There is a clear need for students to achieve in both math and science in order to succeed in careers in contemporary society. Recently in an education brief cited in an article on page 1 Peterson Lang, and Billups (1999) stated that math and science were prerequisites for success in many of today's occupations. There are several math programs that are available that make math accessible to students so that they may compete in the working world.
    The Applied Vocational Math Series addresses the fundamentals found in basic math texts for the sixth through tenth grades. Each book presents problems in terms of one particular occupation. For example, in Mathematics Through Retail Sales, there are sections on such topics as computing wages and computing sales tax. In Math Through Construction they actually do computations on such topics as floor and wall framing, roof sheathing and shingles, and finished flooring.
    The series also includes Mathematics Through Home Management, Auto Mechanics, and Sports.

    Another easy-to-use resource for students who need to improve their math skills is the Individual Mathematics Program (IMP). The IMP Kit is a self-contained instructional system for grades kindergarten through high school designed to pinpoint areas in which students need to improve and to provide effective instruction. The IMP lets students learn at their own pace.
    The advantage of the IMP is that there is a prediagnostic test that guides students to specific math lessons called MATH PAKS. Once the student starts the lessons, which are self-paced, they can take another more in-depth pre-test, complete the lessons and then take a post-test. The chart to the right gives a more complete description of the program and how it is implemented.