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Curriculum in the PLATO Secondary & Adult Education Library
Contents Mathematics ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Foundational Math ................................................................................................................................... 3
Applied Math ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Data Skills .................................................................................................................................................. 3
Math Problem Solving ............................................................................................................................... 3
Geometry 1 & 2 ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Algebra Series: Algebra I & II..................................................................................................................... 3
Trigonometry ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Reading ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Essential Reading Skills & Strategies ......................................................................................................... 4
Fundamental Reading Strategies .............................................................................................................. 4
Intermediate Reading Strategies .............................................................................................................. 4
Vocabulary & Reading Comprehension .................................................................................................... 4
Informational Reading .............................................................................................................................. 4
Advanced Reading Strategies.................................................................................................................... 4
Writing .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Writing Series ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Writing in the Workplace .......................................................................................................................... 5
Writing Series: Process & Practice ............................................................................................................ 5
Science .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Technology Fundamentals ........................................................................................................................ 5
Life Science ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Physical Science ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Earth & Space Science ............................................................................................................................... 6
Biology Series ............................................................................................................................................ 6
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Chemistry Series ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Employability Skills ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Informational Reading .............................................................................................................................. 7
Writing in the Workplace .......................................................................................................................... 7
Data Skills .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Applied Math ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Communication Skills ................................................................................................................................ 7
Quality Fundamentals ............................................................................................................................... 7
Business Basics .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Technology Fundamentals ........................................................................................................................ 8
Life & Job Skills .......................................................................................................................................... 8
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Mathematics
Foundational Math 185 hours of instruction
PLATO® Foundational Mathematics uses an age-appropriate curriculum and real-world examples to remediate secondary and
post-secondary students on basic mathematics skills typically taught in kindergarten through sixth grade. It uses a
contemporary instructional methodology based on NCTM standards to improve skills in numbers and operations, fractions and
decimals, and basic geometry and measurement. Hands-on, interactive learning is encouraged with numerous online tools and
manipulatives, including a journal, vocabulary practice activities, and on-screen mentoring.
Applied Math 14 hours of instruction, 24 discrete learning objectives
PLATO® Applied Math, with optional assessment, teaches practical mathematics skills essential for success in the modern
workplace, such as using 12-hour and 24-hour clocks; converting between fractions, decimals and percentages; and using
metric and U.S. standard measurement.
Data Skills 35 hours of instruction, 84 discrete learning objectives
PLATO® Data Skills engages learners in computing with and constructing graphical data in a workplace setting.
Math Problem Solving 57 hours of instruction
PLATO® Math Problem Solving offers 19 interactive scenarios that encourage learners to explore and apply mathematical
concepts such as basic computation and advanced algebra to solve multi-step problems in a real-life context. With various
levels of assistance, learners select and apply tables, graph makers, equation builders, and other tools to explore and solve
problems.
Geometry 1 & 2 55 hours of instruction, 234 discrete learning objectives
PLATO® Geometry & Measurement 1 offers an introduction to basic geometric and measurement concepts, relationships, and
theorems. PLATO® Geometry & Measurement 2 covers topics in triangles, lines, polygons, symmetry, area, transformations,
circles, and solid and coordinate geometry.
Algebra Series: Algebra I & II 314 hours of instruction, 236 discrete learning objectives
The PLATO® Algebra series is a comprehensive curriculum that uses engaging real-world examples as the basis of instruction.
PLATO® Algebra I, Part 1 is a pre-algebra curriculum that teaches students the foundation skills they need to understand and
apply basic algebraic concepts. In Part II, students work with sets and numbers, polynomials and factoring, and equations and
inequalities.
PLATO® Algebra II, Part 1, covers rational expressions, graphs, systems of equations, probability, and vectors. Part II is a high
school and beginning college-level course that extends students’ mathematical literacy. It provides students with the
background for trigonometry and calculus including coordinates and curves, functions and graphs, and exponential and
logarithmic functions.
Trigonometry 16 hours of instruction
PLATO® Trigonometry topics include Trigonometric Functions and Trigonometric Identities and Equations.
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Reading
Essential Reading Skills & Strategies 21 hours of instruction, 32 discrete learning objectives
PLATO® Essential Reading Skills refreshes basic skills and introduces strategies for fluent readers at the middle, high school, and
adult learning levels. Bright graphics, animation, and audio support immerse readers as they learn.
