Help me find a new math curriculum

[Entropymama]

This is for dd13 who is in 7th grade and hates math. A little background: I started her with Saxon, which we used through fifth grade. She did not love it. I used it because SWB recommended it and it seemed rigorous and thorough. In 5th grade we did Teaching Textbooks, which was kind of a disaster. After the first semester of getting 98% on everything, I would give her a pen and paper and ask her to do some work and she didn't know any of it. We dumped TT and went back to Saxon to finish the year. We then switched to Khan Academy, which she's done for the last 2 years. 

 

Some things I like about Khan: I feel that when it says she's mastered something, she's really mastered it. We can move away from a topic that's frustrating her and come back to it later. I can choose what topic she does next. 

 

Things I don't like: There are times when she gets very discouraged because the mastery will go up, then down again, or she'll get stuck on a topic and it feels like there's no end. I'm not sure it's really sinking in. She will eventually memorize the formula and get the right answers, but I don't think she's seeing the bigger picture - that math makes sense. 

 

We did use MCT for a while, which I liked, but with six kids I need something that doesn't take 45 minutes with me every day. If that's possible. 

[dereksurfs]

Hmm, it's always tough when math is a child'd least favorite subject.  Our middle dd is the same way.  There are many things to consider when evaluating best fit knowing that nothing is going to thrill her.  Math Mammoth and CLE have both worked for her at different stages.  While both are good I prefer MM for added depth of concepts.  You may want to look these.  They are both designed to be done mostly independent, unlike many other programs. 

 

You didn't mention your dd's current subject skill level.  What is she currently studying?  If Pre-Algebra or above you may want to consider outsourcing math.  This has been the best subject to outsource for us for ds13.  It sounds like you have already done that in part with Khan Academy.  She may actually respond better to an outside teacher as opposed to learning solely from a book.  There are several very good options at that level and above which include:

Derek Owens (free pre-algebra videos available)

Jann in Texas offers tutoring at no additional charge beyond course fee

Wilson Hill Academy 'live' interactive courses are excellent 

TabletClass ( though may be too challenging)

Liveonlinemath

[OneStepAtATime]

Agree with above.

 

And honestly she may have a need for some conceptual understanding that includes spiral review so things don't get lost over time.

 

My DD struggles terribly with math. What has helped here is a mix of CLE , which has been game changing here (but I had to give the placement test since part of her issue was gaps) but also rolling in conceptual material too from Math in Focus.

 

DS has just started weaving AoPS pre-Algebra with CLE since he too needs spiral with conceptual.

 

FWIW, we also use Khan Academy but it didn't work as a spine here, only as a supplement. TT didn't work either. No retention despite high scores. Saxon also was a fail.

 

It is hard to know where to go when a child struggles in math. I would encourage you to maybe do a couple of things. First, get on the CLE website and download their free placement tests. Run her through those to see if she has gaps. Even if you never use that program it would be a free way to find the gaps. Target any gaps that show up. Maybe even run her through the Ronit Bird ebooks to solidify basic understanding.

 

After that maybe sit down with her and talk through what seemed to work and not work with all the programs you have tried so far. She may need a blend. Conceptual and more procedural. Mastery coupled with spiral. And certainly a really good tutor might help get her over the hump.

 

Good luck OP!

[Entropymama]

Thank you! I keep seeing CLE pop up, so maybe that's my next step. She is currently 75% of the way through Khan's 7th grade. I'm not too worried about gaps unless whatever we move to has a different sequence than Khan. I'm not sure she needs a tutor yet as I'm comfortable teaching math through 8th grade, and she has said she'd rather I teach her than put her in a class (which was my original plan for next year). I guess I'm looking for something that will solidly get her through as much math as she needs for a non-math career, as painlessly as possible. 

[OneStepAtATime]

Then give her the CLE placement test, and maybe consider switching her to that.  It has been mostly painless here.  I do cross out some of the review problems.  Those can get overwhelming and aren't really all needed if something is mastered.  There is plenty of review all the time so it is easy to cross off stuff and still have it reviewed on a regular basis.

 

FWIW, I would actually start with the lower level test.  It should be easy for her, but if there really were any gaps, that would catch it.  DS had gaps I had not anticipated when he took it.  DD had gaps, too.  It was just nice to see where those were and do some targeted instruction in those areas before moving on.  Made things much smoother.  Download the tests, then download the teacher's manual.  They are free.  Teacher's manual has the answers so it makes it easy to grade.

 

https://www.clp.org/store/by_grade/21

[dereksurfs]

If you want to go independent as much as possible through 8th grade then I agree with OneStepAtATime.  CLE is a full program that has a gentle spiral which provides the needed review.  Since Khan has been working, at least in part, I would also recommend to continue with it as supplemental.  That is really where Khan's strength is, to shore up areas where a student needs a bit of extra work.  We used Khan, AoPS videos and TabletClass for Pre-Algebra with TC as the spine. Sometimes hearing the concepts taught in different ways helps the student better grasp the new ideas.  I forgot to mention AoPS videos which are excellent as well.  Don't be afraid to include more than one thing.  It really can help when she gets stuck, frustrated or simply isn't retaining things.  I have heard from many that Khan alone isn't enough as a stand alone program.  However, when used with one or more of these other programs I think it could really work for her.

