Math curriculum software.(Product Focus: A GUIDE TO ONE SEGMENT OF EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY)

MATH INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENT TRANSLATES WELL INTO SOFTWARE, AS IS EVIDENT BY THE HIGH and ever-growing number of titles available. It covers all grade levels and ranges from assessments and interventions for struggling students to edugaming titles designed to reinforce concepts or provide further challenges for gifted students. But math software is not limited to such circumstances; programs that are supplemental to curricula and designed to integrate into everyday classroom instruction are also a large part of the industry. Many are intended not only for use by teachers at the front of the classroom to illustrate concepts and demonstrate processes, but also by students on computers in school or at home, complementing the growth of one-to-one computing and providing flexible individualized instruction. As with most other types of software, math applications are also increasingly moving into the "cloud" by becoming Web-based, reducing or eliminating installation or upgrade costs and allowing students to access the same programs used in class at home, on mobile devices, or anywhere with Internet access. Districts are also afforded more flexible purchasing options through this online, license-based model. Here is a selection of some of the new or recently updated supplemental math curriculum programs, for different grade levels and in various content areas, to consider using in your district.

CARNEGIE LEARNING

Adaptive Math Solutions, $30 per student annually with discounts available, Level: High school

Carnegie Learning's Adaptive Math Solutions line is available in different configurations and includes titles from the company's Cognitive Tutor series: Bridge to Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. The software uses adaptive learning technology, formative assessment, mastery learning models and problem-solving activities for each content area. New features include an optional 24/7 Math Help service, which provides one-on-one anytime, anywhere tutoring to students online using an interactive whiteboard presentation and instant messaging.

www.carnegielearning.com

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TOM SNYDER PRODUCTIONS

Fraction Nation, $3,000 for 60 licenses, Level: Grades 4-8

This new program from Tom Snyder seeks to address what the National Math Council calls the "pervasive" difficulty with fractions students experience nationwide. Fraction Nation focuses on delivering fluency in fractions and decimals through explicit instruction, extensive practice and ongoing assessment. Sixty-four lessons of 15 minutes each guide students to fluency, while actionable reports aid in reporting and student placement. Educator support resources include a comprehensive teacher's guide for facilitating every aspect of the program.

www.tomsnyder.com/FractionNation

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LEARNING.COM

Aha!Math, Starts at $12 per student annually, Level: K-5

Aha!Math is a Web-based supplemental math curriculum. Each unit incorporates interactive lessons, games and activities to teach foundational math concepts, and gives examples for using them in a variety of contexts. Also included are a number of teacher resources, such as modules for whole class instruction, lesson plans, activity guides and quizzes. A Whiteboard Edition includes unique features for teaching a whole class in presentations using a projector and/or an interactive whiteboard.

www.learning.com/ahamath

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MINITAB

Minitab 15, Starts at $300 for five-user perpetual license Level: AP

This business statistical analysis program from Minitab can also be used as part of an AP statistics course, and is referenced by hundreds of statistics textbooks and supplemental materials. The software can enhance the teaching of every aspect of the field, including an exploratory analysis of data, descriptive statistics, probability distributions and more. New features of version 15 include enhanced calculator functions, as well as additional chart and graph capabilities.

www.min/tab.com

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Other recent math programs include: Key Curriculum Press" The Geometer's Sketchpad v5, Sylvan Learning's SchoolMathPrep, Apangea 6, Math Solutions" Supporting ELLs in Math Class, Pearson GMABE, Texas Instruments" MathForward, American Education Corporation's Math I-III, Wolfram Research Mathematica, MIND Research, ALEKS, Maplesoft's Maple 13, and Curriculum Associates" "Think About" kits.