Tarmac Educational Services, Inc

History

Historical archive

Tarmac Educational Services is now closed. This page preserves the company’s history, images, and role in educational technology.

Historic classroom
Classroom projector
Students using laptops

In 1957 Jack McCracken, a former Principal from Buncombe County NC, founded Tarmac Audio Visual – the “Tar” comes from the Tarheel State North Carolina and the “Mac” comes from the McCracken family name. In the late fifties this seemed to be the thing to do. Our office for the first 35 years was at 71 North Market Street in Asheville NC, just across from the Thomas Wolfe House.

Jack believed that a well-trained teacher with good technology, when used appropriately, could have a much greater and positive effect on many more students than could a teacher alone. This philosophy continued through the life of the company. Beginning in the mid-sixties, Tarmac began concentrating on the use of projectors and audio tape programs to enhance reading skills. As technology changed, these programs grew into computer software.

Over the past six decades Tarmac represented countless publishers and manufacturers, as well as publishing and manufacturing its own educational programs, tools, and reading lab furniture.

We wish that Jack had lived long enough to see the most recent and fourth online version of Reading Plus. In those days, the ability to meet each student’s individual reading needs in each lesson was not even in our dreams.

During its 60 year history, Tarmac led technology suppliers by providing staff development and follow-up on all products distributed to schools. Support was enhanced to include onsite staff development, online staff development, and telephone, online, and onsite technical support.

Enhancing Education Through Technology

Tarmac was in the educational technology sales, marketing and training business beginning in 1957. There were constant and ever more rapid changes in educational technology.

The company followed the paradigm shift of educational technology for that time period. Its history reads like a book on ed-tech. Tarmac represented an uncountable number of publishers and manufacturers. It manufactured, printed and published educational materials and manufactured computer and reading lab furniture. In later years, the business represented software publishers as independent sales and marketing for specific areas.

For over 60 years Tarmac Educational Services helped educators implement programs that benefited students by providing individualized assessments and prescriptive educational plans.

Classroom scene

The 50’s

In 1957, Jack McCracken, a School Principal, founded TARMAC (derived from the ‘tar’ in Tarheel and the ‘Mac’ from McCracken), when he realized that technology had the potential of enhancing the teaching and learning process. He founded Tarmac Audio/Visual Company in Asheville North Carolina. With technology including overhead projectors, filmstrip projectors, and innovations being rapidly released, the need for additional targeted staff development was seen as critical. Tarmac began providing training on the use of technology and continued to be a leader in individualized instruction and staff development.

1960s

With the passage of federal funding through ESEA Title I and Title II, there were funds to purchase new and innovative tools to enhance education. Projectors with Basic Sight Word filmstrips and Sight Word filmstrips gave educators new options. For silent fluency development, filmstrips were developed that moved the print left to right. Tarmac offered classes on the proper usage of overhead projectors.

Vintage projector
Craig Reader learning aid

1970s -80s

To add audio components to the visual content being delivered on projectors, Tarmac enhanced instruction with the 3M Language Master and the Craig Reader. Seeing a need, the Tarmac Reading Inventory was developed and published by Tarmac to provide testing to assist individualized instruction. During this time the term Behavioral Objectives was introduced and Tarmac marketed the Fountain Valley Teacher Support System, an evaluation program that tested and managed specific skills in a continuum. An auditory instructional component was needed to reinforce skills. Tarmac developed and published IT, an individualized skills based teaching program with audio cassettes providing reading reinforcement. Later Tarmac published the Individualized Skill Drill Mathematics Series, also delivered on cassette. Also a program for older students, Math Skills for Daily Living.

Tarmac’s furniture factory built and installed the study carrels and hexagonal carrels to accommodate students while using the individualized visual and auditory programs to enhance their reading and mathematics skills. Later the furniture factory was given to the employees.

Employing this technology, during these years Burlington, NC, Pender County NC, Portsmouth, VA, Henrico County VA and Wood County WV were designated as Nationally Validated School Systems by the US Office of Education.

Tarmac reading lab furniture
IBM PC AT computer

1990’s

Educational technology began migrating from older technology to Apple I, II, and MS-DOS computers. US Office of Education Validated Mathematics Laser Disk programs were popular since they provided added instruction and reinforcement. West Pender Middle School’s staff installed a DOS computer lab and began using the MS-DOS version of programs during a summer program that were previously delivered on projectors. Most software programs were small stand-alone programs. Tarmac was Scholastic’s #1 dealer. Scholastic purchased a Tarmac published booklet, “A Guide for Better Reading.” In the mid-1990s, silent reading fluency development migrated to MS-DOS computer programs. Reading Plus was introduced during this time. This new system provided fluency in silent reading development, vocabulary improvement through contextual analysis, decoding practice, extensive reading, and comprehension enhancement.

To more accurately describe what Tarmac had grown into, in 1992, the name was changed to Tarmac Educational Services. (TES)

2000s

Technology for education began developing quickly. Online plus LAN/WAN, loaded on the school’s or district’s file servers, became available for schools to use. In early 2003, Mark Taylor developed a web-based version of Reading Plus. The new version offered the potential for online delivery as well as LAN and WAN use options. During the same year Visagraph III, designed by Taylor Associates, became an integral diagnostic component of the Reading Plus program. Improvements in technology allowed programs to be delivered online, anywhere on desktops, laptops, and handheld computers without additional uploads or downloads. Parkland High School in Winston Salem effectively implemented the software programs and was named “A Model High School” by the USOE.

Educational technology program

Archive Image Gallery

The media archive is organized by topic and approximate era, using dates from filenames and titles where available. Select any image to open it in the black lightbox, then use the left and right arrow keys to move through the complete archive.

Classrooms and Students

These images set the educational context for Tarmac's story: classrooms, students, and changing learning environments from traditional classrooms to laptop-era instruction.

