Can't decide on Algebra I

[my2kidsmom]

My dd is getting close to finishing Pre-Algebra. We have used Horizons since 1st grade and I was please to see that they published Pre-Algebra just in time for us to need it. Sadly, they don't have Algebra and I'm having trouble figuring out where to go from here.

 

I want to find a program that will be a good match and would really prefer it is a program with a DVD or online teacher that (like TT) works out every problem when they get it wrong or at least works some of the problems. I looked at TT and felt it was not really as advanced, but I only looked up to lesson 40. Alot of what I saw was review of what she has done in Horizons Pre-Alg. We have had to google and use Kahn and youtube videos several times which I don't mind doing but I would like to have a more exact match for the problems, types of problems, and exact method being taught.

 

I would appreciate any suggestions or guidance.

 

Thanks!

[Teachin'Mine]

Saxon has a few options for DVD lessons to go along with it. I think that if you want the problems in the book worked out for you on DVD, then Saxon Teacher would be the one to use. No experience with it at all though.

[Lori in MS]

Saxon has a few options for DVD lessons to go along with it. I think that if you want the problems in the book worked out for you on DVD' date=' then Saxon Teacher would be the one to use. No experience with it at all though.[/quote']

 

My son used Saxon Teacher with Saxon Algebra 1. He watched the lesson and watched Saxon teacher for every problem he missed. It has all of the problems worked out for the whole book.

[SailorMom]

Foerster is an excellent text.

 

We are not using Home Study Companion, but I think it would fit the bill for what you need

 

http://www.mathwithoutborders.com/Algebra-I/index.html

[Sunshine State Sue]

While I loved Foerster, if I wanted a DVD program, I'd check out Chalkdust. I've seen consistent positive reviews of it.

 

I would not use TT. From what I have read on these boards, it is below grade level.

 

My 2c.

[Beth in SW WA]

While I loved Foerster, if I wanted a DVD program, I'd check out Chalkdust. I've seen consistent positive reviews of it.

 

I would not use TT. From what I have read on these boards, it is below grade level.

 

My 2c.

 

:iagree:

Older dc used CD for alg. I am re-watching my alg 1 dvds again with dd. We love Prof. Mosely -- although he is loooooong-winded at times.

[dereksurfs]

I am also looking at various options. Some I am consideing are:

• Foerster's combined with Math w/o Borders instruction. Gets favorable review
  
• Derek Owen's online class - many parents/students like his classes
  
• Kinetic Books - looks interesting with good reviews as well
  

The other thing to consider is CLE Algebra 1. Although there are no videos which I am aware of for it, CLE is generally regarded good for independent learning. That combined with Khan academy may be a good alternative.

I may also use what is considered as light Algebra 1 (e.g. TT, MUS) as a bridge from Pre-A to more rigorous programs. I don't mind spending extra time with Algebra since its understanding will lay a good foundation for other secondary math courses to follow.

Edited February 3, 2012 by dereksurfs

[TheApprentice]

Ds has used Chalkdust for pre-alg. and Derek Owens for alg. 1. He definitely preferred Derek Owen's delivery of the topics.

[dereksurfs]

Ds has used Chalkdust for pre-alg. and Derek Owens for alg. 1. He definitely preferred Derek Owen's delivery of the topics.

 

I've heard that Derek Owens courses are somewhat fast paced as well as the fact that he talks fast. How would you rate the difficulty level of his Algebra 1 class for younger students? I know he requires them to take notes and do homework. Does it seem like a moderate amount of homework, like an hour a day or so? I also wonder how he handles students who struggle more vs. those who simply get it right away? I can imagine he gets a wide range of ages and abilities, especially for Algebra 1. Maybe I should ask this as a separate thread. Hmm...

Edited February 3, 2012 by dereksurfs

[mom31257]

I think Jann on the board does online classes with Lial's, but I'm not sure. I switched dd from BJU to Lial's because she really likes being independent, figure out the lesson and come to me if she has questions. I felt that BJU didn't have enough good examples for that. It wasn't bad math, but it's designed for a classroom teacher to do most of the instruction.

 

I'm going to use Lial's Introductory Algebra and Intermediate Algebra for Algebra 1 & 2. I'm going to use TT for Geometry. From what I've read on here, Geometry is the only course of TT's that most recommend. I'm not sure which math dd will do for her 4th credit. I think it will have to be Pre-Calculus or Statistics here in our state.

