DESCRIPTION: Pre-GED Advantage-Science is an interactive and colorfully vivid software program.  It presents a well organized, sequential approach to the study of science content, and it provides instruction for specific reading and critical thinking skills that Pre-GED students need to pass the GED test.  At the beginning of the program, a "Subject Area Map" presents four choices to the user--the Skill Survey, Foundation Modules, Content Modules, or Pre-GED Practice tests.  The Skills Survey is the best starting point because after the test is completed, the program will analyze the results and compile a three page personal report that displays a list of mastered skills, skills that need instruction and practice, and a Recommended Action Plan that customizes and prescribes the lesson path that the student should follow.  The Content and Foundation Modules provide systematic instruction and practice.  Each consists of an introduction, an explanation, instruction, and an illustration or application of the content.  There are 3 lessons within each module, with Mini-Tests that are not in GED format after each lesson, and Unit Reviews at the end of each module.  Content Module Reports analyze student progress and revise the Action Plans.  After Mini-Tests and Reviews, students may choose to review only incorrect answers or the entire test.  There are also three half-length Pre-GED Practice Tests which are available anytime.  They can be taken in a timed or tutorial mode.  One uses the three answer format, another the four choice format, and the posttest follows the five question format.  The teacher may choose to create student disks and save the data so the student can utilize the bookmark feature, or skip this option.  Special program features include a "Zoom" option which displays text and graphics full screen , an electronic message system, a mini word processor, on-line glossary, and bookmarking capabilities.

EVALUATION SUMMARY: Pre-GED Advantage-Science is a very popular program with my high school alternative and adult students because they simply enjoy using it.  In addition, they experience success in learning about the science topics that are covered on the GED test.  Our students became better readers and better "test takers" after using Pre-GED Advantage.  Many students have difficulty in making the transition from the Pre-GED level to the GED level material.  We found that this program is an excellent "instructional bridge" for the student who has passed and completed the Pre-GED science book, but still has not mastered the critical thinking, problem solving, and test-taking strategies needed to benefit from the GED level of instruction.  Students particularly liked having their progress continually presented to them through the colorful bar graph reports.  They commented that it was encouraging to see the list of skills they had mastered.  Students said that the recommended action plan was very easy to follow.  The action plan guides the student into the content and foundation modules which will develop the skills that the student has not mastered.  Teachers felt that the program format  encourages students to take charge of their learning and to become more independent.  I highly recommend this excellent and inexpenvsive Pre-GED level program.