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Math suggestion for finishing 8th


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dd13 (almost 14) is almost done with MUS Pre-algebra.  She wants to go to public school for high school, so I will probably start her in Algebra there (or whatever they call common core 9th grade math, now), regardless of what she completes this remainder of this year.  The question is how best to prepare her.  I have MUS Algebra, but I'm questioning if I should continue on into it for the remainder of this year, or review pre-algebra concepts so that she is strong on those.  She's usually gets strong scores in MUS, but has struggled some with word problems (already working on that with supplements), multiplying and dividing fractions (she keeps forgetting/confusing processes, but does well once she reviews), and long multiplication/division problems (she just makes a lot of silly errors...some days more than others).  She's probably looking at Vet Tech school after high school, but hasn't completely given up the dream of being a vet, so I would like to keep options open and prepare her for college even if tech school is more likely.  Suggestions?

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Well, some posters here use MUS alg as their prealg before a meatier alg book, so MUS alg 1 is probably a pretty good option. :)

 

Another inexpensive option is older editions of Lial's BCM or prealg. BCM covers all the basic arithmetic you need for alg. Prealg covers all that with negatives, exponents, and such thrown in.

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Has she gone all the way through (or most of the way) with MUS? I think I'd change it up to expose her to a different way of thinking. Other programs phrase things differently, present them differently, etc. And then I'd use that to work on the skills she needs to firm up before algebra.

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Can you look at your state's curriculum maps and standards online? I've done some tutoring this semester with some public high school students, and their classes seemed advanced for the level and contained a lot of statistics, a strong focus on functions, and a variety of math (not just Algebra or Geometry). I looked at GA's 8th grade standards and it includes solving systems of equations, which I didn't learn until Algebra 1. 

 

If it were me, I'd focus on covering the things she would have had in 8th grade in public school using common core 8th grade workbooks and such as well as making sure her overall math skills are well-grounded. 

 

What about MasterMath? It's free video lessons online with printable practice sheets. It looks more common core aligned than some things I've seen. You could go through and do the topics MUS hasn't covered. You could use these middle school/Pre-Algebra books if you just want cheap workbooks to get through the basic skills needed. 

 

Do you happen to know any of the public school teachers at the middle school who might could get you some materials?

 

 

 

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MUS tends to be one of the lightest, easiest programs available.  And it's Pre-A scope in particular is lacking some important math concepts in preparing students for the rigors of a standard Algebra 1 course.  

 

I would definitely use another supplemental program. You can look at Dolciani which many like.  If she is ready for more challenge as well as a great bridge between MUS Pre-A and Algebra take a look at TabletClass Pre-A.  ds13 moved from MUS Pre-A to TabletClass Pre-A.  It really helped to strengthen his problem solving skills and well as prepare him for more challenging Algebra 1 to follow which was AoPS in his case.

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I'd vote for continuing with MUS Algebra (for advance familiarity with Algebra topics) AND supplementing with either something to encourage additional review and word problem working, or with the pre-algebra program that feeds into the public school's algebra program for review and advance familiarity with the program she'll be using next year. :)

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Thanks.  I'm having the charter send a ps textbook so I can compare topics.  She has done system of equations with Hands on Equations, as well as word problems.  I think we have that covered.  I have no idea what texts the local public school uses, but I suppose I need to call them anyway to see about a ps visit.    I'll look at the Tablet Class and Mastermath to see if those would be beneficial.  Maybe we'll run through the missing topics before continuing with MUS.

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