Help with Discovering Mathematics and SAT prep

[Lenora in MD]

My dd (14) is entering 9th grade next year. She is about half way though Discovering Mathematics 1A. I am worried that at this rate, she will not be prepared when it comes time for the SAT. How much should I push her? How far through the series does she need to get before the SAT?

 

Thank you!

[Teachin'Mine]

Looking at Singapore's site, it looks like they recommend this book for 7 - 10th grades. Even though it's pre-algebra, they say it incorporates, algebra, geometry and even trig. I'm not familiar with the books in this series, so others will answer to how far you need to go, but I can tell you that getting a good foundation is key. It sounds like she's doing that with this book. If you're concerned about her pace, maybe she can do math year round. Personally, I don't think it's a good idea to push speeding through a book - especially in the pre-algebra phase as then they don't get the concepts and are lost later on. Take the time now, and you won't regret it. :)

[DebbS]

She's got a few years before she'll need to take her SAT. Keep in mind that Singapore Math runs about a year ahead of most kids in the US. In addition I've read (though I have no first hand knowledge) that the SAT tests for Algebra I and Geometry level math and that anything higher level than this would be tested with a subject test. If this is the case (somebody correct me if I'm wrong) she should be more than ready for the SAT when she has finished level 3 and possibly even level 2.

[emzhengjiu]

deleted duplicate

Edited June 20, 2010 by emzhengjiu

[emzhengjiu]

My daughter is using NEM 1 this year but will be transitioning to Discovering Math 2 this fall. It's my understanding that both NEM and DM are 4 year math programs that integrate algebra, trig and geometry. I believe DM1 has a math review for the first several chapters then moves into algebra, trig and geometry just as NEM 1 does. As far as I know, neither NEM 1 nor DM1 are true pre-algebra programs. My daughter does not like NEM so this year I supplemented with MEP and a traditional algebra 1 text.

 

When my daughter is ready for the SAT, I plan on an intensive review of the math covered since American scope and sequence is different. I'm hoping there won't be too many areas to review but we're two or three years from that.

 

edited to add I hope others respond because I would like to know how well NEM lines up with SAT testing. DM should be about the same.

[Lenora in MD]

Actually, I don't think DM1 had much review. It seems to jump right into new information. We are planning on doing math year round to help her get through all the levels. I need to do that with all my children, as we never seem to get enough math done!