According to their website ALEKS is a web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system.   It stands for "Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces."   Sounds very intellectual, does it not?  We'll, it is!  LOL

ALEKS is a web-based math program for grades 3-12 (they also have some higher level courses.)  I really like the way it's set up.  Your child first does a series of problems from whatever level you choose.  Once this is done, the program assesses your child's strengths and weakness and sets up a program tailored to your child's needs.   Then the work the child is to do is represented in a pie chart.  For example, I have two kids in Level 5.  The pie is divided into five sections: whole numbers, fractions, decimals, geometry and algebra.  As your child completes problems from each piece of the pie, it's shaded in so that he/she can see exactly where he/she is at.  It's fun to see your pie chart filling up!

What I like most about the program is that once your child does a type of problem correctly several times, they move on.  No need to do pages and pages of problems that your child can already do.  My kids hate that and they start to get bored.  Sometimes I let them skip ahead and then they get too far ahead.  With ALEKS, it's all done automatically.  The kids don't have a chance to get bored.  They do review occasionally, but if the child is doing well, they will continue to advance.  Of course, if a child hits a snag, he or she can spend as much time as necessary until that type of problem is mastered.

This is not one of those "fun" programs.  There are no fancy colors or dancing dogs, or belching babies.  It's all business.  I think for the serious scholar, or the easily distracted child, this would be perfect.  I doubt they will beg to do their math, but most kids will get a sense of satisfaction as they see thier pie "fill up."  My kids don't seem to mind.  Of course my daughter Princess, 10, is much more agreeable than Woggit, 12, but he is not agreeable to changing his socks, so don't let that sway you! 

What are the pros of this product?  I love that it's so automated.  I can see at a glance how much they've done, plus I am e-mailed a weekly report for each child.  I also like that it's very comprehensive.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as a stand alone math program.

What's not to like?  Well, it can be a bit costly.  Cheaper than a tutor, but more expensive than most math texts.  However, if you can afford it, I think it's worth the cost.  (See the numbers below.) 

The Crazy Mom take:  I would have to say, I think I like this program the most out of all the online programs I've seen.  It has been great for my daughter, Princess.  She is the one who was my "test student."  I wish now that I'd have had them all using it.  I just signed up three of my other kids for 30 days.  I am seriously considering using it for my son Woggit (maybe this summer) as he needs to just be able to do the work and move on.  He is always saying that math is "boring" because he knows it all.  This program knows what he knows, so it will put him exactly where he needs to be. 

What's the bottom line?  The cost is $19.95 per month/$99.95 for 6 mos/$179.95 for a year.   

I'm going to give ALEKS 4 out of 5 smileys.  *

Check it out @ http://www.ALEKS.com

For a free 30 day trial go to http://www.aleks.com/webform/eb3-104

Check out what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/620062/

*The Smiley System: 

I can't really recommend this product.

 I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

 This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

 Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

 This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!