/index.php?cPath=21_25_49:
The Touchdown Math Series (whole numbers, fractions, decimals, rounding, and percents) for grades 3-8 has a football game environment. The series can be used to remediate high school students. The CDs focus on whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and rounding to reinforce key math computational skills. Students quarterback their teams to victory by working through a wide range of problem types pre-selected by teachers or selected by students. Quick thinking and correct answers gain yardage and first downs. Wrong answers allow the defense to take over. Multimedia titles include a coach who helps students work through difficult problems with animated tutorials.
Each title offers a wide range of carefully selected skills, with step-by-step tutorials included. The management program allows teachers to track students' progress and to select problems from multiple skill levels.
Unique Math [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 Jan. 22, 2010. E-mail: info@cainc.com
Correlations: NCTM and state standards
Tel: 800-225-0248 (to place an order with Curriculum Associates).
Grades: K-5
Description: From Let's Go Learn website:
"Unique Math brings together comprehensive adaptive math skills assessment with differentiated instruction, all administered in an interactive, online learning environment. Let's Go Learn's Diagnostic Online Math Assessment (DOMA) Basic Math Skills first performs a detailed assessment of each student's basic math abilities across multiple benchmarks. After the initial assessment, the program transitions the student into interactive tutorials and activities that improve essential math skills needed for success. Unique Math is aligned with both NCTM and state standards."
Let's Go Learn also produces a series of diagnostic online math assessments for basic skills, pre-algebra, and algebra 1. Their product Pre-Algebra Pathways offers a similar format as Unique Math, but offers assessment with differentiated instruction in pre-algebra skills suitable for middle and high school.
VMathLive [Online software]. Voyager Expanded Learning, Inc. One Hickory Centre, 1800 Valley View, Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75234-8923. http://www.voyagerlearning.com/ Accessed Jan. 22, 2010.
Correlations: supports state standards and provides high-stakes test practice
Tel: 888-399-1995
Grades: 2-8
Description: From the web site http://www.voyagerlearning.com/vmath/technology.jsp
VMathLive is the technology component for grades 2-8, which can be used alone or in combination with other VMath products. It incorporates skills aligned with Vmath, Vmath Summer, and Vmath Texas Edition curricula. It has a game-like environment (students select their avatar) with online tutorials and animated characters available as needed. Built-in error analysis helps students understand incorrect answers. Online reports are available to help teachers track individual progress. Students can compete with other learners around the world. Voyager also sponsors a World Math Day for global competition. There is an animated English/Spanish Math Dictionary.
Note: Voyager is part of the Cambium Learning Group.
Word Problem Square Off [Computer software]. (1994-2011). Gamco Educational Software, 1694 Larkin Williams Road, Fenton, MO 63026. http://www.gamco.com Accessed Mar. 27, 2011. Customer Support Email: support@orchardlng.com
Tel: 888-726-8100
Grades: 3-8
Description: From the: From the Gamco web site http://www.gamco.com/index.php?cPath=21_28_52
The Word Problem Square Off series comes in three levels for students in grades 3-8. This learning game motivates students to solve a wide variety of word problems thanks to a special mystery phrase game. As students solve word problems, they earn points, which they use to select or buy letters. Point values are randomly generated to give all students an equal chance to win. Mystery Phrases are divided into several cross-curricular categories including language arts and social studies.
At each level, problems are randomly generated. Two students can play. Teachers can monitor students' progress automatically and customize programs for individual needs by selecting skill levels, setting mastery levels and tailoring program features. Level A includes one and two-step problems that involve whole numbers. Level B adds problems involving money amounts. Level C contains one and multi-step problems involving whole numbers and decimals.
Yearly ProYearly ProgressPro [Computer software]. (2003+). CTB McGraw-Hill. http://www.ctb.com/ctb.com/control/productFamilyViewAction?productFamilyId=591&p=products Accessed June 14, 2010.
Tel: 800-538-9547
Grades: 1-8
Description: Selected information from the product tour:
Yearly ProgressPro is a research-based, assessment, instructional, and intervention tool that:
Yearly ProgressPro Math, for grades 1-8, is a collection of resources provided to support the teacher in the classroom. With Curriculum-Based Measurement as the research base, students complete weekly assessments that are aligned with state and national standards as well as annual assessments. Teachers and administrators can build their own assessments and administer these to individual students, classrooms, schools, and even the entire school district. Teachers will immediately know that the assessments they create are correlated to the learning standards in their state.
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