Math... again

[Ame E.]

Having put both kids in school last year for eighth grade, math was a disaster for my son who did Algebra I using this Dressler algebra book. For my daughter they used Algebra 1/2 Saxon, and she had a very conscientious teacher and she is all ready for whatever algebra program we choose for her. She scored 100 on the Saxon Algebra I placement test. We will probably continue with Saxon because she is comfortable with it.. Whether we use the second or third edition is another matter.. She has already started the review lessons for the second edition, problem set A and B and is doing fine.

My son on the other hand has gone back to what seems like a 5th or 6th grade math level. I had to reteach borrowing from fractions yesterday. Today my daughter said he did not know how to find the area of a rectangle, which he learned in sixth grade. I am going to eventually sign up with a homeschool school... but the math situation is kind of urgent.. so we are doing an hour of math a day this summer.. I have started him in Algebra I, 2nd edition Saxon, and we are moving slowly.. He gets it and actually remembers some stuff once you sit with him.. It's just that I don't know if this is where he should be.. My original plan was to either have him do teaching textbooks algebra I and then move on to algebra 2 or Jacobs.. or use the Saxon third edition with the DVD instructor.. I had even thought of the Abeka 9th grade algebra video course.. Now that I see where he is at, I am thinking maybe I should do algebra 1/2 with him over the summer.. etc.. but I don't know.. It could be that they just did no review in the class, and that is why he is struggling so much.

any advice about placements or math programs would be great. He is not visual at all. You have to point things out to him.. He is almost a totally oral learner.. He is very smart, and can get it right when he focused. I stupidly took a hands-off approach this year, and looking back I should have pulled him out first quarter and had him in Algebra 1/2 with his sister. Now it's catch up time..

Anyway, if you've struggled with this kind of thing, please let me know what you did which worked. I know there is a ton of stuff on line.. and also I thought of hiring a math tutor, but our income is extremely limited.. so I don't know if that would work.

Thanks

[langfam]

I have one DS who needs a lot of "hand-holding" with math. This year, 8th, he did Jacob's Algebra, but everything came to a screeching halt at complex algebraic fractions. I wish now that I had taken this year to works on his basics. My other dc had done well with the Saxon method but not this one, so his foundation was weak.He really needed a mastery approach and I needed to give him more tools before moving him into Algebra. We've stopped Jacob's for a couple of months now and I'm reviewing with him using Key To Algebra and Lial's Basic College Math. It's going a lot better and he seems to be getting it. I realize that he's going to have to redo Algebra 1 in 9th, but that's OK. He'll use Chalkdust because the instructor, Dana Mosely, is just excellent!

[Jann in TX]

I think your son would benefit from a more traditional math program. He needs to see the BIG picture. Saxon works well for students with a good grasp of the basics...I saw a lot of red flags going up when I read your post.

Since your son has already been through Algebra 1 once he may or may not need a full program. It is very likely that he has a few minor 'holes' in his algebraic thinking/logic. Once these are found and retaught he will be on his way to success with math.

If at all possible I suggest a 'real' math teacher/tutor (one-on-one) for at least a few sessions. They should be able to assess and make suggestions for programs/schedules. Video programs are nice--but they do not address flaws in the student's own personal logic.

As far as a review text goes, your best bet bargain would be in a text like Lial's Introductory Algebra. The lessons are VERY self-teaching (without the optional videos). ALL of the teaching is there--so the student sees the whole concept worked out. You could pick up a copy of the 'older' 2001 7th edition for around $10.

I would NEVER suggest Saxon for remedial purposes. (I've taught/tutored Saxon for well over 10 years and I actually like the program--for some students).

Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions--or if you need some suggestions/help on developing a plan for your son.

snikrepj @ gmail.com

[Ame E.]

both of you...

Jann I emailed you.

Ame

[HSKLNG]

ALEKS for assessment, reenforcement and build some confidence?

ALEKS work with what the student knows and from then moves ahead or back again to teach or reteach. Is a mastery program, will not let the student do anything of his/her liking if she/he is not ready for it.

HTH, just thinking on a change of environment (from books to computer)