Chalkdust Math sequence after Geometry

[TravelingChris]

WHen I was in school, only really non-mathy students took just Algebra 2. Everyone else who was at least somewhat math proficient took Alg 2/Trig. If they were math or science kids, they took it in 10th grade, followed by a year sequence of Analytical Geometry and Functions, followed by Calculus. If they were decent in math but hadn't taken Alg in 8th grade, they ended up taking doing the same sequence but never taking Calculus before college.

 

Has all this changed? I was really expecting to use Chalkdust for my dd's Junior year that is upcoming but I am not sure what to order and if it will be enough. I figure she needs to get in trig before 12 grade so she can do better on the SAT or ACT. Any advice?

[Jann in TX]

The 'current' math sequence:

 

Algebra 1

Geometry

Algebra 2

Pre-Calc

Calc

 

Note: Geometry may be taken anytime after Algebra 1 and before Pre-Calc.

 

Pre-Calc is the 'current' name for Advance Maths before Calculus. A Pre-Calc program will include advanced algebra, functions, a touch of analytical Geometry and one semester of Trig.

[TravelingChris]

Well why has math been dumbed down? I was not a stellar math student. I did have abilities in it since I majored in heavily math oriented economics and then later did grad work which involved lots of statistics and probability coursework. Yet I was able to do Algebra 2 and Trig in the same year. Is it just Chalkdust that is this way? Are there other alternatives that are still combining Algebra with Trig? I don't like the Foerster series.

[Susan C.]

That is a complaint against CD Alg. 2, that they don't have trig. The course is excellent otherwise for a math oriented student. We did CD Alg. 2, but it was too hard, and my son burned out half way through. Dana Mosely did admit that that course is just shy of college algebra, I can vouch for that! So, we did BJUP Alg. 2 the next year, it had trig in it, along with calculator instruction that was very helpful. Our cousin teaches honors Alg. 2, he did tell me they don't do trig because of lack of time, I was calling to ask if it was ok that we didn't do sequences, he said they do those instead of trig. Trig is covered in precalc, and at my son's college, trig is covered in college algebra.

[Jann in TX]

IF anything it has been expanded!

 

Most of the older 'Agebra 2 w/trig' texts just had an introduction to Trig... mainly dealing with triangles...not as much information. The separate high school/college level Trig (a one-semester course) goes into much more detail.

 

Analytical Geometry is now integrated into the Algebras (instead of a separate 1-semester course).

 

Algebra 2 texts now offer a heavier emphasis on functions and coordinate graphing. Graphing is taught on a MUCH deeper level now than what it was 20 years ago--mainly due to computers/graphics.

 

As far as Chalkdust's Algebra 2--it is a FULL course. Trig doesn't need to be in there as it is fully covered in the next STANDARD level course--Pre-Calc.

 

Pre-Calc is a relatively new term for College Algebra, Trig and some more Analytical Geometry and such.

[Hoggirl]

The "triangle stuff" (what mathy lingo for me to use!) of which Jann spoke.

[TravelingChris]

Okay, I understand that they changed the sequencing some but doesn't the SAT and the ACT require basic trig? If you are not doing accelerated math, you wouldn't have pre-calc until your senior year. This kid is not going to need trig in her future life but just needs enough for the tests. (How do I know? Because I got a degree in Economics with Calculus and Stat classes and followed up with Masters and ABD in Criminal Justice with lots of stat and probability classes on a grad level and never encountered trig again until I homeschooled.)