Fundamental Reading Strategies 61 hours of instruction, 27 discrete learning objectives
PLATO® Fundamental Reading Strategies is designed to help learners develop useful and effective strategies to assist them in
becoming proficient readers. The principal teaching device is the “Think Aloud,” which features a tutor who demonstrates a
particular strategy over a range of passages and situation. Along the way, the learner takes more and more responsibility for
using the strategy without help. Ten distinct reading strategies are taught for skill levels 5–6. Tied with PLATO® Intermediate
Reading Strategies, which teaches the same 10 reading strategies at skill levels 7–9, the curricula can be used together to create
a reinforcing, spiral instructional path.
Intermediate Reading Strategies 61 hours of instruction, 27 discrete learning objectives
PLATO® Intermediate Reading Strategies is designed to help learners develop useful and effective strategies to assist them in
becoming proficient readers. The principal teaching device is the “Think Aloud,” which features a tutor who demonstrates a
particular strategy over a range of passages and situations. Along the way, the learner takes more and more responsibility for
using the strategy without help. Ten distinct reading strategies are taught for skill levels 7–9. Tied with PLATO® Fundamental
Reading Strategies, which teaches the same 10 reading strategies at skill levels 5–6, the curricula can be used together to create
a reinforcing, spiral instructional path.
Vocabulary & Reading Comprehension 70 hours of instruction
Extensive and challenging comprehension practice is provided to learners through PLATO® Vocabulary and Reading
Comprehension. The product uses stories, narrative text, information, and expository text; the product’s passages come in
three lengths, cover a variety of topics, represent a range of genres, and offer meaningful practice.
Informational Reading 74 hours of instruction, 135 discrete learning objectives
In PLATO® Informational Reading, students learn the key reading comprehension and critical-thinking skills needed to work with
the written resources in a typical workplace. Examples used in the product are within an adult work environment.
Advanced Reading Strategies 76 hours of instruction
PLATO® Advanced Reading Strategies helps high school, college and adult learners develop the reading comprehension and
critical-thinking skills they need to master high-stakes high school exit exams and college entrance exams.
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Writing
Writing Series 122 hours of instruction, 454 discrete learning objectives
In addition to providing instruction in grammar and mechanics, the comprehensive curriculum of the PLATO® Writing Series
walks learners through the process of writing from idea development and organization to revision.
Writing in the Workplace 38 hours of instruction, 63 discrete learning objectives
The PLATO® Writing in the Workplace curriculum teaches learners a proven process aimed at developing workplace writing
skills. Examples take place within an adult work environment.
Writing Series: Process & Practice 139 hours of instruction, 158 discrete learning objectives
Reflecting the latest research in composition, theory, and practice, PLATO® Writing Process and Practice is appropriate for
struggling writers, advanced writers, and all those in between. In this innovative, interactive series, students are taught writing
strategies for a variety of purposes and audiences through carefully scaffolded activities. Grammar instruction is included in
concentrated mini-lessons that emphasize good usage versus definitions and terminology. Interactive tutorials supplemented
with extended practice and offline activities are also provided. Four curricula comprise this series:
* PLATO® Essential Writing Process and Practice
* PLATO® Fundamental Writing Process and Practice
* PLATO® Intermediate Writing Process and Practice
* PLATO® Advanced Writing Process and Practice
Science
Technology Fundamentals 5 hours of instruction
PLATO® Technology Fundamentals provides high school and adult learners with an exciting exploration of modern technology
systems.
Life Science 12 hours of instruction, 158 discrete learning objectives
PLATO® Life Science engages learners in the scientific inquiry process as well as exercising their problem-solving and critical-
thinking skills, while providing standards-based interactive instruction and assessment, theme-based applications, and
classroom teaching tools.
Animation, narration, and interaction demonstrate science concepts, enhance lectures, and provide direct instruction. Lessons
provide hands-on problem solving and reinforce science concepts. The courseware includes an interactive glossary with proper
pronunciation of terms. Instructors can access the sophisticated test-item bank to assign objective-based pre- and post tests to
determine learners’ level of understanding and prescribe appropriate instruction. The curricula can be used effectively for
whole class instruction, preparation for standards and high-stakes tests, individual or small group study, and remediation.
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Physical Science 17+ hours of instruction
Engage learners with instruction that brings science concepts to life and helps them prepare to meet more stringent science
performance standards with PLATO® Physical Science. The courseware’s theme-based scenarios encourage students to explore
scientific inquiry, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The hands-on learning environment offers animation, video,
narrations and interactions to demonstrate concepts, enhance lectures, and deepen understanding. A narrated glossary gives
learners confidence with scientific terms.
