Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most frequently asked questions are listed below. If you have any additional questions, then please do not hestitate to contact us.

How Is RM Math Framework Edition Different From Other IT Programs?

Most information technology-based systems for Math tend to offer individualized computer-based instruction – that is, students doing self-paced learning at computers. RM Math Framework Edition is a whole-class teaching solution which keeps the teacher very much at the center of the instructional process, using the interactive whiteboard and digital resources to engage and motivate students and to dramatically increase classroom productivity.

Does RM Math Framework Edition Work?

RM Math Framework Edition was introduced within the UK to support the introduction of a new national curriculum for mathematics. 20 pilot schools were funded to implement the product by the UK's Department for Education and Skills (DES). An independent report from the pilot study showed the following:

• Marked increases in attainment
• Significantly aided retention
• Dramatic improvement in student motivation and engagement
• Observed improvements in behavior and attendance
• 100% of teachers on the pilot stated that they felt the teaching and learning process was enhanced
• School administrators felt RM Math Framework Edition would aid staff retention and recruitment

Follow this link for further details of the UK pilot study for RM Math Framework Edition. Please note that the product is marketed as MathsAlive in the UK.

Which State Curriculum Frameworks Are Supported?

RM Math Framework Edition was introduced within the US at the end of July, 2004, and for the initial introductory phase of the product, alignments State Curriculum Frameworks were made in the following States:

• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• New York
• New Jersey
• Vermont NECAP GLEs
• New Hampshire NECAP GLEs
• Rhode Island NECAP GLEs
• Pennsylvania
• Michigan
• Washington D.C.
• NCTM Standards and Expectations

The development has been done for the additional US states and our website will be updated shortly. Please call for more information.

What If Our State Framework Changes?

We are committed to maintaining the most up-to-date Curriculum Frameworks within the RM Math Framework Edition planning tools. The Annual Support Contract provides users of RM Math Framework Edition with these updates, as well as technical support, content updates and continuation of the web service elements of the product.

Who Is Using RM Math Framework Edition?

Since its release at the end of July, 2004, a large number of schools and school districts have implemented RM Math Framework Edition within our initial geographic focus area (principally the Northeast). Many other schools and school districts have put RM Math Framework Edition into their future plans. For details of a school in your area using RM Math Framework Edition, please email us at info@rmeducation.com.

What Level of IT Expertise Do Teachers Need?

Very little. Experience with Microsoft applications and a basic understanding of computers and the internet are very helpful, but not essential as RM Math Framework Edition is designed to be very intuitive and easy to use, and is bundled with comprehensive training onsite at the school location.

How Are Teachers’ Training Needs Addressed?

Professional development, which is a key element of a successful RM Math Framework Edition implementation, is addressed via a comprehensive two-day training program, onsite at your school location. Professional development is bundled with the product and delivered by RM's training consultants, all of whom are subject specialists. This training ensures that all teachers can use RM Math Framework Edition with confidence in the classroom, regardless of their level of experience with IT. Effective use of the system is also supported by the terms of the site license which enables teachers to install all of the RM Math Framework Edition software and content on their home computers.

How Much Does RM Math Framework Edition Cost?

License pricing for RM Math Framework Edition, which includes training and support, is designed to reflect your school size as well as the number of schools within your district who will be using RM Math Framework Edition. Significant reductions are available if you are simultaneously purchasing RM Math Framework Edition for more than one school and are willing to combine training at a single school site. Your RM consultant will be pleased to provide you with the various license pricing options, including costs for any associated hardware and installation services.

What Hardware Do I Need?

You will need to install RM Math on an IBM-compatible standalone PC (ideally a laptop) or school server with a minimum specification of Windows 98 SE, a Pentium III or Celeron 400 MHz processor, and approximately 1.5GB of hard disk space. The full minimum specification requirements are as follows:

Other Equipment

To get the best out of RM Math, you will also need an overhead projector and an interactive whiteboard or alternative interactive technology (e.g. a Tablet PC). Additional equipment that can greatly enhance the benefits of RM Math Framework Edition include access to a small cluster of networked PCs, and provision of TI-83 Plus or TI-84 Plus Graphic Calculators. Please note, however, that these are enhancements and not prerequisites for using RM Math Framework Edition.

RM Educational Software can supply and install all of the equipment for you. For further details, please contact our Customer Service Team at 1-866-728-6758.

Can RM Math Framework Edition Be Installed On A Network?

Yes. We recommend installation of RM Math Framework Edition on the school network. NT4, Windows 2000, and Windows XP networks are all supported.

Does RM Math Framework Edition Work On Macs?

Not at this time. However, since the minimum hardware requirement for RM Math Framework Edition is a single IBM-compatible PC, schools and school districts who have Apple Mac computers can still implement RM Math with a relatively small additional investment in a PC or laptop. A number of Mac schools/districts have done this and are using RM Math Framework Edition successfully. There is also a program that you can use with the mac called bootcamp. It gives you a choice of booting into a windows environment from a macintosh computer. You will need an intel processor on the mac for this to work.

What Support Do you Offer?

RM Math Framework Edition includes full technical support for the first 12 months. A support contract for subsequent years costs $699 and includes toll-free technical support, all product updates (including changes to State frameworks), as well as continuation of the web service elements of the product.

Can Students Access RM Math Framework Edition Over the Web?

Yes. Teachers can assign homework and tests over the Web and also use the web elements of the service to make classroom content and activities available to students. See the Online Tools section of this web site for further details.