Math-Power Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

	Math-Power FAQ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Here you'll find answers to many questions on the Math-Power Program, and on the Math-Power Business Opportunity RETURN TO MAIN PAGE
	1. The Math-Power Program - How can Math-Power help my child with just 20 minutes a day of work? - How long will my child have to be enrolled in Math-Power? - How long and how expensive a contract do I have to sign? - How is my child initially tested by Math-Power? - What is meant by Math Mastery? - Why should I enroll my child in Math-Power instead of using one of the many computer courses sold in stores? - What about other nationally advertised math education programs? - Why are Math-Power packets timed? - Do students use calculators or computers in completing their Math-Power assignments? - Where can Math-Power Centers be found? 2. The Math-Power Distance Learning Service - What is Math-Power Distance Learning Service? - How is it Different from a Math-Power Center? - Will I get quality service with Distance Learning? - Do I need a computer? - How can I get help? 2. The Business Opportunity - Why is Math-Power licensed rather than franchised? - How big an investment is required to start a Math-Power Center? - What income can I expect from a Math-Power Center? - How many days is a Center open each week? - What restrictions exist on other activities at the Math-Power Center? - How much space will I need for a Center? - Why do I need a computer to run a Center? - Why Does the CD-ROM have to be present in the computer? - Why is an Instructor not required to have a math degree or a teaching certificate? - Does Math-Power provide territorial exclusivity to the Center Owner? If you have a question not answered here, Email it to us. We'll promptly send you a personal reply, and if the question is of general interest, we'll also post it here.

	1. The Math-Power Program How can Math-Power help my child with just 20 minutes a day of work? Studies have repeatedly shown that frequent short bursts of concentration produce the best learning retention. The goal of Math-Power is to move math facts and techniques from short term to long term memory, creating what we call 'automatic knowledge'. That's when a student sees a basic math problem, instantly knows the answer, and is totally confident that he or she is right. The most effective and efficient method to achieve that goal is the use of short daily study sessions. BACK TO TOP How long will my child have to be enrolled in Math-Power? Math-Power is not designed to be a 'quick fix'. Math difficulties rarely develop suddenly. They are a slow accumulation of 'micro-problems' which become noticed only when the accumulation becomes large enough to obviously interfere with the student's education. The answer to this question depends upon the magnitude of the 'micro-problem' accumulation, and the student. Typically, a student and parent begin to notice signs of improvement in 4 to 6 weeks. Significant improvement usually begins to show up within about three months. And often, the improvement by then in math skills also improves the student's overall self confidence and study skills, so that all school subjects begin to benefit. The goal of the Math-Power program is to advance the student to and beyond grade level. The time required to reach grade level depends on so many issues that it is not possible to give one right answer for all students. As long as the student works for the Math-Power program, the Math-Power program will work for the student. BACK TO TOP How long and how expensive a contract do I have to sign? The Math-Power program does not use a contract. The decision of how long the student remains in the Math-Power program is purely the decision of the parents/guardians. Math-Power Headquarters, however, does recommend that Center Owners collect both the first and the sixth months tuition when the student enrolls. The purpose is to emphasize that Math-Power is not, and cannot be, a 'quick fix'. The sixth month's tuition is not refundable. This procedure is also followed in the Math-Power Distance Learning Service. The monthly tuition fee and initial consultation fee at a Math-Power Center are established by the Center Owner, in accordance with the overall services offered. The monthly tuition fee for the basic Distance Learning Service over the internet is $29.95 a month. BACK TO TOP How is my child initially tested by Math-Power? The Math-Power curriculum contains special classwork packets used once a week to test an enrolled student's retention of previously learned material as well as of the current material. These packets are also excellent for testing a potential Math-Power student's math skills. During the initial interview at the Center, the Instructor will ask the parents/guardians about the student's math habits. Then the Instructor may ask the prospective student to play some math games. Finally, the instructor may use one or more of the classwork packets to establish the proper starting point for the student in the Math-Power curriculum. This starting point may appear to be somewhat easy for the student, but the choice is deliberate. The starting point allows the student begin at a point where the desired math speed and accuracy are achievable. When the student becomes accustomed to high performance, then he is advanced into more difficult work while maintaining the high performance. The classwork packets thus serve both the initial and continuing testing of Math-Power students. BACK TO TOP What is meant by Math Mastery? For the typical student, math mastery is defined by achieving 93% accuracy within preset time allowances. Mastery is essential before advancing the student into more difficult work. Advancing a student who is ill prepared is inviting failure and frustration. The requirements for mastery may sound high, but the student needs to achieve mastery if he or she is to be successful in school. Mastery is relatively easily achieved and maintained with the proper development of the students math skills. BACK TO TOP Why should I enroll my child in Math-Power instead of using one of the many computer courses sold in stores? The computer based math courses sold in retail stores lack the adaptive guidance and personal encouragement features necessary for long term success. Math-Power, on the other hand, provides the critical human element of a positive, nonjudgmental teacher who supports and guides the student through the learning experience. Math-Power Instructors and parents become the coaches and cheerleaders who keep the students motivated. Each Distance Learning student is assigned to a Math-Power Client Representative to ensure personal attention. BACK TO TOP What about other nationally advertised math education programs? When considering a nationally advertised math education program for your child, including ours, parents/guardians should pay careful attention to: - Is the curriculum open to inspection? - Can you observe the learning sessions? - Can you inspect the educational materials used? - How are problems and progress actually measured? - Does the student have practice assignments for between sessions? - What are the initial and ongoing costs involved? - What contract periods are required? - How much is the cost compared to actual instruction time provided? - What do other people say concerning any of the programs? The Math-Power program has been designed provide a high quality and highly effective education experience for the Math-Power students. As a result, the Math-Power program is at least an extremely competitive if not a significantly superior service, in comparison to any nationally advertised program. Check out any or all of our competitors in your area, then email us or give us a call, toll free, at 1-877-MATH-POW(er) [ That's 1-877-628-4769 ]. BACK TO TOP Why are Math-Power packets timed? Each packet is timed for several reasons: - First, a struggling student needs to be impressed with how much he can accomplish in a short time. - Second, timing a packet helps a student who has attention problems to stay on task. - Third, the time spent on a packet helps measure mastery. Student who rely on finger counting and similar techniques can achieve high accuracy, but not high speed. - Fourth, the results of studies show that when a typical student spends longer than 20 minutes on a task, the learning curve significantly declines. Packets are designed to take full advantage of the most effective learning time. Math-Power should never be used to 'beat up' a student with math problems, so students who cannot finish a packet within the 20 minute period are asked to stop. The Math-Power program will adapt to the situation and provide additional training as needed. BACK TO TOP Do students use calculators or computers in completing their Math-Power assignments? Student use neither calculators or computers in Math-Power. The Math-Power program is designed to teach the student the fundamental math facts he or she needs to succeed at math. The key step in this teaching process is the student's development of 'automatic knowledge', i.e., the ability to see a basic math problem in addition, subtraction, multiplication or division, to instantly know the answer, and to instantly know that that answer is correct. As that ability develops and expands, the student is free to concentrate on and to learn the more complicated aspects of mathematics. Once the student is in control of his math knowledge, then a calculator or computer becomes a tool for problem solving. If the student does not have that control, then a calculator or a computer is a nothing more than a crutch, trying to compensate for an inadequate education. BACK TO TOP Where can Math-Power Centers be found? At this time, logistics problems limit the location of Math-Power Centers to the North American continent, i.e., the USA, Canada and Mexico. We have received numerous enquiries about opening Centers from people in many countries, including Brazil, England, Poland, Oman, India, Malaysia, and Australia. We would very much like to offer Math-Power Centers around the world, but logistics (and copyright control) problems have not yet been resolved. We are always interested in discussing such opportunities, and eventually we hope to find the answers we seek. While we have not tried the Distance Learning service outside the N.A. continent, it could be an internim option for students anywhere in the world. Check out the Distance Learning service in this web site's pages. BACK TO TOP

