Reviewer’s name: Patricia Moriarty (High School Math Teacher, Waterbury, CT)

Target population: Grades 9 - 12

Score Builder for the SAT and PSAT contains preparation for both the verbal and math portions of the tests. In this review, I will speak to the math section. The Score Builder software contains many wonderful attributes. The first order of business is to set up personal goals. Through the use of a questionnaire regarding previous test scores, number of weeks until the test, amount of time the student is willing to spend on the software, the desired score on the SAT or PSAT and results of the skills assessment--the program creates a personalized study plan. The completed study plan can be found in the personal notebook that also contains completed lessons and tests, reference materials, dictionary, prefixes, word roots and math references.

Dr. Gruber welcomes newcomers to his study. He then gives the visitor a tour of the software. Rance waits for visitors to the Verbal room, while Maia is in the adjacent room labeled Math. The tutors are friendly and informative, providing the many options within their designated rooms. Maia presents, "Chalk Talk Lessons" covering lessons in arithmetic skills, Algebra and Geometry. Each lesson strategy includes practice examples. The other option in the Math Room is test-taking strategies. These strategies cover general tools as well as specific math related strategies. One goal of the Score Builder is for the student to develop critical-thinking techniques.

The Test doorway provides three full-length practice tests. Students can take the tests at their own pace. Onscreen study tools and help icons provide assistance to students throughout the program. Ongoing summarized progress reports contain graphs of students' progress and comparisons to average scores at 900 colleges.

The mathematical content in this software is accurate. Appropriate and powerful mathematical terminology is used throughout the lessons. Score Builder is a full and complete software package covering every minute deal of test preparation. Easy access is the name of the game. Test anxiety is a major block to some students; this software puts the pupil at easy in a creative yet educationally sound presentation. This program is free of bias. Score Builder for the SAT and PSAT integrates a multicultural gender equality perspective through the tutors, Rance (male) and Maia (female).

Superb! This software is easy to install. Little or no computer experience is needed to install or navigate the program. The welcome audio contains a variety of renditions of graduation music. The introductory tour of the Dr. Gruber’s office provides all one needs to proceed. The graphics, sound and animation are fantastic. The creators of this software present an excellent balance between functional and decorative content. The best decorative use of graphics are found in the study room of celebrities: Elvis, Martin Luther King, and Marilyn Monroe.

No fine details were overlook--from the personal notebook to the pictures on the walls to the writing on the chalk boards. Score Builder is a complete, well-integrated piece of software. This software makes excellent use of computer technology. Personal notebooks and progress reports provide feedback to parents and teachers. The notebook is really a portfolio of the student’s work, including; completed lessons, practice sections, suggested lessons, and test results. The notebook feature is quite comprehensive.

The student is in the driver seat to improved scores on the SAT and PSAT. Score Builder grabs the attention of students in a fun yet challenging environment. The student has full control of making choices on topics and lessons; Score Builder makes only suggestions. The audio provides the student with encouragement and praise. Positive reinforcement is a key element in the program. The goal setting is another key component. The program will not allow the student to create unrealistic expectations. This software is student, teacher and parent friendly.

Score Builder is primarily a tutorial program for the SAT and PSAT. The teacher is able to monitor student progress by viewing individual notebooks. This program has great potential for large group use. Not every student will take the time to prepare for the SAT and PSAT; an overhead projection of the strategy building section would help many students. Students need as much practice as they can get to become educated test takers. Students can brainstorm strategies in small groups. I would spend class time working on the quantitative comparison section, since this is still a sticking point with students. Since the lessons are divided into arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, this software could be used as a supplemental teaching tool throughout the school year. I believe the introduction of this software in the classroom setting will engage students to seek it out on their own in the computer lab!

Score Builder is a complete package. It is creative, educational and mathematically sound. The use of graphics, sound, and animation make math FUN! I strongly recommend Score Builder for the SAT and PSAT to parents and schools.

Back to Software Table of Contents