Teachers can access the sophisticated test-item bank to assign objective-based pre- and post tests to determine learners’ level
of understanding and prescribe appropriate instruction. PLATO Physical Science includes lessons covering:
The description and measurement of matter
The exploration of atomic structure and how elements behave according to physical and chemical properties
The investigation into how atoms and the known elements are organized to better understand matter and predict
behaviour
The discovery of why, although matter can be heated, cooled, broken, burned, and transformed, it cannot be destroyed
The curricula can be used effectively for whole-class instruction, preparation for standards and high-stakes tests, individual or
small-group study, and remediation.
Earth & Space Science Engage learners with instruction that brings science concepts to life and helps them prepare to meet more stringent science
performance standards. PLATO® Earth and Space Science’s theme-based scenarios encourage students to explore scientific
inquiry, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The hands-on learning environment offers animation, video, narrations, and
interactions to demonstrate concepts, enhance lectures, and deepen understanding. A narrated glossary gives learners
confidence with scientific terms. Teachers can access the sophisticated test-item bank to assign objective-based pre- and post
tests to determine learners’ level of understanding and prescribe appropriate instruction. PLATO Earth and Space Science
includes lessons covering:
Planet Earth
Water in our World
Weather and Atmospheric Processes
Earth, Space and the Universe
Ecology and Natural Resources
The curricula can be used effectively for whole class instruction, preparation for standards and high-stakes tests, individual or
small group study, and remediation.
Biology Series 76 hours of instruction, 1,215 discrete learning objectives
The PLATO® Biology Series consists of high school science courses that utilize animation, narration, and interaction to
demonstrate biological concepts. Each title consists of:
Narrated presentations that utilize animations and visuals to enhance lectures or provide direct instruction;
Interactive lessons that provide hands-on problem-solving opportunities and reinforce concepts learned in the
presentation;
An interactive glossary that provides students with the proper pronunciation of terms, as well as their meaning;
Pre- and post-tests that may be used for assessment purposes.
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Chemistry Series 32 hours of instruction, 671 discrete learning objectives
Mirroring high school science courses, each PLATO® Chemistry Series title features:
Narrated presentations that utilize animations and visuals to enhance lectures or provide direct instruction;
Interactive lessons that provide hands-on problem-solving opportunities and reinforce concepts learned in the
presentation;
An interactive glossary that provides students with the proper pronunciation of a term as well as its meaning;
Pre- and post-tests that may be used for assessment purposes .
Employability Skills
Informational Reading 74 hours of instruction, 135 discrete learning objectives
In PLATO® Informational Reading, students learn the key reading comprehension and critical-thinking skills needed to work with
the written resources in a typical workplace. Examples used in the product are within an adult work environment.
Writing in the Workplace 38 hours of instruction, 63 discrete learning objectives
The PLATO® Writing in the Workplace curriculum teaches learners a proven process aimed at developing workplace writing
skills. Examples take place within an adult work environment.
Data Skills 35 hours of instruction, 84 discrete learning objectives
PLATO® Data Skills engages learners in computing with and constructing graphical data in a workplace setting.
Applied Math 14 hours of instruction, 24 discrete learning objectives
PLATO® Applied Math, with optional assessment, teaches practical mathematics skills essential for success in the modern
workplace, such as using 12-hour and 24-hour clocks; converting between fractions, decimals and percentages; and using
metric and U.S. standard measurement.
Communication Skills 27 hours of instruction, 75 discrete learning objectives
Designed especially for adult learners, PLATO Communication Skills courses teach the listening and speaking skills essential to
effective interpersonal communication and team building, as well as how to listen to and how to give presentations.
Quality Fundamentals 27 hours of instruction, 54 discrete learning objectives
With PLATO® Quality Fundamentals, learners are exposed to the quality movement in today’s global workplace as they discover
the meaning of quality and how it is measured. The content is presented at a sixth grade reading level for ease of readability.
Business Basics 5 hours of instruction
With PLATO® Business Basics high school and adult learners are introduced to the world of work, exploring important basic
business concepts and the impact of their actions on both their personal success and the overall success of their employer.
Sixth-grade reading level content provides easy readability.
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Technology Fundamentals 5 hours of instruction
PLATO® Technology Fundamentals provides high school and adult learners with an exciting exploration of modern technology
systems.
Life & Job Skills 30 hours of instruction, 119 discrete learning objectives
PLATO® Life and Job Skills teaches high school students and adult learners powerful interpersonal skills for communicating and
building effective work and personal relationships. The content is presented at a sixth grade reading level for ease of
readability.