[Mallorie]

I think Jann on the board does online classes with Lial's, but I'm not sure. I switched dd from BJU to Lial's because she really likes being independent, figure out the lesson and come to me if she has questions. I felt that BJU didn't have enough good examples for that. It wasn't bad math, but it's designed for a classroom teacher to do most of the instruction.

 

I'm going to use Lial's Introductory Algebra and Intermediate Algebra for Algebra 1 & 2. I'm going to use TT for Geometry. From what I've read on here, Geometry is the only course of TT's that most recommend. I'm not sure which math dd will do for her 4th credit. I think it will have to be Pre-Calculus or Statistics here in our state.

 

This is our tentative plan, too. Ds just starting Introductory. There are Digital Video Tutors that go along with this curriculum, as well as interactmath.com. We aren't far enough into it for me to review, but i've gotten good feedback about this path.

[Julie in MN]

I want to find a program that will be a good match and would really prefer it is a program with a DVD or online teacher that (like TT) works out every problem when they get it wrong or at least works some of the problems.

 

Math Relief meets these requirements. It has videos for every lesson. It has worksheets with the problems already written out. And thirdly, it has worksheets with the solutions all completely worked out. Finally, they do answer emails if you get stuck.

http://www.mathrelief.com/

 

I've used TT Geometry and thought it was good, but not sure if the Algebra is even the same teacher?

 

Julie

[HiddenJewel]

Askdrcallahan has video math.

[TheApprentice]

Derek Owens class is self-paced (distance learning course). My son actually thought Moseley talked too fast and was confusing. Derek Owens's explanations are very clear. And while he is talking, the student is filling in the notebook as he goes along. The student can always push the pause button.;) There are actually more practice problems in the workbook that there are homework questions, which are the ones you send in for a grade. After the first chapter or so, you can decide to do Alg. 1 or Alg. 1 Honors (which just has 1 more page of homework, a bit more difficult, and an extra page on the tests, which are a bit more difficult as well. My ds has done very well in the course. Hope this info. helped.:001_smile:

[abbeyej]

I'll second Derek Owens. He has been a really wonderful find for us -- challenging coursework presented in a very approachable way. Ds went from Horizons 6 (the pre-alg wasn't available then) with a little supplementation from the Key to Alg books (and other math supplements along the way in elementary) to Dolciani Algebra 1 (the same text Derek Owens uses) and from there to Derek's geometry and then algebra 2 courses. I really have been very, very happy with Derek and we plan to stick with him through AP Calc.

[Sunshine State Sue]

I'll second Derek Owens

We used Derek Owens, not for math, but for physics. Definitely highly recommend him. :thumbup:

[Jasda]

Have you looked at Videotext? It's an all inclusive DVD program, reviewing Pre-algebra and covering Algebra 1 and 2.

[Storm Bay]

While I loved Foerster, if I wanted a DVD program, I'd check out Chalkdust. I've seen consistent positive reviews of it.

 

I would not use TT. From what I have read on these boards, it is below grade level.

 

My 2c.

:iagree: We even have TT Algebra 1.

 

I think Jann on the board does online classes with Lial's, but I'm not sure. I switched dd from BJU to Lial's because she really likes being independent, figure out the lesson and come to me if she has questions. I felt that BJU didn't have enough good examples for that. It wasn't bad math, but it's designed for a classroom teacher to do most of the instruction.

 

.

Lial's is a fairly good text, and if my ds does Algebra 1 at home I plan to have him use that & do Jann's online classes.

 

We have used Saxon, but not as far as Algebra. However, it wasn't a good fit for us.

 

Chalkdust is expensive, but apparently there is a cheaper way to buy it (but without the support).

 

My dd did Algebra 1 twice. While we tried a number of Algebra 1 texts (long story, and not something I would do with my other dc, but dd is different than most dc), she ended up using Lial's for most of the first time through, and then the 1965 Dolciani for the second run through. Both are very good. What I really wanted was for dd to do Gelfand's Algebra, but after getting stuck on one very long problem about 1/3 of the way through I couldn't get her to finish it. It's fabulous, and if you choose it, some of us here have the answers on PDF thanks to a former forum member who used to have them posted & made them public domain (he was/is a mathematician who worked them all out.)

 

We also have Foerster's, LOF and one or two others. We bought & sold Jacob's first; I wish I'd kept it as it might have been perfect for my middle dd.

Edited February 6, 2012 by Karin