Our family has been previewing ALEKS Math, “a Web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn’t know in a course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics she is most ready to learn.” You enter the information–such as grade level– for each student individually, and then ALEKS sets up usernames and passwords for both you and your child.

After an initial assessment, your child will work online with ALEKS, which provides one-on-one instruction from any computer with internet access. ALEKS periodically retests new topics, ensuring that information is retained. Emails are sent to you, the parent, with links to online reports for your child; reports show the overall time spent on ALEKS, as well as a graph indicating progress in individual areas:

ALEKS covers mathematics for grades 3-8 and is used by both homeschool and public/private school students. Recently on Twitter a public school mom mentioned that she didn’t like her child’s teacher, so they supplement with ALEKS at home. Students can move forward at their own pace, and one subscription allows access to all courses. Over the years I’ve heard many homeschooling mothers express fear of homeschooling through high school. Insecurity about teaching high school math is one of their most common concerns. ALEKS Math is a good option for those families, too.

ALEKS offers 3 subscription options:

• $19.95 per student, per month
• $99.95 every 6 months
• $179.95 every 12 months

A family discount program is also available. The ALEKS website offers a 48-hour free trial to test the program, but they have generously offered a 1-month free trial available through this link.