• What's New - Read and Respond Punch
• Customer Feedback - Basic Skills Pack
• Recommended Resource - Speaking Homework Wiz
• Grants for U.S. Educators

Merit Software has recently released Read and Respond Punch. This software helps students relate reading and critical thinking skills to writing. Students practice reading improvement strategies by using interactive exercises; they learn how to create well-organized answers for open-ended writing questions. The software, geared to skill levels 3-5, will also appeal to remedial middle school students and to adults in basic education classes.

Learn more at: http://www.meritsoftware.com/software/read_respond_punch

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Customer Feedback - Basic Skills Pack

"We have lots of Merit reading and math software. My students love Merit Software so much that I can't get them to use any other software. They love the sounds and graphics when they get correct answers. And they love to print out their scores," says an educator at School of Hope, an alternative, entirely computer-based school for grades 7-12, in Pointe Coupee Parish, LA, about Merit Software's Basic Skills Pack.

This software bundle comprises a select group of programs, which target over 30 basic skill competencies. Text and graphics will interest school-age students, as well as older students needing remediation.

For a complete software description, or to try downloadable evaluation versions of Basic Skills Pack curriculum components, go to: http://www.meritsoftware.com/software/basic_skills_bundle

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Franklin Electronic Publishers has created Speaking Homework Wiz. This independent electronic device contains automatic spelling correction, can speak over 40,000 easy-to-understand definitions, and teaches instant penmanship through handwriting animation. Four built-in word games are included.

Go to: http://www.franklin.com/estore/

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The Educational Foundation of America provides grants to non-profit organizations doing specific projects. Education grants have involved programs for at-risk children from K-12 during school hours and after school. Funding for the development of innovative new curriculums may include the purchase of technology. Letters of Inquiry may be submitted year-round.

Visit: http://www.efaw.org/

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