Chalk Dust for the Elementary Grades by Cathy Duffy 2005
Grades 3, 4, and 5 -- $59 each plus $5 shipping and handling
1 CD-ROM (or online access) plus Binder
I have to add a note about Chalk Dust's new computer-based math courses for the elementary grades, marketed under the trade name Math Matters. These courses for grade levels 3, 4, and 5 (thus far) were developed under the direction of Dana Mosely of Chalk Dust. The courses include colorful illustrations and animations as well as voice instruction for a key topic in each lesson.
You can choose to purchase either online access to a course or the CD-ROM that contains the course. both come with a three-ring binder that includes tests, answers, and other material.
Each course has approximately 180 lessons and covers an entire year's math curriculum. All lessons include cumulative review. Some of the lessons allow the student to type answers in blanks provided, while others call for written work from the student. Written midchapter and chapter tests are provided in the binder.
Unlike other math courses offered by Chalk Dust, students are not expected to work independently. Parents will still have to monitor and control the learning experience due to the grade levels involved.
Math Matters offers a unique assessment and placement test that may be taken whether or not the student signs up for the course. The cost is $16.00, but about half that cost will be deducted from the cost of any Math Matters course you purchase. The online tests accessed through the Math Matters Web site adapts as students answer questions, providing easier or more difficult questions as needed so that the end result is a very precise evaluation of a student's ability throughout a spectrum of topics.
Students also have the opportunity to take tests written in the standardized format called M-CAT (Math Comprehensive Assessment Tests). These self-correcting tests appear at the end of each chapter (on the CD-ROM and may be printed before self-correcting). As with all Chalk Dust courses, Math Matters offers technical support online or by phone.
Sample lessons and more course information are available at the Math Matters Web site, www.math-matters.com, or by phone 888-693-6284.