Score Mountain Challenge
© 2007 Kaplan
Designed for use in home settings for reinforcement of math and language arts skills, this is a series of six workbooks, organized by grade. The books contain multiple-choice-style worksheets and study tips of the variety found in any classroom. Where this series is unique, is the six months of online component, that is included in the $11 purchase price. In order to get to the online part, you have to register at www.scoremountain.com; a process that includes sending your child's age, password and your email address to Kaplan. You also have to provide evidence that you own one of the books, provided by typing in a word on one of the pages. Note that it is not clearly specified what will be done with this information, or if Kaplan will use it for marketing purposes. There was no option for opting out of getting future correspondence. The online component consists of sets of 10 problems that must be correctly answered in order to get to the next level, or base camp; a tried and true application of mastery learning. A child's progress is saved, so the next time he or she signs in, everything is remembered. The record keeping metaphor is clearly communicated to the child, shown as progress up the mountain. We also liked how it is possible to customize your climber, who can be a boy or girl. If you're looking for a rather dry, but effective means of reinforcing the type of content that shows up on your child's standardized tests, Score Mountain Challenge is a viable consideration.
$11, Internet Site
Teaches: math and reading skills
CTR Rating: 84%