SUBJECT AREAS:	Writing Process (narrative and descriptive), Writing Mechanics, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
PUBLISHER:	Steck-Vaughn Co.  P.O. Box 26015  Austin, TX 26015  (800) 531-5015
COST	$800.00 (Single Version - Disks and User Manual)  $1495.00 (Hard Drive Version with Site License)  $2195.00 (Network Version)
USE:	Pre-GED  High School Alternative  At-Risk Youth
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:	IBM/MAC/APPLE  640k RAM with DOS 2.0 and 6 MB HD Space  CGA/VGA graphics

DESCRIPTION: Pre-GED 2001 provides a complete diagnostic, instructional, and prescriptive program for high school or adult students reading at the fifth through eighth grade level, in the content areas of literature and the arts, writing, science, social studies, and math. The format recommended is to have each student complete the inventory, which assesses the students' skills in reading, math, and writing. Then specific lessons are assigned by the computer based on the results of the inventory. Lessons correlate to basic skills in each content and are identified as "mastered" or "assigned." Assigned lessons indicate that remediation is needed. Lessons are in a specific sequence to progress and promote skill development. Branching practice is provided on-line and specific off-line workbook pages in the Pre-GED books are also referenced throughout the program. The management component supplies reports concerning student enrollment, placement, progress, and skill development. The management system must be used to score the inventories and reviews contained in each module.

Strengths: It is an excellent program to use developmentally by following the sequence of skills. It is also effective for remediation of specific skills in a variety of contents. The students commented that the reading selections were interesting and that the text is clear and legible. Many students also felt that the explanations were especially helpful because they "made sense to them." The rule boxes found in the writing toolbox and in the math lessons can be printed out by utilizing the "print screen" key. My students made study sheets in this manner. (See example attached.) The lessons correlate to the content and skill areas covered on the GED test, but at a lower ability level. The lessons are different from those presented in the book series. This program can be used most effectively to transition students from the Pre-GED to the GED level of instruction.

Weaknesses: The program doesn't instruct the students in the use of the various options (glossary, scrolling, help, etc.), so it's up to the teacher to be sure the students are comfortable with these keyboard options and to encourage practice. The student scores for the inventories and the reviews are not displayed to the student after completion. Instead the teacher must access the management program to obtain these results and then only raw scores are presented. There is no way to review or go over the questions missed. Teachers cannot "control" the reading level of the lesson, only the skill, so the program was too difficult for fifth grade level students.

Rating Evaluation Scale: 1 (Poor) 2 (Fair) 3 (Good) 4 (Excellent) (N/A) Not Available

Curriculum Content: (4-Writing, Reading, Math) (3-Science and Social Studies)	Scope and Sequence of Skills: (4)
Presentation of Skills: (4)	Grade Level or Readability Range:5.0 - 8.0
Interest Level: Adult and high school students	Management System: (3)
Report Options: (3)	Diagnostic or Placement: (3)
Prescriptive Component: (3)

Instructional Strategy:	Types of Questioning:
Drill and Practice (4)	Multiple Choice -Yes
Tutorial (4)	Fill-in-the-blank - No
Branching (3)	True/False - No
Simulation N/A	Write-in - No
Application (3)

Positive Reinforcement: (4)	Maintains Student Interest: (4)
Appropriate Feedback and Explanations: (4)	Optional review (learner control): (4)
Student Directions: (3)	Teacher manuals, documentation, supplementary materials: (3)

Student Worksheets:	Computer "Tools" for students:
Computer generated: N/A	Calculator - Yes
Reproducible: N/A	Protractor - No
Graphic Quality: (3)	Ruler - No
Screen Presentation	Glossary - Yes
Ease of readability: (3)	Notebook - No
Color: (2) white letters on a blue screen	Hints - Yes
Text size: (3)	Other (Writing Toolbox)

Multimedia Format:	Technical Support:
Audio- No	Toll-free customer support (4)
CD-ROM - No	On-site visit -Yes
Laser Disc - No	Educational Consultant (4)
Interactive Video - No	In-State representative - Yes
Mastery Tests or Reviews:	Level of Thinking Skills:
On computer (4)	Literal (4)
Off computer N/A	Critical (4)

Student Evaluations: (Good to Excellent)

Functional Context of the Content (4)

Enrollment and Reporting of Third Party Software N/A

Correlation's to Standardized Tests Yes
 
 

Lesson 1: Whole Number Theory
Place Value in Whole Numbers
Reading and Writing Whole Numbers
Comparing Numbers
Rounding and Estimation
The Order of Operations

Lesson 2: Adding Whole Numbers
Measurement and Geometry Perimeter
Computation Adding Whole Numbers
Data Analysis-Problem-Solving Strategy: Using a Bar Graph
Consumer Math-Problem-Solving Strategy: Too Much information

Lesson 3: Subtracting Whole Numbers
Measurement and Geometry Perimeter
Computation-Subtracting Whole Numbers
Data Analysis-Problem-Solving Strategy: Using a Bar Graph
Consumer Math-Problem-Solving Strategy: Too Much information

