Algebra 1 (Website)
[Connections Academy (800) 382-6010]

          Connection Academy's Algebra 1 online course is one of the most elegant, yet simple, systems we have seen. The course uses step-by-step audio and visual tutorials, interactive multimedia Teachlets, exercises, reviews and assessments that are designed to ensure students gain a firm grasp of curriculum content. The course is well suited for home schooling or for students in need of intervention.
         Algebra 1A is the first of the two-part course. Here, the student is exposed to higher-level mathematics: Basic real number operations and properties (review), multi-step equations, inequalities, and graphing functions. By the end of the semester, the student learns to solve linear systems. Units covered are Tools of Algebra, Graphs and Functions, Solving Equations, Linear Equations and Their Graphs, Solving Inequalities, Linear Systems, and Algebra 1A Final.
         In Algebra 1B, the student studies exponents and exponential functions, polynomials, factoring, quadratic equations and functions, solving and manipulating radical expressions and equations, the Pythagorean Theorem, and the distance and midpoint formulas. Throughout the course, the student encounters many problem-solving strategies and technologies and learns the essentials of test-taking.
         Connections Academy also provides K-12 courseware for Mathematics, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Geography, all supported by educational resources from McGraw-Hill, Pearson Education, Prentice Hall, Houghton Mifflin, The Calvert School, and others.
         Did we mention that these services are free? Connections Academy provides a new form of free public school that students attend from home or another location outside a traditional classroom. Connections Academy public schools are operated under contract to non-profit organizations that are either charter schools, school districts, or governmental entities, and include books and other materials. More information is available on the company's website. 

Story Cove Reading (Website)
[Story Cove (404) 442-4425]

         Winner of the 17^th Annual BESSIE Award for Early Learning Interactive Book(s) Website, Story Cove Reading is a delightfully simple and straightforward supplemental reading program for emerging (K-3^rd) readers.  Based on the theory that motivating interest with captivating stories, seamless animation, and entertaining narration creates eager readers, Story Cove Reading does it all, and more.
         But more than a website, Story Cove provides 16 high-interest dead-tree storybooks to each reader, each of which combines animated and narrated stories followed by exercises, correlated to individual state standards. In addition, the website provides a student profile where parents and teachers can follow the reader's progress, time on task, and track which specific learning objectives have been mastered.
          Lastly, Story Cove Reading is free to eligible children! Now that's a winner.  (See website for details, or contact appropriate school personnel.)

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