A row of eight children lies on their stomachs against a white background, each reading a book. They wear brightly colored T shirts and hold books in varied colors: light blue, cream, blue, yellow, orange, mint, peach, and green. The children are close together and focused on the pages, creating a cheerful, studious scene. No other objects or background details are present.
kids_reading
A black and white vintage photo of an elementary classroom. Young students, mostly girls in dresses with hair bows, sit in rows of wooden desks with lift tops and inkwell holes, writing in open notebooks. Sunlight comes through large paned windows on the right. On the windowsill and wall are simple teaching cards with words like Monday and June, and numbers. The room has wooden floors, paneled walls, and a few books and framed pictures near the windows. The scene feels studious and nostalgic.
1950-classroom 1950
Black-and-white photo of a classroom where a female teacher stands at left, conducting with raised hands. About twenty elementary-age children sit in wooden desks holding songbooks titled New Music Horizons and appear to be singing. Behind them are chalkboards and a decorated bulletin board; a wall clock hangs high. A piano rests against the back wall. The students wear mid-20th century clothing such as dresses, sweaters, and plaid shirts. The room has hardwood floors and bright overhead lighting.
1950-classroom1 1950
Black and white photo of a midcentury classroom. Around two dozen students sit on simple wooden chairs facing the front. Most wear sweaters and collared shirts, some with ties, and hold notebooks. At the front a male teacher in a suit stands beside a long chalkboard with math, including 1/2, 2/3, 5/6 and p, q notation. A small television on a wheeled cart shows a chalkboard graphic with set notation A U B. The room has checkered linoleum floor, wood wall paneling, and a lab bench with a sink.
Ashley_tasmanian-classroom-e1361393856668
An old fashioned one room classroom with wooden floor and rows of cast iron and wood student desks facing a central teachers desk. A hand bell sits on the desk with a small stool beneath. A large chalkboard spans the wall, flanked by pull down world maps and a hanging split globe model. Shelves hold slates, an abacus, and a small photo. Long wooden benches line the sides. Sunlit windows, wall oil lamps, a framed portrait, and a U.S. flag complete the room.
old-school-classroom
A classroom-like scene with four children gathered around a silver laptop at a desk. From left to right: a boy in a red shirt, a girl in a light blue shirt, a girl in a dark blue jacket, and a boy in a yellow shirt. They look engaged and smiling at the screen. Notebooks, papers, and a pen are on the table, with a book in the foreground. Bright windows and a globe on a shelf in the background suggest a school setting.
kids-laptops

Audio Visual and Early Classroom Technology

Tarmac began in the audio visual era. This group collects projectors, reading machines, and early classroom technology that shaped instruction before computer labs became common.

Black and white photograph of a classroom lecture. An instructor sits at the left beside a large, boxy audiovisual machine on wheels with cables, dials, and a small CRT monitor mounted on an arm. Rows of students, mostly young men, sit in tablet arm chairs facing forward, some taking notes. The scene suggests a mid 20th century setting with formal attire. The room has plain walls and a textured floor. The image is presented within a design frame featuring gray background and yellow diagonal shapes at two corners.
ET-K12-TOT-3MProjector-Secondary-When
The image shows a beige desktop viewing machine with a hooded screen displaying magnified lines of text. The front panel has a brown strip with the word Reader and three black control knobs and switches. The unit sits on a circular base on a desk in an office setting, with cables and another device visible at right. In the foreground, a black box or binder labeled Craig Advanced Reading Program lies partially closed. The machine resembles a microfilm or microfiche reader.
craig-research-inc.-cr-2-vintage-1961-craig-reader-learning-aid-parts-2.18__23633.1490097820 1961
A beige overhead projector on a plain white background. The boxy base has a clear glass stage on top for transparencies, small vents, and a front panel with a pull out section. A vertical arm rises from the rear, featuring a large blue focusing knob. At the top, a hinged projection head contains a lens and an angled mirror to direct the image forward. A power cord loops from the back. The device appears clean and functional.
b42ba4e9b7c5cc5d88813a0efc6a82d5
A product photo of a vintage Bell & Howell film projector against a light blue background. Two reels are mounted: a black take-up reel on the left marked Autoload and a larger gray reel on the right with a small white label. The projector has a blue gray metal housing, a prominent lens, film guides and rollers, and a front control panel with knobs and switches. A power cord drapes from the side. A caption at the bottom reads Photo courtesy www.oaktreevintage.com.
bh_482_super_8mm_projector_web
A small overhead projector sits against a plain beige background. It has a black rectangular base with a glass stage on top, labels on the front panel, and a power cord trailing to the right. A vertical metal post supports an angled arm ending in a square lens head above the stage. The device is shown at a slight angle, with soft lighting and no other objects present.
PROJECTOR
A retro, lime green tabletop optical device on a light surface. It has a cylindrical lens housing on the front right with a knurled focus ring, several small metal levers and knobs, and a ventilated top panel. A red circular badge with the letters as appears on the side. At the front base is a metal slot or carrier, likely for inserting a slide or film frame. The unit stands on small feet and looks like a compact slide or film viewer or projector.
reading projector

Furniture and Learning Labs

Tarmac also designed and sold furniture for individualized instruction, including study carrels, computer cabinets, desks, mobile stations, and reading lab layouts from the 1980s and early computer era.

