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| Sound Foundations. A program developed to improve the achievement and attitude of high school remedial mathematics students by presenting concepts in the context of topics of interest to the age level. |
Audience Approved by PEP for students and teachers in high school remedial, general, and basic skills math programs. Junior high schools and middle schools may also use the simulation in their seventh and eighth grade programs.
Description Sound Foundations replaces the traditional math curriculum for the target students but retains the traditional textbook for student practice. The program covers topics in the remedial math program by using a simulation format. Major topics include integers, rational numbers, graphing, measurement, geometry, probability, statistics, and consumer mathematics.
Sound Foundations is divided into ten milestones in a job simulation about a rock band: formation, equipment purchase, rehearsal, dance clubs, audio sales, airplay, publicity, local concerts, away concerts, and the national tour. Students are given a budget of $85,000 and must use creativity, management skills, and math concepts to successfully guide the band financially. Managers receive quality points based on their decisions. Students learn new math topics as they are needed in the simulation and work independently of each other.
The program includes a student book, teacher's manual, five decks of activity cards, 180 daily quiz masters, transparency masters, and test masters. An annual exchange of ideas occurs every fall in a newsletter circulated to users of the program.
Evidence of Effectiveness Remedial math students using the program show a greater increase in mathematics achievement and a positive increase in attitude towards success in mathematics, learn not to stereotype math as a male domain, and elect more quantitative courses in high school. Female students demonstrate a more positive attitude toward the usefulness of mathematics. Use of the program has increased the percentage of students passing state competency tests required for graduation, and has increased the percentage of students taking math electives.
Requirements A training workshop is required. A careful mix of structure and informality is also encouraged in the classroom.
Costs Costs for the program are $49.95 for a teacher's binder (which lasts for years), $11.95 per student book (which is consumable). Training costs consist of $400 plus travel/lodging expenses for presenter, plus $5 per participant for photocopying costs. Each participant must also purchase the student book and a teacher kit.
Services Awareness materials are available at no cost. An annual newsletter, which serves as a network for users, is available at no cost. It is called Feedback.
Developmental Funding: Local.
PEP No. 90-05 (2/6/90)
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[Success Understanding Mathematics (SUM)]