Lesson 4: Multiplying Whole Numbers
Computation: Multiplying Whole Numbers
Data Analysis-Problem-Solving Strategy: Using a Table
Measurement and Geometry-Area
Problem Solving Strategy: Choose the Operation

Lesson 5: Diving Whole Numbers
Computation: Dividing Whole Numbers
Data Analysis--Problem-Solving Strategy: Using a Table
Measurement and Geometry Area
Problem Solving Strategy: Choose the Operation

Lesson 6: Squares, Cubes, and Square Roots
Measurement and Geometry Area of a Square
Computation-Finding Squares, Cubes, and Square Roots
Consumer Math Volume of a Rectangular Container
Problem Solving Strategy: Use a Formula

Lesson 7: Fraction Theory
Facts About Fractions
Changing Improper Fractions to Mixed Numbers
Changing Mixed Numbers to Improper Fractions
Equal Fractions
Reducing Fractions to Lower Terms
Raising Fractions to Higher Terms

Lesson 8: Adding Fractions
Data Analysis Reading a Table
Computation-Adding Fractions
Measurement and Geometry-Using a Map
Problem Solving Strategy: Estimating
Consumer Math-Timecards
Problem Solving Strategy: Using a Table

Lesson 9: Subtracting Fractions
Data Analysis-Reading a Table
Computation-Subtracting Fractions
Measurement and Geometry-Volume of a Rectangular Container
Problem Solving Strategy: Estimating
Consumer Math-Timecards
Problem Solving Strategy: Using a Table

Lesson 10: Multiplying Fractions
Computation-Multiplying Fractions
Measurement and Geometry-Measuring Length
Problem Solving Strategy: Draw a Diagram
Data Analysis-Completing a Table of Information

Lesson 11: Dividing Fractions
Computation-Dividing Fractions
Measurement and Geometry-Measuring Length
Problem Solving Strategy: Draw a Diagram
Data Analysis-Completing a Table of Information

Lesson 12: Adding Decimals
Place Value in Decimals
Reading Decimals
Using Zeros in Decimals
Rounding Decimals
Measurement and Geometry--Using Metrics
Computation--Adding Decimals
Consumer Math--Problem-Solving Strategy: Multi-Step Problems
Data Analysis--Problem-Solving Strategy: Using a Line Graph

Lesson 13: Subtracting Decimals
Measurement and Geometry--Using Metrics
Computation--Subtracting Decimals
Consumer Math--Problem-Solving Strategy: Multi-Step Problems
Data Analysis--Problem-Solving Strategy: Using a Line Graph

Lesson 14: Multiplying Decimals
Computation-Multiplying Decimals
Measurement and Geometry--Using the Metric System
Problem Solving Strategy: Mental Math--Powers of Ten
Data Analysis--Finding the Mean and the Median
Problem Solving Strategy: Multi-Step Problems

Lesson 15: Dividing Decimals
Computation-Dividing Decimals
Measurement and Geometry--Using the Metric System
Data Analysis--Find the Mean and the Median

Lesson 16: Ratio and Proportion
Understanding Ratio
Computation--Working with Ratios
Understanding Proportions
Computation--Solving Proportions
Consumer Math--Sale Prices
Solving for the Missing Term
Data Analysis--Problem-Solving Strategy: Using a Pictograph
Measurement and Geometry--Using a Map Scale
Problem Solving Strategy: Reading a Scale

Lesson 17: Percent Theory
The Meaning of Percent
Changing Percents to Decimals
Changing Decimals to Percents
Changing Percents to Fractions
Changing Fractions to Percents

Lesson 18: Solving for the Part
The Percent Formula--Solving for the Part
Measurement and Geometry--Time
Computation--Solving for the Part
Consumer Math--Simple Interest
Problem Solving Strategy: Use a Formula
Data Analysis--Reading a Circle Graph

Lesson 19: Solving for the Rate
The Percent Formula--Solving for the Rate
Consumer Math--Payroll
Computation--Solving for the Rate
Problem Solving Strategy--Using Proportions to Solve Percent Problems
Data Analysis--Reading a Circle Graph

Lesson 20: Solving for the Base
The Percent Formula--Solving for the Base
Consumer Math--Discount Prices
Computation--Solving for the Base
Data Analysis--Commissions
Problem Solving Strategy: Making a Table

Lesson 21: Percent of Change
Consumer Math--Pay Raises
Computation--Finding the Percent of Change
Data Analysis--Using a Double Bar Graph
Measurement and Geometry--Weight Changes
Problem Solving Strategy: Too Much Information

Lesson 22: Special Topics
Finding the Probability of an Outcome
Finding a Dependent Probability
Identifying Triangles
Finding the Circumference of a Circle
Finding the Area of a Circle
Integers--Problem-Solving Strategy: Reading a Thermometer
 
 

Lesson 1: Mystery Novel
Finding the Stated Main Idea
Identifying Details

Lesson 2: Science Fiction
Identifying Implied Main Idea
Recognizing Supporting Details

Lesson 3: Popular Biography
Identifying Point of View
Drawing Conclusions

Lesson 4: Popular Poetry
Identifying Figurative Language
Summarizing
Identifying Details

Lesson 5: Thriller Novel
Identifying Point of View in Fiction
Understanding the Setting
Identifying Supporting Details

Lesson 6: Popular Novel
Using Context Clues
Drawing Conclusions
Visualizing Characters

Lesson 7: Popular Autobiography
Understanding Cause and Effect
Understanding the Author's Purpose

Lesson 8: Drama
Making Inferences
Identifying Conflict in Drama
Determining Plot

Lesson 9: Popular Essay
Understanding the Author's Tone
Comparing and Contrasting

Lesson>

Transfer interrupted!