A classroom or library computer pod with a four way wooden study carrel on a light wood floor. Each quadrant holds an old beige CRT monitor, keyboard, and desktop tower, with a simple wooden chair pulled up to the desk. The monitors sit on risers and the dividers provide privacy around each station. In the background are green wall trim, a door with a brass knob, a whiteboard or screen, and a potted plant. The overall scene suggests a school setting from the late 1990s or early 2000s.
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A quiet computer lab classroom with multiple beige CRT monitors arranged on long rows of desks. Each station has a keyboard, mouse, and open manuals or binders, with blue screens that look like login or setup windows. Green office chairs sit at each workspace. Overhead fluorescent lights and a ceiling mounted projector are visible. A large whiteboard spans one wall, and tall windows with dark frames and blinds line another wall. Cables run along the desks. The room is tidy and unoccupied.
april1
This is a document about a Microcomputer Cabinet/Study Carrell. The page shows two black and white product photos: on the left, the cabinet open with a vintage computer, keyboard, and shelves holding binders; on the right, the cabinet closed. Below is the title MICROCOMPUTER CABINET/STUDY CARRELL. A paragraph describes features, portability for classrooms, privacy doors, walnut grained laminated particle board, and compatibility with most microcomputers. It lists Model CTM-3000 and price $379.00. At the bottom is contact information for Tarmac, Inc., Asheville, North Carolina.
Cabent Study Carrell 84
This is a document about an L-shaped executive desk for microcomputers. The page shows a black and white photo of the desk holding a vintage monitor and keyboard, two stacked disk drives, and a dot matrix printer. Shelves on the left store binders and manuals. Headline reads EXECUTIVE DESK FOR MICROCOMPUTERS. Text describes flexibility, space utilization, and storage for manuals and printer paper. It lists Model CTM-1000, price 219.00, and contact info for Tarmac, Inc., 71 N. Market Street, Asheville, N.C. 28801, phone 704/254-6361.
Executive Desk 1984 1984
It is a document about a Data Processing Station. The scan shows a monochrome photo of a 48 inch wide desk-like unit with a rounded top, center knee opening, side shelves, and small hooks or casters below. Text explains mobility and storage for software, forms, and manuals. Model CTM-2500 is listed with a price of $249.00. Contact info at the bottom: TARMAC, INC., 71 North Market Street, Asheville, N.C. 28801, Phone 704/254-6361. The page is cream colored with three binder punch holes along the left edge.
Furniture Data Processing Station 84
A collage of photographs on dark paper showing various wooden computer furniture. Top left: a hexagonal table with a small central organizer. Top right: a black and white photo of low cabinets with shelves and a printer. Middle left: a row of rolling wooden computer carts with CRT monitors, keyboards, and printers. Middle right: a black and white scene in a large room where two people stand at computer workstations. Bottom: a curved wooden workstation with built in shelves and a single CRT setup. Bottom right displays a logo reading TARMAC.
Furniture Images 84
This is a document about computer laboratory furniture, specifically Model 1500C. It looks like a scanned product flyer. The top shows the title and two black and white photos of a hexagonal table set up with multiple vintage computers, monitors, and printers; two people stand near the setup. Below, text sections labeled Description, Specifications, Size, and Price outline the table features and capacity. The bottom includes a company logo and contact information for Tarmac, Inc., with an Asheville, NC address and phone numbers.
Lab Hex Tables
It is a document about an educational software catalog. A scanned cover reads Sterling Swift Publishing Company and Catalog for the School Year 1983-1984. The center shows a bright collage of product covers and worksheets, with titles such as COM-LIT Computer Literacy for Kids, Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners, Basic and Logo, Dial a Command, Fundamentals of Mathematics, and The Money Manager. The design uses gray borders with yellow, orange, and red stripes and has two punched holes.
Mobile Station 1984 1984
This is a document about a mobile station desk for microcomputers. The page headline reads Mobile Stations for Microcomputers. A black and white photo shows a small workstation with a monitor shelf and a table holding a computer keyboard unit and a peripheral device. The company is Tarmac, Incorporated, 71 N. Market St., Asheville, N. C. 28801. Text details steel tubing legs, walnut woodgrain or almond laminate 1 1/8 inch particle board, and optional casters or levelers. Specifications and prices appear: CD-100 129.00, CD-110 40.00, CD-120 22.50, CD-125 29.50. Phone 704/254-6361.
Mobile Station Furniture 1984 1984
Document scan about a Student Desk Mobile Microcomputer Stand. A black and white photo shows a small wheeled desk holding a vintage computer with monitor and keyboard, plus two external drives. Side shelves store binders and manuals. Caption reads STUDENT DESK MOBILE MICROCOMPUTER STAND. Text explains the rugged, mobile design for schools, offering protection and storage. Model CTM-2000. Price 189.00. Footer provides contact for Tarmac, Inc., 71 N. Market Street, Asheville, N.C. 28801, phone 704 254 6361. The page has punched holes along the right edge.
Student Mobile Desk 84

Catalogs and the Software Era

Many scans date from 1984 through 1990, when educational software catalogs, Apple II and MS-DOS materials, and publisher catalogs became central to school technology purchasing.

