Title: Elementary School Success Deluxe

Publisher: TOPICS entertainment

Date of copyright: July 1, 2008

Version: 2009

URL: www.topicsent.com

Cost: $39.99

Operating System: Windows Vista / XP, Mac OS X Intel

Memory:  DVD-ROM

Subject areas: Reading, Math, Science, Typing, & Foreign Languages

Grade Levels: K-5

Strengths: It works on crucial subjects that are needed in school:  Math, Reading, and Science.  They also teach typing, which is used by some students.  Foreign languages is learned, which is a requirement in middle school and high school. 

Weaknesses:  I could not locate where there would be teacher reports, which would allow the teachers to view the kids progress.

 Comments:  Overall I think that this is a great program to use for kids in school.

Rating:  0 - 5      (0 = not included or component is far below standard; 5 = exemplary)

Content

The content is educational.	5
The content is valid & reliable.	5
The content is accurate & factual.	5
The content is age appropriate.	4
The content is clear.	5
The content sources are cited and reliable.	5
The content aligns with the curriculum & standards.	4
The content is free from bias.	5

Ease of Use

The directions are clear and easy to follow.	5
The program is interactive.	5
The program is easy to navigate through.	5
The students can exit the program at any time.	5
The program saves students work.	5
The program gives positive feedback.	5
The program allows child to practice old and new skills.	5
The program covers a variety of ability/skill levels.	5

Support Materials

The program has a teacher’s guide.	0
The program has printed and understandable instructions.	5
The instructions and help functions are easy to access through the Internet or by phone.	4
There are supplemental resources and sample lesson plans.	0
The teacher can modify the user levels in the program.	0

Technical quality:

The installation and setup are easy.	5
The program loads quickly & is error-free.	5
The program works well.	5
The audio (sound) is clear.	5
The program is visually stimulating through active animation, color, and graphics.	5

 

Assessment

The program has a pre-assessment.	4
The program has a post-assessment.	4
The program keeps a on-going record of a students’ progress.	0
Teachers can assess students by evaluating progress reports.	0
Assessment methods are appropriate and suited to the learning objectives.	5