5.5.15

A+ TutorSoft Math, a Schoolhouse Crew Review



We first tried A+ Tutorsoft Math when my son was in 3rd grade, but they have changed and added to what they offer homeschool families since then. This time my son worked through their brand new Adaptive Placement Test With Individualized Lesson Plan Program. The new program goes up to 7th grade math which means that my son fit just right in their parameters. Access includes both parent and student accounts and log-in codes. 


The program is much more comprehensive than I originally thought. For my 5th grade son, seven categories of testing were included. Each portion contained 40 questions to be completed in about 40 minutes. If a student scored above 80% correct after at least 10 questions, the section ended successfully. If the student did not reveal mastery of a topic evidenced by significant mistakes in that category, the results showed that they were not at grade level for that portion. In those instances, a corresponding section of practice problems were provided to the student to complete, and then testing could be attempted again.  

Of course, confirmation of mastery of a topic before even completing an entire test was encouraging. The 5th grade categories include:

  • Number Sense 
  • Addition
  • Subtraction
  • Multiplication
  • Division
  • Decimal Numbers
  • Fractions
  • The Number Line & Number Comparison
  • Positive and Negative Numbers
  • Percentages
  • Graphs
  • Measurements
  • Geometry
  • Algebra- Part 1 (Variables)
  • Algebra- Part 2 (The Coordinate Plane)
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Word Problems 
The online program does require an internet connection, but it didn't have to be loaded on our computer which meant he even accessed it at my parent's house. This isn't a program with avatars and rewards. A timer was running for each problem given as well as a total time for each entire test section. In addition to the adaptive placement test, the three month package also includes reports which show exactly which problems were missed, a personalized lesson plan with practice problems, and video tutorials. My son doesn't often complete timed lessons or typical tests, so there was more benefit than just the results from this program. The timer did motivate him to work quickly.

After seeing his first imperfect result, my son was initially resistant to completing more of these tasks. We persevered, and I appreciated the results indicating which areas he needs to focus on more. We spread the tests out so he completed one at a time. They were automatically graded immediately. We decided not to continue with the activities provided for the missed sections at that time, as his resistance to them inhibited further progress. However, I will continue to use the test results with his lesson planning and continue to assign the recommended practice problems until our access to the program ends. With the clear results I've been able to plan a bit of math to cover with him over the summer with an assurance that he will be prepared to begin 6th grade.

He still does not consider this program "fun" in his opinion, but he did like seeing the areas that he completed with grade level proficiency. He just reminded me he also liked being able to turn the timer off. (It kept running, but it was in the background so less distracting for him.) 

Another feature that I like is that he can retake any of the tests during our three month subscription. So after addressing a particular skill, he can retest and see if indeed he is now proficient in that skill.

Others on the Schoolhouse Review Crew reviewed either this or their Family Math Package. Click the banner below to read their opinions. If you are concerned about possible learning gaps, check it out! 

A+ Interactive Math Review
Jennifer




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