A vintage beige desktop computer from the 1980s. A boxy CRT monitor sits on a swivel base, displaying multi colored text and panels on a dark screen. The monitor has a small badge and two round control knobs with a power switch on the right. Below is a rectangular system unit with front ventilation slots, status lights, and a single 5.25 inch floppy disk drive with an eject button. A matching full size keyboard with function keys on the left and a numeric keypad is placed in front.
ibm_pc_at
This is a document scan about an educational software catalog. The cover text reads TARMAC presents The Educational Software Catalog. A large cartoon shows a yellow house with a shingle roof and red brick chimney; through a big window, a classroom appears with a teacher at a chalkboard and students at desks. A tree, lawn, and flower bed are in front, with a white picket fence at right and a blue sky with clouds above. Bottom text states 1984 - Second Edition. The page has age spots and binder holes.
1984 Catalog 1984
This is a document about resource materials for the gifted and talented. The cover reads Educational Impressions at the top in blue on a pink grid. Below, three hot air balloons float over stylized mountains; the largest balloon shows 1987 in pink diamond panels. The word Presents appears above the scene. Bottom text states Resource Materials for the Gifted & Talented. Colors are purple, blue, and pink. Three hole punches on the left edge suggest a scanned booklet or catalog cover.
Educational Impressions Gifted – 1987 1987
It is a document about Hartley Educational Software from 1984 for the Apple II and IIe. The cover features a vintage illustrated storefront labeled Hartley Software Shop and an old delivery truck with red spoked wheels parked in front. A large red Hartley title arcs across the top above a tan ribbon reading 1984 Educational Software. An orange banner at the bottom states For the Apple II and IIe with pointing hand icons. The page has a retro print style and hole punches along the left edge.
Hartley 1984 1984
This is a document about educational software titled Intellectual Software. The page has blue and red borders with three hole punches on the left. It promotes excellence in ease of use, educational content, program design, and overall value. A bulleted list of subjects includes reading, writing skills, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, careers, accounting, test preparation, mathematics, geography, science, health, reasoning skills, foreign language, fine arts, law, and history. At the bottom it lists platforms Apple, IBM, TRS-80, COM. 64 and a red line: Win a free Apple IIe using MICROPOLLER! details inside.
Intellectual Catalog 1984 1984
It is a document about microcomputer software, a 1984/1985 catalog cover. Large pink outlined text reads Micro Computer Software on a black background with a magenta geometric panel. In the center is a blue neon, blocky human figure made of rectangles. The top right says 1984/1985 Catalog. The bottom lists TRS-80, Apple II Plus, and PET with small square checkboxes. Three round binder holes appear along the left edge, indicating a scanned, punched catalog page.
Microcomputer 1984 1984
It is a document about K-12 educational courseware from Milliken. The page shows an Apple IIe computer on a wooden school desk, with a CRT displaying a crossword-style vocabulary program. Two colorful books titled The Spelling System and Math Sequences sit beside the computer, along with a ruler, scissors, and a pencil. Large white text reads Milliken at the top and Where Tradition and Technology Meet K-12 Courseware at the bottom. The background is green, and punch holes on the left edge suggest a catalog or brochure page.
Milliken 1984 1984
This is a document about a vintage print advertisement. A black page features a diagonal rainbow stripe and the Milliken logo at top left. Large white headline reads Milliken Remembered What Bank Street Writer TM Forgot. Below, a photo shows an Apple IIe style computer with a green monochrome monitor. The screen displays a menu labeled DESK with options such as HELP MANUAL, FILE CABINET, WRITING TOOLS, CALENDAR, INTEGRATOR, and WHAT IS YOUR CHOICE. Three round punch holes are visible along the left edge.
Milliken Student Word Processor 1984 1984
It is a document about the Pelican Software 1989-1990 K-12 catalog. The cover is teal with large pink title text and shows a collage of cheerful cartoon characters: a pelican in a bow tie, a small robot, a dinosaur, a walking pencil, kids, and friendly monsters. A computer screen displays penguins and habitats. School items like a backpack, books, a ruler, and a graduation cap appear. At the bottom, magenta text reads Learning... for the fun of it!
Pelican Software 1990 1990
This is a document about tested and evaluated educational software from Programs for Learning, Inc. It is a black and white page showing a desktop scene with a row of science textbooks, mostly chemistry and physics. In front is a three ring binder labeled programs for learning chemistry, scattered data sheets, and a folder marked PFL. At the bottom, a boxed headline reads TESTED AND EVALUATED SOFTWARE from programs for learning, inc. The page has left margin hole punches.
Programs for learning Chemistry, Physics 1985 1985
It is a document about Sunburst educational computer courseware from 1984. The cover has a black header with the red title SUNBURST and a sun emblem. Text lists platforms: Apple, Atari, Commodore 64 and PET, IBM PC, TI 99/4A, TRS-80 I, III, 4, TRS-80 Color. Left header reads Educational Computer Courseware Preschool-Adult. Below is a 3x3 grid of colorful childlike drawings of computers on desks. The center panel says Over 30 New Programs!. The style is playful, with rainbows, stripes, polka dots, and flowers.
Sunburst 1984 1984
This is a document about an educational software catalog. The cover reads TARMAC presents the Educational Software Catalog. Below is a colorful illustration of a yellow house with a shingled roof and large front window showing a classroom inside. A teacher stands at a chalkboard with students seated at desks. Blue curtains frame the window, a tree and flower bed are in the yard, and a white picket fence is at right. The page shows binder holes and age spots. Bottom text: 1984 - Second Edition.
Tarmac Catalog 1984 1984
This is a document scan about educational microcomputer teaching materials. The cover reads Teaching Materials Microcomputer, Grades 1-12, 1987 in green text within a black bordered frame. Below is an illustration of a house painter in white overalls and a blue shirt, holding a paint bucket and brush while painting a yellow wall with a window. Words on the illustration include Software, Apple, TRS-80, Commodore 64, and Free Puzzle Inside. The page has a white background, thick black borders, and three ring binder holes on the left.
Teaching Materials 1987 1987
This is a document about an educational typing program and the Dungeon Doom Typing Game. It appears as a scanned brochure page with three columns: a Table of Contents listing lessons and topics, a Typing section describing drills, speed tests, and a student management system, and a Dungeon Doom description covering gameplay and supported platforms. A blue keyboard diagram with the words Press RETURN to continue sits near the top. At the bottom right is a small screenshot of the game inside a monitor frame. A price list for Apple, TRS-80, and Commodore 64 versions runs along the right side.
Teaching Materials Index
This is a document about educational software for TRS-80 networks. The black and white page advertises microcomputer reading programs for TRS-80, model III or 4 with 16K. Sections describe Tank Tactics, Pik-Pek-Put, Riddle Me This, Tennis, Anyone?, and Big Door Deal, each with brief summaries and prices. A diagonal classroom photo shows students at computers. Order information lists TARMAC, INC, 71 N. Market, Asheville, NC 28801, phone 704 254-6361. Logos note Data Command and Division of Imperial International Learning Corp. Additional network discounts and program details appear at the bottom.
TRS80 Network 1984 1984
This is a document scan. It is a document about 1990 K-12 educational software from William K. Bradford Publishing Company. The cover shows a large title SOFTWARE, a sidebar listing programs like the Explore-a series, Bradford Arithmetic and Algebra, Graph Wiz, Heath science and languages, social studies, and computerized test banks. It mentions Apple II, MS-DOS, Macintosh, 5.25 and 3.5 disks, network versions, lab packs, and site licenses. A large forest photo dominates the page, with a TARMAC sticker at the bottom.
WM K Bradford Catalog Front 1990 1990

Reading Programs and Inventories

Reading instruction was a major part of Tarmac's work. These pages include reading inventories, reading games, skill materials, and program flyers from the 1980s and 1990s.

