Emeryville, Calif. (June 30, 2009) – Students at more than half of the nation’s high schools use The Geometer’s Sketchpad^®, a software program designed to boost mathematical understanding through dynamic, interactive visualization. Key Curriculum Press^® announces the latest version of Sketchpad today at the National Educational Computing Conference. Effective in elementary school through college, Sketchpad Version 5 offers 100 new features and updates to help support a hands-on, visual approach to mathematics in the classroom.

The new edition of Sketchpad adds more power and convenience, extending its application across several curriculum topics. Expanded algebraic capabilities allow teachers and students to explore an even broader variety of subjects, while improved presentation capabilities offer a faster, clearer and more dynamic demonstration tool. The new Learning Center, with step-by-step tutorials, classroom-ready activities, and student-friendly tips in comics and videos, makes it easy for teachers to use Sketchpad Version 5.

“In 2003-2004, before we began using Sketchpad, we did not meet our AYP benchmarks for any of our student populations,” said Paul Cinco, Assistant Principal, Mathematics, at Flushing High School in New York City. “We have since begun regularly using Sketchpad with nearly all of our students. Last year we met AYP goals for all population groups, including our economically disadvantaged students. Sketchpad use has helped close the achievement gap at our school.”

Dynamic mathematics software, such as Sketchpad, provides math students with a tangible way to explore fundamental concepts and relationships. By allowing students to build and investigate their own constructions, the software offers a hands-on learning experience that leads to a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, and greater retention of the material. Furthermore, the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics’ standards explicitly recommend the use of dynamic geometry at several grade levels.

For almost 20 years, Sketchpad has revolutionized the teaching of mathematics. Named “the most valuable software for students” by mathematics teachers in a University of California study, Sketchpad is available in several languages, making it one of the world’s most widely used instructional tools for school mathematics. In the United States alone, more than 50 percent of all high schools have purchased Sketchpad.

To support teachers’ use of Sketchpad in the classroom, Key Curriculum Press offers Sketchpad LessonLink™. The online, searchable library is aligned to leading math textbooks and state standards, and helps teachers integrate Sketchpad into their math curriculum with more than 500 Sketchpad activities designed for students in grades 3-12. Powerful search options make it easy for teachers to find a relevant Sketchpad activity to reinforce current skills, or illustrate new concepts, with dynamic, visual exploration.

Previewed at The National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Annual Conferences in April, Sketchpad Version 5 will be available for classroom use this fall.

Sketchpad Version 5 starts at $70 for a single-user package, with volume discounts available. To sign up for updates on Sketchpad Version 5, visit www.keypress.com/gsp5.

For more information on Key Curriculum Press, visit www.keypress.com, or phone 800-995-6284.

About Key Curriculum Press

Key Curriculum Press develops effective, high-quality mathematics and science educational materials. The company is a leading publisher of inquiry-based textbooks, software and supplemental materials for elementary, middle and high school students. In addition, Key Curriculum Press offers professional development workshops and online courses to provide mathematics and science educators with the training, experience and support they need to incorporate effective teaching strategies. The company was founded by mathematics educators in 1971 and is headquartered in Emeryville, Calif.

Contacts

Key Curriculum Press
Leigh Muzslay Browne
510-595-7000, x126
lmuzslay at keypress dot com
www.keypress.com

C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
Emily Embury
608-839-9800
emily at cblohm dot com
www.cblohm.com

Printer Friendly

Download Release (176 KB)

Images

Click to view at full size, then right-click to download.