Mandy+Rivera

=SuccessMaker= [|www.SuccessMaker.com] On SuccessMaker’s website, it is defined as instructional software that provides elementary and middle school learners with adaptive personalized paths for master of essential reading and math concepts and delivers outcome-based data to inform educational decision-making. The strengths of this program are that SuccessMaker is an interactive, standards-based course designed to develop and maintain fundamental concepts taught in mathematics in grades K through 8. Strengths of the program are that it addresses the individual needs of learner, provides students with activities that are specific to their ability level, allows teachers to effectively monitor progress, and provides teachers the opportunity for one-on-one instruction, At this point, I would say that the only weakness is that sometimes the program becomes so repetitive in nature that it tends to lose student interest and focus. SuccessMaker could be utilized in my classroom as a support for students who have IEPs, tutoring, and whole group instruction. The cost of SuccessMaker in Colorado is approximately 1100.00 per license, with a license serving 10 students per week. To purchase SuccessMaker you must go through your local representative. The system requirements for SuccessMaker are Windows 2000, XP, Vista, or Mac compatibility.

=**Study Island**= Study Island is a web-based; state standards-based, and research-based program. Study Island is an educational tool used by students in grades K-12 5 to prepare them for standardized testing and the mastery of grade-level standards. The software has been developed using state standards and common core standards. The strengths of this program are that Study Island incorporates the use of engaging activities, helps learners of all ability levels, remediates when a weakness is identified, provides students with opportunity to log in from home, user friendly, and can closely be aligned with RTI models. Study Island also provides teachers with a digital forum for collaboration, networking, and learning professional development workshops to help them effectively use the system’s curriculum, assessment and reporting features, and functionality. At this time, I am unable to identify any weaknesses of the program. Study Island could be utilized in my classroom as a support for students who have IEPs, tutoring, and whole group instruction. The cost of Study Island varies in respect to the number of students in each grade level as well as the subject you want Study Island for. To order Study Island, you may email your order to orders@archipelagolearning.com or fax it to 877.519.9555. The system requirements for Study Island vary. Depending on version, you will need Windows 98 or newer, Mac OS X 10.2 and newer, Windows XP, and a supported browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Safari, or Firefox).
 * [|www.studyisland.com]**

=Basic Algebra Shape-Up= [|http://www.meritsoftware.com] Basic Algebra Shape-Up is a tutorial program that introduces students in grades 6-9 to basic algebraic concepts and guides students to mastering these algebraic concepts. When students first begin the program they are pre-assessed to determine their current ability level as well as their placement level within the program. The strengths of this program are that it is self-paced, self-monitored, data is stored in a record management system for teacher reference, and step-by-step tutorials are provided throughout the program to the students. This program can be utilized in my classroom as an extension or reinforcement activity. One weakness, is that is appears to be a bit pricey. Although the pricing information was not provided for a site license, other pricing information was given. For one workstation, the cost was approximately $200. Any individual wanting a site license was instructed to contact Merit Software. The company can be contacted at (800) 753-648 or (212) 675-8567. Orders can also be faxed to (800) 918-9336 or (212) 675-8607. The system requirements for Basic Algebra Shape-Up are Windows 2000/2003/XP, 8 MB RAM and 32 MB hard disk space. This program requires a minimum screen resolution of 800 by 600 pixels. Windows Vista and Windows 7 users may run this program in Windows XP mode.

=Math Blaster Pre-Algebra= Math Blaster Pre-Algebra is a program that contains comprehensive math lessons that are aligned with national education standards for students in grades 6-8. This program focuses on over 15 key middle school math skills and levels advance to match student achievement. This program is an instructional game where students are trying to outsmart the arch-villain and his electrochemical math magnet. Students must collect fuses and power gems to make their way through his treacherous and mysterious mansion, and restore math to the world. This program can be utilized as a reinforcement to content taught in the classroom. The strengths of this program is that addresses many key areas where I have seen middle school students tend to struggle, incorporates problem solving, and that it motivates students to achieve success. The only two weaknesses that I see at this time are that the plot of the game may not capture the interest of all students and the ability to only be able to install the program on one workstation. The cost of the CD-ROM for this program is $5.99 plus shipping and handling and can be purchased at [|www.planetcdrom.com]. The system requirements for Math Blaster Pre-Algebra are Windows 7, Vista/XP, Pentium II 350 MHz or faster processor, 64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended), 100 MB free hard disk space, 800 x 600 monitor, 16-bit color and, Windows compatible sound card.
 * [|http://www.planetcdrom.com]**

=**Speedstudy 8th Grade Advanced Math**= Speedstudy 8th Grade Advanced Math is a drill and practice and tutorial program. This program is for students in 8th grade that are in need of learning a concept, needing reinforcement, or needing drill and practice. Speedstudy uses curriculum-based lessons to help students understand and practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a self-paced learning environment. Strengths of this program are that there are customizable levels of difficulty, teachers may write their own learning adventures for students, and the program covers many important topics. At this time the only weaknesses that I see with this program are that the students may view this program as “elementary” or “babyish” and the ability to only be able to install the program on one workstation. The cost of the CD-ROM for this program is $5.99 plus shipping and handling and can be purchased at [|www.planetcdrom.com]. The system requirements are Windows Vista/XP Windows, Pentium II 300 MHz, or faster processor, 64 MB RAM (128 MB recommended), 25 MB free hard disk space, 800 x 600 or higher resolution video card and monitor, CD-ROM or DVD drive, DirectX 8.1 or higher, and Windows-compatible sound card and speakers.
 * [|www.panetcdrom.com]**