This is a document about a phonics and reading guide for parents and children. The right side is titled Knows sounds of beginning consonant letters with sections for Test, Progress Record, and Learning Activities, plus small drawings of a TV and a sack with school items. The left side explains the Progress Chart, skills, comprehension, and suggested parent questions. The bottom lists authors and an offer: A Guide for Better Reading $4.95 each from Tarmac, 71 North Market St., Asheville, North Carolina. A large circle states LESS 50 percent DISCOUNT. Page has binder holes.
Guide to better reading back
This is a document about a parent teacher reading program. The page features a large headline, Parents and teachers can work together, followed by the subhead, But they have to be shown how. A circular badge at the top right reads LESS 50% DISCOUNT. The body text explains steps introducing a book titled A Guide for Better Reading, with sections on getting ready to read, phonics and sight vocabulary levels I III, comprehension, and determining reading levels. A small image of the booklet with a child drawing appears at right. Simple border and punch holes on the left.
Guie To Better Reading Front Flyer
It is a document about a vintage computer advertisement. The page has a black background with a diagonal rainbow stripe and the word MILLIKEN at the top left. Large white headline text reads, Milliken Remembered What Bank Street Writer TM Forgot. At the bottom right, a beige desktop computer with a CRT monitor and keyboard is shown; the screen displays green monochrome menu text and a desk graphic. Two binder holes run down the left edge, giving it a punched brochure or catalog look.
img005
This is a document about the TARMAC READING INVENTORY TRI Computer Edition. It is a promotional page introducing a diagnostic and prescriptive reading program for remediation, designed for the Apple IIe and delivered via prerecorded tape cassettes. It describes a criterion referenced test identifying student mastery of 116 specific reading objectives and providing diagnostic information for instruction and reinforcement. A blue Student Skills Chart lists phonetic analysis, structural analysis, and vocabulary skills. Ordering information lists TARMAC, INC., 71 North Market Street, Asheville, N.C. 28801, with two 800 numbers.
img031
It is a document about phonics instruction for children and guidance for parents. The page is titled Knows sounds of beginning consonant letters, Phonics Level 1-b. It includes a Test with a sample word list, a Progress Record with alphabet letters to mark, and Learning Activities. The left column describes progress charts, comprehension skills, and how parents can help. At the bottom is an ad A Guide for Better Reading priced 4.95 with TARMAC contact in Asheville, North Carolina. A circle states LESS 50 percent DISCOUNT.
img042
This is a document scan about a 1990 K-12 software catalog from William K. Bradford Publishing Company. The cover headline reads SOFTWARE over a large forest photo. A sidebar lists featured titles including Explore-a-Classic, Explore-a-Story, Explore-a-Science, Explore-a-Folktale, Explore-Australia, Read, Write, & Publish, Bradford math and graph tools, Heath science, elementary and secondary math, Heath French and Spanish for Mastery, Social Studies, and computerized test banks. Another list highlights Apple II, MS-DOS, Macintosh, 5.25 inch and 3.5 inch disk formats, network versions, lab packs, and site licenses. A TARMAC sticker appears at the bottom.
img043
This is a document about an educational software catalog. The cover reads PELICAN SOFTWARE, 1989-1990 K-12 Catalog. A teal border frames colorful cartoons: a pelican with a bow tie, a friendly robot, a boy waving before a computer showing penguins and the words Habitats of the World, a walking pencil, a red haired student with backpack and book, a green dinosaur, purple and pink monsters, and a graduation-capped animal near toys. One monster holds a book titled A Monster Mystery. The bottom slogan says Learning...for the fun of it!
img044
This is a document scan about an educational program called IT, Individualized Teaching, for vocabulary, comprehension, and phonics. The light blue page shows the TARMAC logo at top left and a boxed heading. Large quoted letters IT appear on the left. A paragraph explains the program for elementary students using audio tapes and worksheets, self correcting and contextual. At the bottom are grayscale illustrations of a Comprehension Kit D box with cassette tapes and a Teachers Manual booklet. Three ring binder holes run down the left margin. The word BUILDS! appears large at the bottom.
img045
This is a document about an educational software catalog page focused on typing. Left column shows a table of contents with titles and topics such as Alphabet Express, Commas, Fractions, Grammar, Money, Spelling, Typing, Word Problems, and more. Center features a blue keyboard diagram and text describing guided typing drills with lessons like Home Row, Top Row, Bottom Row, Upper Case, Full Keyboard, and Speed Test, plus a student management system. Right column details the Dungeon Doom Typing Game for Apple, Commodore, and TRS 80. Bottom lists product codes and prices, with a small game screenshot.
img048
This is a document scan about an educational brochure for a reading comprehension software program, Steps to Comprehension, from Educational Publishing Concepts, Inc. The left side lists More Teacher Comments praising ease of use, large type over pictures, and the option to reread. The center features a mail in order panel with instructions to fill out the reverse side and a Tarmac, Incorporated, Asheville NC address label. The right side shows a photo of two people at a computer, an author biography, and a letter from the company president.
img049
An outdoor scene at a shallow rocky stream in a forest. Two people sit on boulders by the water. The person on the left wears a purple shirt and shorts with feet in the stream. The person on the right is shirtless in shorts, sitting in the water. Large smooth rocks fill the foreground, and a sloped rock face and dense green trees line the background. The water is clear and calm. The photo appears slightly faded with small specks, like an old snapshot.
img054
This is a document scan about Durham Public Schools Data Confidentiality and Security Agreement for Online Service Providers (Personnel Data). It includes the DPS logo and header, handwritten notes at the top, and a highlighted provider entry. The first page outlines sections: 1. Purpose, 2. Personnel Records and Information, 3. Compliance with Applicable Laws, Policies, and Procedures, 4. Authorized Use of Shared Data, and 5. Procedures for the Maintenance and Security of Shared Data. It references N.C. Gen. Stat. 115C-319 through 321 and DPS Board Policy 5235, defines Shared Data, limits use and ownership, and requires secure storage.
img055
