CONTACT:
Ben Weintraub (212-675-8567)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Merit Software Introduces “Fraction Shape-Up” The Latest Addition To Their Award-Winning Math Skills Software
Designed for students in grades 3 to 5, “Fraction Shape-Up” delivers

Website Link:
http://www.meritsoftware.com/software/fraction_shape_up/index.html

NEW YORK, NY, January 2, 2004 — Merit Software, a leader in children’s educational software for over fifteen years, is pleased to announce the newest edition to their awarding-winning suite of math skills titles, “Fraction Shape-Up.” Featuring a comprehensive program designed to develop an understanding of fractions and their application, “Fraction Shape-Up” is a must for grades 3 to 5.

“Fraction Shape-Up” contains 512 math problems and 1,250 questions. It is comprised of eight units: Understanding Fractions, Exploring Fractions, Comparing Common Fractions, Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions, Equivalent Fractions, Introduction to Ordering Fractions, Ordering Fractions with Different Denominations and Combining Fractions.

Each unit in “Fraction Shape-Up” is comprised of four parts: Tryout, which helps students find the right questions to work on; Warm-Up, where students practice one skill per round; Workout, where four rounds of mixed skills need to be “passed” and Finals, the final testing round. Each lesson is self-directing and self-correcting, and the program provides step-by-step help in solving all problems, including an onscreen calculator.

“Fraction Shape-Up is an opportunity for younger students to utilize our unique software and dramatically improve their math skills,” says Ben Weintraub CEO of Merit Software. He adds, “We look forward to continuing to design programs to help students get an early, positive start to essential skills sets.”

Designed for elementary and middle school students, it can also be used by older students for remediation. The Teacher Management program allows teachers to evaluate each student’s progress, add comments to their individual program, and students may print out their scores on a personalized progress-to-date screen.

All Merit Software is designed to provide the maximum amount of instructional detail with the least amount of extraneous content. Students receive immediate feedback and progress at their own pace. All programs have a straightforward presentation while using the highest level of learning and “interactivity” technology allows. “Fraction Shape-Up” is available Windows 98/Me/NT/XP and features a Home version for only $35.00. School versions start at $99.00. For more information, go to www.meritsoftware.com. Merit also offers an attentive and professional support service ready to answer all queries.

"Fraction Shape-Up” Facts
* Part of Merit’s best-selling suite of math skills software
* Teaches an understanding of fraction concepts and their application
* Designed for grades 3 to 5
* Contains 512 problems and 1,250 questions
* Features eight detailed math units. Each unit has four sections: Tryout, Warm-up, Workout, Finals
* Packaged with the Teacher Manager Program
* Terrific price point for home use at $35.00
* Professional support service available

ABOUT MERIT SOFTWARE:

Since 1983, Merit Software (www.meritsoftware.com) has been producing educational software that addresses the core competencies that students require to succeed. The emphasis is on strengthening students' ability to read, analyze data and communicate their ideas.

Merit Software's programs are known throughout the industry for providing context-sensitive tutorials for students and convenient record management features to aid teachers, tutors and parents.

Visit www.meritsoftware.com to examine the company's library of educational applications currently being used in thousands of educational facilities worldwide.

Merit's educational software has been the subject of rigorous, independent, scientific-based research. These studies have concluded that Merit's software provides an effective supplement to everyday instruction. Research findings are available on www.meritsoftware.com/research.

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