	2. The Distance Learning Service What is Math-Power Distance Learning Service? The Math-Power Distance Learning Service is an expansion of the Math-Power program to reach students who do not have a local Math-Power Center to attend. It uses the internet to connect the student with the Math-Power headquarters in virtually the same way the student would interact with a Math-Power Center. Homework scores and times are uploaded, and the appropriate homework assignments for the next seven days are downloaded. These are then printed for the student to do manually, one per day. A week later, the process repeats. Each time,the student is advanced as fast as he or she can demonstrate Math Mastery. BACK TO TOP How is it Different from a Math-Power Center? The Distance Learning Service duplicates most of the functions of a Math-Power Center, but lacks the 'hands-on' support a Math-Power Center Owner can provide. Also, by not having the one day a week class session at the Math-Power Center, the Distance Learning Service requires more parental support in developing an effective study habit for the student. Steady consistent study periods are essential to any learning process. BACK TO TOP Will I get quality service with Distance Learning? The Distance Learning Service is designed to provide the same high quality math education found at any Math-Power Center BACK TO TOP Do I need a computer? A computer with Internet access is required to use the Math-Power Distance Learning Service. The required Internet connection to the Math-Power server lasts for about 15 minutes a week. Once the newly assigned packets have been downloaded, and the internet connection is terminated, the computer is used to print out the packets for the student. BACK TO TOP How can I get help? Math-Power help is available in several ways. First, the weekly contact with the Math-Power server provides an opportunity to enter comments and observations. These messages will be seen by your Client Representative the next business day. An Email or telephone response should occur within 24 hours Second, your Client Representative is always available to respond to telephone calls or emails within 24 hours. The responses can cover student motivation, study scheduling, help with correcting packets, help with connecting to the Math-Power server, or additional instructions for specific math ssubject areas. Third, Math-Power Management is always ready to respond to any other Math-Power related problems you may have. Just contact us using email or the toll free telephone number. BACK TO TOP