This is a document scan about a Durham Public Schools Data Confidentiality and Security Agreement for Online Service Providers, focused on personnel data. The DPS logo appears at top left. At top right is a handwritten note, Attn: Ronald Wahlen. A provider name, Tarmac Ed. Svcs., Inc., is handwritten and highlighted near the first paragraph. The page lists numbered sections 1 to 5: Purpose, Personnel Records and Information, Compliance with applicable laws and policies, Authorized Use of Shared Data, and Procedures for the Maintenance and Security of Shared Data. Black text on white.
img056
This is a document about educational reading kits and worksheets. It is a blue sheet with black text in boxed tables. A top table lists Series I to V with kits A to E and Skills Covered such as antonyms, synonyms, comprehension, initial consonants and blends, short and long vowels, vowel combinations, word patterns, plurals, suffixes, and prefixes. A pricing box shows costs for each series and notes tapes and worksheet packages. Another box lists replacement worksheet prices and ordering details. The bottom has contact information for Tarmac, Incorporated, Asheville, NC. Three ring binder holes appear along the right edge.
IT Back
This is a document about educational computer reading games for the Apple II titled Learning Well Micro-Computer Reading Games. A large photo shows three children using an Apple II with a TV monitor, keyboard, and stacks of boxed game materials. Headings and red NEW bursts highlight the products. The left side lists many game titles with Blue and Red level editions and reading ranges. Bulleted features explain 2 to 6 players, user friendly terms, keyboard interaction, and score records. The bottom shows four small game screenshots with brief descriptions and prices of 49.95 each.
Learning Well Micro Computer Reading Games Front-1984 1984
This is a document about educational software titled Learning Well Micro-Computer Reading Games for the Apple II. It features a large blue headline with multiple red NEW bursts. A photo shows three children using a vintage computer with monitor, dual floppy drives, keyboard, and colorful booklets on a desk. The left panel lists many game titles with Red and Blue levels. The center and right panels describe features in bullet points. The bottom section shows four individual game descriptions with small screen images, product codes, and prices around 49.95. A vertical red sidebar reads Learning Well.
Learning well Reading 1984 Back 1984
This is a document about Adventures in Reading. The page features two tilted grids labeled matrix magic, each with small pictogram squares. At right it lists Authors: Dr. Denzil Edge, Larry McHenry, Suzanne McHenry. The bottom section shows TARMAC, INC., 71 N. Market Street, Asheville, NC 28801, with phone numbers 704-254-6361, 800-222-8270 (Inside NC), 800-247-2707 (Outside NC). A note says to write or contact TARMAC, INC., or your authorized representative. Three hole punches are visible along the left edge.
Matrix Magic Front
This is a document about RMI Media Productions video programs for education, business, and industry. The scanned cover reads 1990 Video Catalog and shows black and white illustrations: a person at a desktop computer, a presenter with a chart, a chef serving food, and a robotic arm welding metal. Blue and white layout with RMI logos and the words Printed in U.S.A. A vertical sidebar says RMI Media Productions 1990 Video Catalog. A white sticker with the word TARMAC appears near the bottom.
RMI Cover 90
This is a document about an educational program flyer. The light blue scan shows a TARMAC logo and the heading Individualized Teaching Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Phonics. A huge quoted IT title appears at upper left. Center text describes the IT program for elementary students, teaching vocabulary, comprehension, and word attack via audio tapes and worksheets, with self-correcting lessons and no reading level requirement. Bottom left shows a box labeled Comprehension Kit D with several cassette tapes. Right shows a Teachers Manual booklet. Three hole punches line the left edge. Bottom reads BUILDS!
Tarmac IT Front
It is a document about the Tarmac Reading Inventory TRI, a computer edition diagnostic and prescriptive reading program. The page has a large blue TRI logo and the heading INTRODUCING. Paragraphs explain use with Apple IIe and tape cassettes, a criterion referenced test identifying mastery of 116 objectives. A blue student skills chart shows phonetic, structural, and vocabulary skills. Bottom lists order information for TARMAC, INC., 71 North Market Street, Asheville, NC, with in state and out of state phone numbers. Paper shows hole punches and light wear.
Tarmac Reading Inventory 1986 front 1986
A document about the right to read. The page features large black serif text stacked vertically that says The Right to Read on a plain white textured background. At the bottom left, smaller text reads Target for the 70's. The design is minimal with ample blank space.
The Right To Read
This is a document about the Tarmac Reading Inventory (TRI), a diagnostic and prescriptive reading assessment for grades one through six and adults. The page features a bold INTRODUCING title, a large TRI logo, and paragraphs explaining its purpose, skills measured (phonetic analysis, structural analysis, vocabulary), mastery identification, and use in remediation via audio cassettes. It notes group or individual administration. The bottom shows a Student Skills Chart and ordering information for Tarmac, Incorporated, 71 N. Market, Asheville, NC 28801, phone 704-254-6361, with the phrase Serving Education.
TRI 2 Front
This is a document about prices for the TARMAC READING INVENTORY (T*R*I) Computer Edition. A boxed section lists contents: 1 TRI Computer Edition Diskette, 1 Back up Diskette, 8 Tape Cassettes, 1 Teacher's Manual, 1 Technical Manual, 50 Student Skills Charts; price $150.00. Another box lists the Vocabulary Section: 1 TRI Computer Edition Diskette, 1 Back up Diskette, 1 Tape Cassette (Vocabulary), 1 Teacher's Manual, 50 Student Skills Charts; price $65.00. Text describes individualized diagnostic/prescriptive reading use. Footer gives TARMAC, INC., Asheville, NC address and toll free numbers.
TRI Back 1986 1986
This is a document about the Wichita Reading Inventory, a reading skills testing program presented by Tarmac, Inc. The page features the header TARMAC PRESENTS and a large WRI logo, followed by Wichita Reading Inventory. It describes a criterion referenced test of 60 critical adult reading skills, developed in Wichita, Kansas, validated over 3 years, for grades seven through adult, and billed as inexpensive. Prices shown: Level G 150.00 and Level J 150.00. A W R I Covers section lists vocabulary, word attack, comprehension, and study skills topics. Contact at bottom: Tarmac, Inc., 71 N. Market St., Asheville, N.C. 28801.
Wichita Reading Inventory