Lesson 11: Classical Biography
Recognizing Supporting Details
Understanding Cause and Effect
Drawing Conclusions

Lesson 12: Classical Short Story
Using Context Clues
Understanding Mood
Predicting Outcomes

Lesson 13: Classical Romantic Novel
Making Inferences
Using Context Clues to Find Synonyms
Restating the Main Idea

Lesson 14: Classical Poetry
Using Context Clues
Recognizing Theme
Restating the main Idea

Lesson 15: Classical Autobiography
Using Context Clues
Identifying Point of View
Understanding Sequence

Lesson 16: Commentary--Television and Drama
Judging the Author's Qualifications
Understanding the Author's Purpose

Lesson 17: Commentary--Book Review
Understanding the Author's Tone
Recognizing Bias

Lesson 18: Commentary--Music Review
Recognizing Bias
Summarizing

Lesson 19: Geography--The American West
Reading a Map Key
Finding the Main Idea

Lesson 20: Geography--Latitude
Identifying Details
Using Latitude

Lesson 21: History--Native Peoples of North America
Sequencing Events
Reading a Historical Map

Lesson 22: History--The Struggle for the New World
Identifying Cause and Effect
Reading a Timeline

Lesson 23: History--Problems Face a Growing Nation
Understanding the Main Idea
Summarizing Information
Identifying Point of View

Lesson 24: Economics--Scarcity and Competition
Making Inferences
Reading a Line Graph
Supporting Conclusions

Lesson 25: Political Science--Congress and the People
Implied Main Idea
Supporting Conclusions
Reading a Political Cartoon

Lesson 26: Life Science--The Human Body
Finding the Main Idea
Making Predictions

Lesson 27: Life Science--Plant and Animal Interactions
Finding Details
Making Inferences
Summarizing Information

Lesson 28: Life Science--Environment and Ecology
Applying Knowledge to Other Contexts
Reading a Map

Lesson 29: Earth Science--Structure of the Earth
Understanding Relationships Among Ideas
Distinguishing Fact from Opinion

Lesson 30: Earth Science--The Changing Face of the Earth
Reading a Table
Making Predictions

Lesson 31: Chemistry--Atomic Theory
Finding the Main Idea
Applying Knowledge to Other Contexts
 
 

Mechanics
End Punctuation
Commas
Semicolons and colons
Quotation Marks
Dashes
Parentheses
Capital Letters
Spelling
Plurals
Possessives
Contractions
Homonyms
Words often confused

Usage
Nouns
Pronouns
Pronoun Antecedents
Adjectives
Adverbs
Verbs
Irregular Verbs
Subjective-Verb Agreement
Active and Passive Voice

Sentence Structure
Sentence Fragments
Run-on Sentences
Compound Sentences
Parallel Structure
Complex Sentences
Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers
Revising Sentences
 
 

Lesson 1: The Writing Process
Step 1: Prewriting
Step 2: Writing the First Draft
Step 3: Editing and Revising
Step 4: Writing the Final Draft
Step 5: Publishing (Sharing the Final Draft)

Lesson 2: Narrative Writing
Writing a Personal Narrative
Supporting Details in Narrative Writing
Application: Write a Narrative Essay

Lesson 3: Descriptive Writing
Descriptive Details
Precise Words
Sensory Details
Figurative Language
Compound Sentences
Complex Sentences
Using Words in a Series
Application: Write a Descriptive Essay

Lesson 4: Explanatory Writing
Time-order Transition Words
Transition Words in "How-to" Writing
Developing Explanatory Essays
Application: Write an Explanatory Essay

Lesson 5: Persuasive Writing
Using Connecting Words
Writing Compare and Contrast Sentences
Using Specific Versus Vague Language
Supporting The Main Idea
Application: Write a Letter to the Editor

Lesson 6: Letter Writing
Personal Letters and Business Letters
Formatting Letters
Organizing Business Letters
Application 1: Write a Letter of Complaint
Application 2: Writing a Letter Applying for a Job

Lesson 7: Report Writing
Gathering Information for a Report
Summarizing Information
Paraphasing
Taking Notes
Classifying Information
The Parts of a Report
Application: Write a Report

Lesson 8: Expository Writing
Connecting Words and Phrases
Expanding Your Vocabulary with Synonyms
Point of View
Polishing Your Work
Application: Write an Expository Essay

Lesson 9: Creative Writing
Language as Expression
Formal Language
Choosing Your Words
Good and Bad Connotations
Generating Ideas
The Six Questions
Application: Write a Creative Essay

Lesson 10: Special Writing Situations
Compiling a Personal Data Sheet
Writing a Resume
Application: Complete a Job Application Form