FAQs

Reasoning Mind currently has two courses: Basic II and Basic III. A third (more elementary) course, Basic I, will become available in the fall of 2009.

Basic I is designed to be used in 2^nd through 5^th grade. This course covers natural numbers in depth.

Basic II is taken immediately after Basic I; usually this is in 5^th or 6^th grade. Basic II covers natural numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Basic III comes next, and is usually taken in 6^th, 7^th, or 8^th grade. This course completes students’ study of arithmetic and prepares students for algebra.

Reasoning Mind is working on expanding the curriculum to cover higher grades, aiming to add one grade level of curriculum each year.

There are several important differences:

• Reasoning Mind is usually used as a core curriculum. This means that the quality of instruction is improved radically, not incrementally.
• RM is not a product: rather, it is a new type of instruction which is focused on the individual student. Students learn by interacting one-on-one with the computer, online tutors, and other adults.
• Reasoning Mind’s materials are based on an international mathematics curriculum that has proven itself in high-achieving countries such as Russia, China, and Singapore.
• RM is a non-profit organization, whose only goal is to improve students’ mathematics achievement. This translates into lower costs and greater support for children and parents.

Reasoning Mind can be used as a core curriculum for home school. It can also be used at home in addition to students’ regular mathematics class.

RM offers courses aligned with 5^th and 6^th grade TEKS. RM’s Basic I course can be used to cover some (but not all) of the TEKS requirements for lower grades.

Usually, around an hour a day is needed. However, the time needed varies somewhat depending on the preparedness of the student, as well as other factors.

The Genie adjusts the difficulty level, which means that RM is designed for all students: struggling, gifted, and those in between.

Gifted students have often benefited immensely from the RM system, where they are able to work on very challenging problems as soon as they’re ready. Struggling and special needs students have also benefited from being able to move at their own pace, and from RM’s individual approach.

Currently, tuition is $200 for one year. During this year, the student can take any of RM’s courses.

There are also tuition discounts for several children from the same family.

Most relatively new (made within the last 3 years) computers will have no trouble running RM. On the software side, the most recent version of Adobe Flash Player must be installed. A broadband Internet connection is also needed.

You can email us, or have us call you. An RM staff member will get in touch with you to discuss whether your child’s needs match our current course offerings.