Math, Writing, and Daily Living Programs

These materials focus on practical academic skills, including mathematics, writing, forms, job applications, daily living skills, and classroom support programs.

This is a document about a two volume program titled Mathematical Skills. The page is a red and white flyer describing Volume I: Computational Skills for Daily Living, with units on whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, plus practice, mastery tests, forms and tables. Volume II: Applying Mathematical Skills in Daily Living, with units on managing money, keeping up with income, checking accounts, simple measurements, and using maps, graphs, and charts, plus tests and teaching aids. A price box lists Volume I 39.00, Volume II 49.00, Complete Program 88.00. There is licensing text and an Order From line.
Math Skills For daily living Back
It is a document about mathematical skills for daily living. The red and white cover has a halftone look with three binder holes on the left. Large angled text says Mathematical Skills for Daily Living. A slanted card shows symbols %, 3 over 4, 23, and a dollar sign, with the phrases Applying Mathematical Skills in Daily Living and Computational Skills for Daily Living. A small list notes topics such as interest, discount, celsius, checks, deposits, gross pay, and 1040 form.
Math Skills Front 1989 1989
It is a document about a special offer promoting a new generation of childrens word processors. The white page features a large magenta headline reading Look Inside... A Special Offer. At the bottom is a burgundy three ring binder opened to a page titled The Writing Workshop with section tabs. Surrounding it are three 5.25 inch floppy disks labeled The Milliken Word Processor and File Cabinet Diskette. The sheet has three hole punches along the right edge, resembling a catalog or flyer, with a clean layout and ample white space.
Milliken Writing Back
This is a document scan about Milliken comparing childrens word processing software. The page is a brochure titled Compare Us and See How Milliken is Revolutionizing Childrens Word Processing. The red Milliken logo is at top left. The left column shows four green on black computer screen mockups labeled Desk, File Cabinet, Writing Tools, and Print to Screen. The right column lists Features and a comparison table for Milliken Word Processor vs Bank Street Writer with YES, NO, and numbers. A pink header bar and three ring binder holes appear on the right.
Milliken Writing P2
This is a document about a promotional flyer for the Milliken Word Processor for Apple II and IIe, comparing it with Bank Street Writer. The page lists features such as support materials, a Writing Workshop package, spelling checker, word counters, sentence counter, and thesaurus, marked YES for Milliken and NO for Bank Street Writer. A photo shows a child using a vintage computer. A cost comparison table shows Milliken 69.95, Bank Street Writer Scholastic 95.00, and Broderbund 69.95. The bottom has a special introductory price of 59.95 before June 30, 1984 and a mail in coupon.
Milliken Writing p3
It is a document about a writing instruction program titled Writing Skills for Daily Living. It lists three units: Writing for Job Applicants, Writing for Personal Use, and Writing Sentences and Paragraphs. The text explains the program aids students and adults, with activities for schools and community programs. Skills include preparing resumes, filling forms, writing application and business letters, notes, memos, friendly letters, and organized descriptive, narrative, and expository paragraphs. Each unit offers clear explanations and practical exercises. Uses include grades 8-12, community colleges, and self-instruction. Price shown is $49.00. Publisher: TARMAC, Asheville, North Carolina.
Writing Skills Back
This is a document about a Writing Skills instructional booklet and worksheets. The page features a large header Writing Skills and a TARMAC logo at the top left. On the left are two tilted book covers: Writing Skills for Daily Living by Dr. Brank Proffitt and a table of contents listing units for teachers, job applicants, personal use, and sentences and paragraphs. On the right are small images of worksheets and a filled form. The page is framed with a border and has three hole punches on the left.
Writing Skills for Daily Living front

Edufun and Other Software Materials

This group preserves software order forms, program pages, power supply references, and educational game materials from the microcomputer era.

It is a document about ordering educational software titled EDUFUN! ORDER FORM. The scan lists sections for Apple II and IIe, Atari, IBM PC, and Commodore 64, with stock numbers, titles, and unit prices mostly 39.95. Titles include Aliencounter, Arrow Graphics, Golf Classic, Frenzy Flip Flop, Battling Bugs, Adventure Alpha, Snake O Nym, and Pop N Spell. There are columns for quantity and total price. The lower part has blanks for bill to and ship to details, purchase order number, authorized signature, and date. A sticker at top reads TARMAC, Incorporated, Asheville NC, serving education. Printed in USA 2 84.
Edufun Back
It is a document about an advertisement promoting EduFun educational software. The top reads Catch The Love Of Learning. A retro computer with a CRT monitor shows a green cartoon alligator and four red fish streaking across the screen, plus a vertical math puzzle with 16, ?, and 7. The large word EduFun! spans the bottom between orange lines, above the tagline A Division of Milliken Publishing Company. The scene has a dark gradient background that highlights the computer.
Edufun front 1984 1984
This is a document about educational computer games for schools, branded EduFun and EduVenture, promoting learning skills. A large blue headline appears at left and a red EduVenture header at top right. A central photo shows a teacher and two students using an early personal computer. Text blocks describe features, teacher management, and a total package with diskette or cassette games and 32 reproducible worksheets, plus stickers and record keeping sheets. Bullet points highlight problem solving, flexibility, enrichment, and small group use. Additional sections mention extending activities, easy to use setup, and upcoming MathFun and WordFun titles.
Edufun inside 1
This is a document about educational computer games for children. A colorful catalog page for WordFun! and MathFun! shows screenshots with brief bullet lists. Titles include Adventure Alpha, Islands of Beta, Snake-O-Nyms, Aliencounter, Face Flash, Jar Game, Golf Classic, Compubar, and Frenzy. Each panel notes grade levels and skills such as problem solving, logic, counting, probability, reading graphs, and subtraction. The pixel art depicts scenes like a hut on a plain, a vending machine on an island, a snake spelling game, aliens, smiley faces, jars labeled A and B, a golf course, bar chart bars, and fish with numbers.
Edufun Inside2
It is a document about educational computer games for children. The scanned catalog page shows colorful screenshots with titles and short descriptions, each noting grade ranges and skills. Visible programs include Word Flip, Pop n Spell, Pop R Spell Challenge, Chaos, GulP, Arrow Graphics, Flip Flop, Battling Bugs, and Concentration. Topics cover spelling, vocabulary, addition, multiplication, geometry, directionality, spatial visualization, positive and negative numbers, and equivalent fractions. The layout uses black rounded screenshot frames with text blocks below. The right edge has a blue margin with a rainbow stripe and round punched holes.
Edufun Inside3
This is a document about educational software packages called EduFun. It appears to be a vintage flyer with the headline Introducing 5 exciting NEW EduFun packages. The page is divided into WordFun and MathFun sections, each with game screenshots and bullet descriptions. Titles shown: Word Machine, FourWord, WordLift, The Great Number Chase, Tangrams Puzzler, and Minit Maxit Targit. Described skills include spelling, letter patterns, alphabetizing, basic facts, visual perception, problem solving, and addition and subtraction. Three binder punch holes are visible along the left edge.
Edufun Inside4
It is a document about power strips and a surge suppressor for office work stations. A vintage ad page framed by a woodcut border. Top headline: Increase the Number of Electrical Outlets at Each Work Station. Drawings show 4 outlet and 6 outlet strips with on off switch, priced 29.95 and 34.95, models 4MO/S and 6MO/S. Text lists 15 amps, 125 volts, 1875 watts, 6 foot cord, circuit breaker and indicator light. Lower section headline: Protects and Extends the Life of Data and Word Processing Equipment. Features of FLEXIDUCT surge suppressor, model FS-6MO/S, price 69.95.
Power Supplies 84
This is a document about an educational software program called Steps to Comprehension, featuring teacher comments, an author bio, and a message from the president of Educational Publishing Concepts, Inc. The left side lists quotes praising the program for bilingual and LD classes, readability, and student engagement. The right column shows a small photo of two people using a vintage computer and text describing the program author. A boxed section From the President invites questions and a 30 day preview. Bottom left has mail order instructions with a Tarmac, Incorporated address sticker. Footer lists the company address.
Steps to Educaton, back

