MATHEMATICS, BASIC SKILLS 



        "MATHEMATICS, BASIC SKILLS," (BASICS, short title), is a venerable,
        tried and proven software package that harks back to the days of
        time-share.  In this regard, it was employed together with operant
        psychological techniques to move five junior high school mathematics
        classes from last place in SET testing -- two years running --  to
        positions "two" and "five," in respective portions of the Stanford
        Evaluation Tests, Mathematics.  This occured in Arizona in the
        school year, 1975 to 1976 at the Sunnyslope Elementary School of the
        Washington Elemetary School District.  There were 30 schools in the
        district at the time.

        It was an astonishing accomplishment, and it proved -- or at least
        demonstrated conclusively -- both the programs and the teaching
        technique.  The software was sold subsequently in its Commodore
        Business Machine configuration in the years 1982 through 1987.
        Subsequently, it was converted to Apple and now, finally, to IBM PC
        And compatibles.  It is now designated FREEWARE.

        Like SOA, BASICS consists primarily of printed exercises formatted
        for direct and immediate student-use.  All can be adjusted for
        levels of diffculty.  Since the exercises are random number based,
        no two are precisely alike, the supply is substantially unlimited.
        An IBM computer or compatible is required with printer.  A monochrome
        monitor will suffice.

        MATHEMATICS, BASIC SKILLS is intended primarily for the
        elementary grades, but it can be and it has been used in high school
        too -- for remediation.

        The operating procedures are the same as for SOA.  Nonetheless,
        they will be repeated below.  .

                            ************************
                              OPERATING PROCEDURES
                            ************************

        SETUP ONE
        *********

        BASICS is configured to print using EPSON 2500 printer codes.
        This is pretty much an industry standard today.  If your printer 
        responds to this standard, and if it is not a laser or ink jet 
        printer, (see below), the operating proceedures are very brief:

        Command CD BASICS to get into the proper directory.  Command BASICS
        once more and you will be put into the MENU.  Highlight your choice
        and press ENTER (RETURN).  Follow the printed prompts and/or make
        choices as indicated.


        Note that the MENU also contains a printer setup mode.  PSETUP
        is used to configure the software for printers other than the 
        EPSON 2500.

        For those with non laser jet printers --

        If the user finds that printing produces a "v" for the divide
        sign and other odd characters, a restricted character set is
        being used with the printer; that is, 128 bit coded characters
        as opposed to the full 256.  Either reset the printer for the full
        grouping or add the code corresponding to the full character set to
        the FIRST LINE in your printer code.  Software coding always
        overrides hardware settings.  (Use any ASCII editor to revise an
        otherwise satisfactory code.)  For Epson printers, this particular
        code is probably 027116001.  One might also try EPLQ570.PRN.  It
        contains this character table code already.


        SETUP TWO
        *********

        Wherein the printer is not Epson 2500-compatible.  Command PSETUP,
        (that is, highlight the command and press return).  A listing is
        provided.  If the user's printer is contained therein, or if there is
        one listed that has comparable printer-codes; then choose "e," and
        input the printer filename with or without the ".PRN" appendage.
       
        Those with laser or ink jet printers, use "HPLASER.PRN," or one of
        the two listed Ink Jet "PRN" files, as indicated.  For lasers, use
        HPLASER.PRN notwithstanding IBM or Epson compatibility.  The reasons
        relate to proper spacing in the printed exercises.  The user will
        then be returned to the MENU.  Printer configuration is now complete.
        Proceed as above.
 
        SETUP THREE
        ***********
 
        Note SETUP TWO, above.  If your printer is not listed, and if -- 
        further -- there are none with comparable printer codes; command 
        "s," and hit ENTER (RETURN).  Then armed with your printer manual
        (containing the printer codes), follow directions as indicated
        exactly.  Use base 10 integers only, (no hexidecimal).
 
        When inputs are complete, you will be asked the name for this new
        printer file.  Use eight characters or less and no appendage; this
        latter will be added automatically.  Afterwhich, you will be asked
        if you want this file transferred to "USERP.PRN," the working file
        for BASICS.  If you answer "yes," this will be the printer file
        through which BASICS will output its exercises.  You will be
        returned to the MENU.
 
        If you make a mistake, simply exit the software and start 
        again.
 
        Use the mail for questions, or query via CompuServe, I.D. number
        75222,1254.  My current address is --
 
 
                                Alfred D'Attore
                            1300 S. Farm View Drive
                                 Apartment B-21
                             Dover, Delaware 19904