Straight Curve™ Mathematics Expands to K-6

We are pleased to announce the expansion of the Straight Curve™ Mathematics Product line to include grades K–2. The teacher-facilitated supplemental Straight Curve Mathematics curriculum enriches core elementary mathematics texts. It provides deeper, enhanced focus on the concepts identified as the most difficult for students in grades K–5 to master within the NCTM strands of numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis and probability.

Straight Curve Mathematics Series 1, for grades K–2, follows the same pedagogy and instructional design of Series 2 (grades 3–5), which was released in July 2006. The on-grade-level to advanced curriculum is made up of five instructional blocks: mini-lessons, investigations, workshops, games and quizzes. The product design has been recognized for excellence by educators across the industry, and has received the 2006 ComputED Gazette EDDIE Award and a 5-star review in the November 2006 issue of MultiMedia & Internet@Schools. The EDDIE Award review stated, "Straight Curve Mathematics provides an invaluable supplement to any existing math curriculum...Teacher support materials are abundant, and include lesson plans, objectives, State standards, tests and more."

Straight Curve Mathematics is designed specifically to support the classroom teacher and equip them with best-practice techniques for presenting math concepts. The curriculum maps to the nation's top textbooks for easy integration into the classroom and teacher support materials are embedded into each level of instruction to save teachers preparation time, leaving more time for teaching. In the MultiMedia & Internet@Schools product review, reviewer John Drag, Jr., principal at Broward Community Charter School, Coral Springs, FL, wrote "Straight Curve Mathematics offers resources that help teachers find the best ways to teach difficult mathematical concepts, as well as the opportunity to use that same content to teach students. This program also would be helpful in teacher preparation for certification (subject area testing, especially math). I have observed numerous teachers, certified and/or on their way toward certification, who would benefit from a deepening of their mathematical knowledge. This product is highly recommended."

The Straight Curve™ Mathematics product line is available on the PLATO Learning Environment™ (PLE™). Licensed on a subscription basis via an Internet application service provider (ASP), PLE offers a simple-to-use interface that integrates key aspects of the educational process—managing and delivering instructional content, assessing student progress and prescribing individualized instruction, managing national and state standards, and reporting and analyzing data.