Reading Plus, Testimonials, and Partners

Later materials include Reading Plus graphics, school testimonials, and partner or association images connected to Tarmac's educational technology work.

A clean logo on a white background that says reading plus in lowercase. Reading is in light blue, plus is in green. Between the words is an abstract triangular swirl made of curved ribbons in green, orange, and blue. A small registered trademark symbol appears near plus.
reading plus logo
An infographic on a white background. At left is a looped triangular ribbon in gradient colors: orange labeled Efficiency, green labeled Motivation, and blue labeled Capacity. To the right are three colored headings with bullets. Efficiency: Silent Reading Rate, Stamina, Visual Skill Efficiency. Motivation: Extrinsic Motivation, Self-Efficacy, Interest, Value. Capacity: Comprehension Capacity, General Academic Vocabulary. Thin gray connector lines link the loop to the lists. Along the bottom, gray text reads: Addressing the Whole Student. Clean, modern design with ample white space.
ed542efae0ed26367c62c48fd2863993
Logo featuring the letters NCASA in large gradient blue to gray type. The first A is stylized as a human figure with an arm raised, forming the left leg of the A, tossing a blue graduation cap. Below, bold text reads NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION, and a lighter line beneath reads OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, flanked by short horizontal lines. The design is clean and modern on a white background.
NCASA small
It is a document about the Reading Plus Program at Lake Norman Charter High School. The page shows the LNCharter logo at top left, followed by the school address in Huntersville, NC, phone and fax numbers, and the website. A long testimonial explains that since 2014 the program has produced strong growth, improved silent reading proficiency, fluency, and vocabulary, and supports individualized levels. It cites 10th grade test gains, student motivation, and positive student quotes. The teacher notes using reports for remediation and calls it a game changer. Signed Melissa Scire.
LN Charter School
This is a document about a school’s use of Reading Plus to improve student reading outcomes. It is a formal letter on Wallburg Lions letterhead, with a logo at the top center and titles for principal and assistant principal at the top corners. Addressed to Mr. Taylor, it summarizes a pilot at South Davidson Middle School and a large elementary school, noting gains in proficiency and growth. The body is several paragraphs. A footer lists the school’s street address in Winston Salem, NC, and a phone number.
Wallburg Testimonial

Miscellaneous Preserved Media

A few images in the media library appear to be supporting graphics, utility screenshots, or unrelated preserved files. They are included here so the archive remains complete.

A sleek graphic with the MERCURY wordmark in large italic white letters on a dark gray background patterned with subtle wavy lines. To the left is a circular emblem showing a bold letter M above two stylized waves, bordered by a silver ring. The left edge has diagonal bands of black, white, and a red gradient.
facebook-share
This is a document about a marine dealership advertising used outboards, personal watercraft, and engines. The collage shows multiple jet skis, a large Mercury 200 XS outboard, racing and engine images, and a storefront labeled NCBoatBrokers with watercraft displayed outside. A headline says We Are the Largest Used Outboard Dealer. Brand logos include Mercury, Mercury Racing, Yamaha Outboards, Volvo Penta, Evinrude Johnson, Indmar, PCM Marine Engines, and Interstate Batteries. Text highlights The All New XS 550 SC with 550 horsepower of supercharged enjoyment.
ncbbhp1 (1)
The image shows a webpage styled calculator titled Inflation Calculator within a thin blue border. It includes input fields filled with 1984 for the starting year and 69.95 for the purchase price, labeled enter year and I purchased an item for $. Another field shows 2017 as the comparison year. The displayed results state that the same item would cost $164.14 and the cumulative rate of inflation is 134.6%. A blue rectangular CALCULATE button appears centered near the bottom. The text is mostly blue and black with bold result figures.
calc 69.95
A screenshot of an Inflation Calculator webpage inside a blue bordered box. The blue title reads Inflation Calculator. On the left are fields labeled If in 1984 and then in 2017. On the right is a field labeled I purchased an item for $ with the value 39.95 and small text enter year by each field. The result section states that same item would cost $93.74 and cumulative rate of inflation: 134.6%. A centered blue CALCULATE button appears at the bottom.
Inflation calc
Photo of a small rectangular slate chalkboard with a thick light brown wooden frame on a white background. The slate surface is dark gray and worn, with faint erased chalk marks and scratches. The frame has rounded corners, visible joints, and small metal pins, showing age and slight chips. Lighting is bright and even, creating soft shadows around the board. No text, people, or additional objects are present. It is not a document scan.
school-slate