Frequently Asked Questions

Simple Solutions books are sold in class sets. What constitutes a class set?
A class set is the number of books needed so that each child in the class has a book. Simple Solutions student editions are consumable, and no part of the book may be reproduced in any way. A complimentary Teacher's Edition is provided (to schools only) with the purchase of a class set. Contact Bright Ideas Press for more details.

What is the cost for Simple Solutions books?
Most Simple Solutions books are $12.95 each plus shipping & handling fees. Simple Solutions Study Skills books are $8.95 and Simple Solutions Phonics books are $9.95 each. These prices are for books sold to schools and in class sets. For individual pricing, see below.

What is the shipping charge for orders sent to schools?
The shipping charge for school orders is 10% of the total cost. The minimum charge for shipping & handling is $8.00.

Do you accept purchase orders?
Yes. Bright Ideas Press accepts purchase orders and payment by credit card or school/district checks. Contact Bright Ideas Press to place an order, to obtain a price quote, or to receive assistance with your order.

How do I choose the level of Simple Solutions that is best for my students?
For grades K - 4, Simple Solutions Math matches the content and aligns with the Common Core State Standards for those grades. Intermediate A is the typical book for 5th grade, Intermediate B is the typical book for 6th grade, Pre-Algebra is the typical book for 7th grade, and Algebra I, Part A is the typical book for 8th grade. For more information, please contact Bright Ideas Press. A consultant will be happy to help you choose the most appropriate Level of Simple Solutions for your students.

How does the option to accelerate students work?
Beginning in grade 5, students may be accelerated with the goal of completing the full Algebra I course by the end of 8th grade. To do this, students use Intermediate B in 5th grade, Pre-Algebra in 6th grade, Algebra I, Part A in 7th grade, and Algebra I, Part B in 8th grade.


Can Simple Solutions be used in special education classes?
Yes. Simple Solutions allows the flexibility to accommodate a wide variety of users, including exceptional learners. Bright Ideas Press accepts special orders to accommodate multiple levels within a single class. Special education teachers are encouraged to pre-assess students before placing an order. To request free copies of a Simple Solutions Quick Assessment or to receive help with an order, contact Bright Ideas Press.

What is a Simple Solutions Quick Assessment?
The Simple Solutions Quick Assessment is a curriculum-based measure, designed to help determine the most appropriate starting level of Simple Solutions for any student. Quick Assessments are available for Math, English Grammar & Writing Mechanics, Science, and Social Studies. Choosing the level of Simple Solutions that is most appropriate for each student enables special education teachers to adapt instruction to students' specific needs. Quick Assessments are provided free of charge and by request. Contact Bright Ideas Press to ask for a Quick Assessment.

Can parents purchase single copies of Simple Solutions?
Yes. Parents and other interested individuals can buy Simple Solutions by calling Bright Ideas Press at 877-382-7537. (Simple Solutions is not available for sale on any website.) The cost for an individual copy is $22.95 plus shipping & handling and any applicable taxes. This price includes the workbook and an answer packet.

Can parents purchase Simple Solutions Teacher's Editions?
No. The Teacher's Editions are not for sale. Teacher's Editions are available only to schools and only with the purchase of a class set of student editions.

What is included in a Simple Solutions Teacher's Editions?
The Simple Solutions Teacher's Edition contains instructions for implementation of the Simple Solutions Approach, the answer key for all student lessons, weekly quizzes and answer keys, a pre-/post- test with answer key, and Help Pages. Selected books are also accompanied by a resource CD that includes classroom activities, websites, and additional material for review and practice.

Can I make copies of the workbook pages?
No. The copyright agreement for Simple Solutions books strictly prohibits any form of reproduction or transmittal of the student pages.

Can schools see samples of the workbooks before purchasing?
Yes. Examination copies are sent by request to school administrators only. A consultant from Bright Ideas Press will contact the administrator to confirm receipt of the package and to provide a price quote or assist with an order. Contact Bright Ideas Press to request an examination copy of Simple Solutions.

Is Simple Solutions research-based?
To date, no clinical research about Simple Solutions has been published. However, over 100 years of research supports the validity of combining distributed practice with solid instruction to achieve long-term retention - this is the Simple Solutions Approach.

Bright Ideas Press has chosen to fund the Free Pilot (or Test Drive). This provides a school with the opportunity to do its own research and experience the transformative nature of this approach with its own students. Teachers receive all materials, training, and support at no cost. They apply the strategy for a full academic year and draw conclusions based on their experience with Simple Solutions.


Does Simple Solutions align with the Common Core State Standards?
Yes. Much of the material presented in Simple Solutions lessons aligns with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and Language. As a supplemental series, Simple Solutions supports 100% of what elementary school students need to learn about math and/or language arts.


Why are the lower grades in semester books?
Based on suggestions from educators and concerned parents, the lower level student editions for some of the subjects are printed in two volumes. The previous single volume edition was a bit cumbersome for children to carry in book bags, so the books were simply divided into a first semester book and a second semester book. The complete content of the material in each book remains intact, and the price per set remains the same ($12.95). Single semester books are not sold separately.

What information is on the answer and resource CDs?
Simple Solutions Student Answer CDs contain the answers to student lessons. The answers can be projected to allow students to self-check their work. Self-checking of the student lessons is an integral part of the Simple Solutions Approach. The Mathematics Answer CD (for selected grade levels) also contains valuable slide presentations for instruction and extra practice.

The Student Answer CD is optional but is an exceptional value. When the school buys one CD at grade level, additional copies for that grade level are provided at no extra charge.

How do I purchase Summer Solutions books for my children?
The best and most cost-effective way to purchase Summer Solutions is through your child's school. With a school coupon code, Bright Ideas Press can offer parents the option of free shipping, which amounts to a savings of at least $3 per book.

How can I purchase Summer Solutions for my children if this option is not offered through our school?
To purchase Summer Solutions, please visit our web store at www.SummerSolutions.net. Parents can purchase Summer Solutions anytime using VISA, MasterCard, or Discover. Shipping & handling fees will apply. If you would like help with your order or to pay by check, call us toll free at 877-382-7537.

What is the difference between Simple Solutions and Summer Solutions?
Summer Solutions books contain 30 lessons, along with an answer key and Help Pages. The lessons are meant to be done a few times per week over the 10-week summer break. Using Summer Solutions creates a seamless transition between grade levels because continuous review ensures retention of what was mastered at the grade level just completed.

Summer Solutions books utilize the same strategy that students use on a daily basis throughout the school year with Simple Solutions. However, anyone can use Summer Solutions books whether or not they have used Simple Solutions.