	2. The Business Opportunity Why is Math-Power licensed rather than franchised? From the very beginning, Math-Power was developed to provide maximum service with minimum interference, both to the student and to the Center Owner. The Center Owner was identified as Math-Power's primary customer, and the students were identified as the Center Owner's customers. Math-Power management determined that the Center Owner should be fully capable of operating his own business as he or she sees fit, as long as basic considerations of proper business ethics are maintained. The annual licensing concept provides the Center Owner with maximum business freedom and minimum interference. Specifically. Math-Power places no restriction on what other services the Math-Power Center Owner may wish to offer, or on when such services might be offered. Math-Power only requires that, during Math-Power class time, Math-Power students receive the full attention of the Center staff. BACK TO TOP How big an investment is required to start a Math-Power Center? The basic costs for opening a new Math-Power Center will be approximately $2500. These costs will include the first year's license fee, training fee, and the initial curriculum inventory. In addition, the costs of tranportation, lodging, and meals while at training must be considered. Additional costs for the Center also can include operating space rent, city licensing, liability insurance, promotions, and possibly staff. BACK TO TOP What income can I expect from a Math-Power Center? Math-Power dos not set the tuition fees a Center Owner charges Math-Power students. Such fees are the decision of the Center Owner after considering the range of additional services offered. However, a minimal Center, open three hours a week with 20 students, should produce, after license and packet costs, on the order of $800+ per month. If this Center is operated from the home (local ordinances permitting), the only other expenses may be just advertising and insurance. As the Center grows, additional expenses such as space rental, heat & light, telephone, and payroll for assistants, may need to be considered. BACK TO TOP How many days is a Center open each week? Each Math-Power Center is open a minimum of one day a week, typically for several hours after school. Generally for the overall convenience of students, a Center will be open two days a week, with students or parents choosing which day to attend. In a three hour period, with optimal student scheduling, up to 45 students could be accommodated by a single Instructor without assistants. In actual operations, 30-36 students per three hour period is more reasonable. Each qualified assistant could handle a similar number of students. Very useful would be one more person, perhaps one of the more advanced students at the Center. who would welcome each incoming student, log in his or her homework, and issue the appropriate classwork before sending the student to the Instructor or one of the assistants. This person would also assist the students in collecting their new assignments from the Center files. As needed or as desired, the Center could open for additional days, perhaps even in different locations. Such an operation is perfectly acceptable. provided the basic conditions of the license agreement are maintained. BACK TO TOP What restrictions exist on other activities at the Math-Power Center? There are no restrictions on other activities at the Math-Power Center. There is also no requirement that Math-Power be the dominant or primary purpose of the Center. These decisions are left to the discretion of the Center Owner. We do, of course, require that the Math-Power operation, and all other operations at the site, be conducted in a responsible, respectable and professional manner. BACK TO TOP How much space will I need for a Center? Initially, a Math-Power Center can be operated one day a week from a home (assuming no local restrictions or ordinances preclude this option), a school cafeteria, a meeting room at a business center or apartment complex, or a church facility. A Center with 30 students can operate comfortably in a 12x12 space. As the Center grows, additional space or additional days of operation will be needed. At some point, commercial space may be considered. Commercial space is not required by Math-Power. BACK TO TOP Why do I need a computer to run a Center? Math-Power was developed to integrate modern technology into Center operations. This technology, implemented in the Math-Power Software package, maintains student records and packet inventory records. In addition, the Software package provides the needed planning to give each student the proper packet assignments each week. (The Instructor has the ability, of course, to over-ride the computer based planning when necessary or desired.) Without the computer support, running a Math-Power Center would be a very time consuming effort. BACK TO TOP Why Does the CD-ROM need to be present in the computer? The Math-Power Center operates on a license from Math-Power Headquarters. This license allows the Math-Power Center to be used at one site at a time. To provide control against unauthorized use of the program, the CD-ROM must be present in the primary Center computer when the program is running. The program actually checks the CD-ROM drive periodically to ensure that the CD-ROM is present. Since the CD-ROM cannot be copied, and since the CD-ROM is readable only during the period of the current license (typically one year, with an extra month's grace period for renewal), the presence of the CD-ROM is effective proof that the license conditions are being adhered to. BACK TO TOP Why is an Instructor not required to have math degree or a teaching certificate? Our experience has demonstrated that the most effective Instructors are those who 1. understand the math being taught, and 2. are able to effectively communicate that understanding to the students. Degrees or certificates do not guarantee these attributes. In addition, the design of the Math-Power program provides a powerful self teaching capability, to which the Instructor adds support in role of coach and cheerleader. In the selection of Math-Power Instructors, math degrees and teaching certificates are appreciated, but these are not needed if the knowledge and the communication skills exist. An applicant's math knowledge is evaluated through the Instructor's Test given at the Training Session. The applicant's communication skills are also evaluated through interviews at these sessions. BACK TO TOP Does Math-Power provide territorial exclusivity to the Center Owner? Math-Power is a licensed product, not a franchised business. As such, no territorial exclusivity can be enforced by Math-Power for the benefit of any Center Owner. At the same time, however, it would be a poor business decision for a new Center Owner to locate a Center so as to interfere with one or more existing Centers. Math-Power has some control of new Center location in terms of providing site location guidance during training. It may also be possible to place a condition on license renewal that adequate Center spacing is maintained. The legal ramifications of this position are being explored. BACK TO TOP

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