#6 FASTTMath vs. XtraMath

Every teacher knows that the recall of basic facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) is essential to prepare students for problem solving and higher order math (Baroody, Bajwa, & Eiland, 2009). In the traditional classroom teachers use flash cards, file folder games, Around-the-World or Minute Math in an attempt to increase fact fluency. Now that teachers are responsible for documenting their Response to Intervention (RTI) computer assisted instruction is being used to supplement the teacher-led instruction more frequently. Let’s compare two options FASTTMath and XtraMath. FASTTMath is a subscription based program by Scholastic, INC. marketed at both parents and schools. XtraMath is a free web-based program developed for parents and teachers by a Seattle-based nonprofit. Both programs aim to increase fact fluency.

Feature	FASTTmath	XtraMath
Cost	$14,900 (site license- *includes   Fraction Nation)  $300 for parents	Free
Usage       Recommendations	Once daily 10 minute sessions	Once session daily (session   time dependent on student)
Do you have to   download or install   software?	Network version is browser   based.   1 Computer license is    installed from a CD-rom.	Web-based
Develops    automaticity of   basic math facts	*addition     *subtraction     *multiplication     *division	*addition     *subtraction     *multiplication     *division
Individualized   Instruction	Yes	Yes
Placement    Assessment	Yes	Yes
Individual Student    Progress Reports	Student Reports    *Student Fact Fluency Status    *Student Lesson Status    *Student Response to      Intervention  Class Reports   *Progress Report    *Intervention Grouping      Report	Student Reports     *Progress Report     Class Reports     * Printing reports at the Class         level is unavailable
School level data   disaggregation	Yes	No
Game Component	Student’s receive game   choices at the completion of a   lesson cycle.	A Race the Teacher   game is played in each daily   session.
Program Method	Uses expanding recall to   move math facts into long-term   memory	Uses expanding recall to   move math facts into long-  term memory
Print Practice    Component	Yes	No
Personalized    Reward Incentives	*Certificates     *Display Modifications	*Certificates
Modifications for   Students with   Special Needs	*Display Modifications     *Time Modifications     *Spanish/ English language         choice	None

My campus utilizes both programs. FASTTMath is used by teachers committed to meeting the 3 times a week time requirement for students. Teachers that would like to use a computer assisted program for fact fluency but do not feel they can meet the time requirements of FASTTMath weekly opt to use XtraMath. Both programs have something to offer parents and teachers. FASTTMath has many more features and added benefits but in today’s economic climate XtraMath is an option worth considering. 

XtraMath Video

XtraMath Overview from XtraMath on Vimeo.


FASTTMath Video

Reference

Baroody, A. J., Bajwa, N., & Eiland, M. (2009). Why can't Johnny remember the basic facts?. Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 15(1), 69-79. doi:10.1002/ddrr.45