SkillsBank [Computer software]. Achievement Technologies, Inc. School Division: 10400 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 310, Columbia, MD 21044. http://www.achievementtech.com/  Accessed January 25, 2008.  Email: info@achievementtech.com 

Correlations: NCTM standards.

Tel: 1-888-391-3245 

Grades: 6-adult

Description: SkillsBank5, for grade 6 to adults, is a comprehensive courseware package addressing the basic core skills necessary to reach high school equivalency. SkillsBank5 covers these subject areas: language arts, writing, reading, basic and intermediate mathematics, science I and II, algebra I, and information skills. 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.

SkillsBank5 covers the same core content as SkillsTutor, only in CD-ROM format.

Subject modules can be purchased separately. Mathematics modules are described as follows:

• CornerStone Mathematics is designed for students of all abilities in grades 3 through 8. Math lessons are correlated to state standardized tests and the NCTM standards. Students will build fundamental skills in the areas of number concepts, whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percents, data and graphs.
• The Basic and Intermediate Mathematics series includes step-by-step tutorials, practice lessons and helpful visual aids in topics like proportion and percents, geometry, statistics and probability. Correlated to the NCTM standards.
• The Algebra I series complements the Basic and Intermediate Mathematics series.  Students develop algebraic understanding in equations, inequalities, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, functions, graphing and systems of equations. 

Correlations: state standards

Tel: 1-888-751-5443

Grades: K-5, 6-8

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: Algebra Readiness Supplemental is a comprehensive intervention for middle school to help students master the essential building blocks for success in Algebra I, from basic math facts up through introductory algebraic equations. It is appropriate for supplementing any third party text.

Correlations: Popular high-stakes standardized tests. Specific names not provided.

Tel: 1-800-656-6740

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.

Correlations: individual state standards

Tel: Sales and support: 1-800-419-3191

Grades: elementary and high school

Description: Study Island 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.

Correlations: NCTM standards

Tel:  1-888-242-6747

Description: Support materials at http://support.riverdeep.net/faq_list.asp?id=1294819591 

The Tangible Math Series includes seven units that incorporate a wide range of tools to represent key mathematical concepts. Within simulations, students model, collect, and analyze data; create symbolic representations; use graphical representations; and much more. With a focus on problem solving and development of analytical skills, Tangible Math activities incorporate a wide range of tools to represent key concepts in pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, statistics, and pre-calculus.  Units are Algebra Animator, Function Investigator, Geometry Inventor, Mathematics Toolbox, Matrix Analyzer, Probability Constructor and Stats!

Tenth Planet Math [Computer software]. (1996-2007). Sunburst Technology Corporation, Customer Service: 1550 Executive Drive, Elgin, IL 60123.  http://store.sunburst.com/  Accessed July 20, 2007.  Email: service@nySUNBURST.com  

Correlations: NCTM standards, state frameworks and leading math programs.  Available at http://store.sunburst.com/Curriculum.aspx

Tel: 1-800-321-7511 

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.

• The Number Investigations are carefully sequenced to help students in grades Pre K-6 broaden their understanding of whole numbers and fractions.
• The Fraction Investigations span grades 3-6 and includes ways to represent fractions, equivalent fractions, and fraction operations.
• The Geometry Investigations help students in grades Pre K-5 develop spatial sense and geometric thinking to form a firm foundation for higher level math.

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.

Tel: Sales: 1-800-281-1168

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. 

• Optional 20-minute diagnostic test
• 19 Practorial lessons covering 28 test-taking strategies
• 50 MicroCourse lessons covering 179 learning skills
• 8 Practice Tests to build confidence
• 2 Mini Tests
• Over 1,000 practice questions
• Explanatory feedback with every question

The Cruncher (Version 2.0) [Computer software]. (1999).  Knowledge Adventure, 2377 Crenshaw Blvd., Suite 302, Torrance CA 90501. http://knowledgeadventureschool.com/default.aspx Accessed March 31, 2008.

Tel: 1-800-871-2969 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 65^th Street, Emeryville, CA 94608.  http://www.keypress.com/x5521.xml  Accessed April 16, 2008.  

Tel: 1-800-995-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/

The House that Math Built [Computer software]. (1994-). Real World Educational Products, PO Box 5561, Whittier, CA 90607. http://www.realworlded.com/ Accessed June 19, 2008.  Email: umed@microtek.com 

Correlations: NCTM number, geometry, and measurement standards are covered in the product.

Tel: 1-800-621-7868

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, 2840 NE 11th St., Suite 201, Pompano Beach, FL  33062.  http://time4learning.com/ Accessed July 20, 2007.  Email: info@Time4Learning.com

Tel: 954-781-7723

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."

Touchdown Math Series [Computer software]. (1997-2007). Gamco Educational Software, Siboney Learning Group, 8135 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 212, Clayton, MO 63105.  http://www.gamco.com Accessed July 20, 2007.  Email: sales@gamco.com

Tel: 1-888-726-8100 Sales: 1-800-351-1404

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.