 

BTW, for Pre-A, Derek Owens sells the workbooks separately and his videos are free.  So you could still do most of it yourself that way. And its more affordable that way as well.  

 

Lastly, after trying so many things, I highly recommend having your dd sit down with a few of these options and try the demos.  Allow her to provide some much needed input which will help gauge what may or may not work as well for her.  Obviously she won't be thrilled with any.  But there still may be one option she dislikes least. ;)

[OneStepAtATime]

If you want to go independent as much as possible through 8th grade then I agree with OneStepAtATime.  CLE is a full program that has a gentle spiral which provides the needed review.  Since Khan has been working, at least in part, I would also recommend to continue with it as supplemental.  That is really where Khan's strength is, to shore up areas where a student needs a bit of extra work.  We used Khan, AoPS videos and TabletClass for Pre-Algebra with TC as the spine. Sometimes hearing the concepts taught in different ways helps the student better grasp the new ideas.  I forgot to mention AoPS videos which are excellent as well.  Don't be afraid to include more than one thing.  It really can help when she gets stuck, frustrated or simply aren't retaining things.  I have heard from many that Khan alone isn't enough as a stand alone program.  However, when used with one or more these other programs I think it could really work for her.

 

BTW, for Pre-A, Derek Owens sells the workbooks separately and his videos are free.  So you could still do most of it yourself that way. And its more affordable that way as well.  

 

Lastly, after trying so many things, I highly recommend having your dd sit down with a few of these options and try the demos.  Allow her to provide some much needed input which will help gauge what may or may not work as well for her.  Obviously she won't be thrilled with any.  But there still may be one option she dislikes least. ;)

Thanks for the AoPS video link.  I had not seen those, although I had heard they existed.  DS and I just started AoPS PA recently.  Those videos will be very nice to add to the mix.  :)

[Entropymama]

Thank you so much - both of you! I feeling more confident moving forward, like my tool box is full again.

[OneStepAtATime]

Good luck and best wishes!  :)

[dereksurfs]

Thanks for the AoPS video link.  I had not seen those, although I had heard they existed.  DS and I just started AoPS PA recently.  Those videos will be very nice to add to the mix.   :)

 

Everybody loves RR as an educator and communicator when it comes to explaining math concepts.  He is very gifted and makes it fun for kids.  His energy is contagious.  The videos are actually my favorite part of AoPS and they're free.  ;)

[ScoutTN]

Everybody loves RR as an educator and communicator when it comes to explaining math concepts. He is very gifted and makes it fun for kids. His energy is contagious. The videos are actually my favorite part of AoPS and they're free. ;)

I am glad to know about these too! Thanks.

[wintermom]

Everybody loves RR as an educator and communicator when it comes to explaining math concepts.  He is very gifted and makes it fun for kids.  His energy is contagious.  The videos are actually my favorite part of AoPS and they're free.   ;)

 

These videos are great! We just started AoPS, and these will make excellent reinforcements. Thanks!

[Entropymama]

I downloaded the placement tests and gave them to my two dds. Dd13 is in 7th grade and couldn't pass the 600 placement test, meaning she should do CLE 600 to start! Is CLE really that advanced? I'm finding it hard to believe that it's accurate because she is 100% mastered in 6th grade Khan and 75% mastered in 7th grade - but that would mean starting in the fall she'd be back to 6th grade math. Dd9 also didn't pass the 300 test, meaning next year (in 5th grade) she'd be doing 3rd grade work. Am I missing something? I really don't want them 2 years behind and my gut tells me they're not. Should I try giving them the 400 and 700 tests and see how they do?

 

OTOH, I gave ds11 the AoPS pre-algebra pretest and he passed. So it isn't that Khan doesn't work, ya know? Just different kids. 

[dereksurfs]

I downloaded the placement tests and gave them to my two dds. Dd13 is in 7th grade and couldn't pass the 600 placement test, meaning she should do CLE 600 to start! Is CLE really that advanced? I'm finding it hard to believe that it's accurate because she is 100% mastered in 6th grade Khan and 75% mastered in 7th grade - but that would mean starting in the fall she'd be back to 6th grade math. Dd9 also didn't pass the 300 test, meaning next year (in 5th grade) she'd be doing 3rd grade work. Am I missing something? I really don't want them 2 years behind and my gut tells me they're not. Should I try giving them the 400 and 700 tests and see how they do?

 

OTOH, I gave ds11 the AoPS pre-algebra pretest and he passed. So it isn't that Khan doesn't work, ya know? Just different kids. 

 

Hm, those results are interesting.  I would say that CLE is not advanced, necessarily.  My approach would be to use those placements more as tool to help target certain areas that need strengthening.   So for your dd13, you could work on certain skills from 600 *without* restarting 6th grade math.  I would also give them the next level up to see how they do.  

 

Regarding the AoPS Pre-A placement test, I've heard it tends to be on the easy side in relation to AoPS itself which is far from easy.  

 

For a second perspective, I recommend trying the free MM assessment. We have used CLE and MM together at times.  While we find MM covers concepts a bit deeper than CLE, CLE still provides a good foundation.  At the very least this will help in being a 'tie breaker' or provide another perspective on actual level. 

http://www.mathmammoth.com/complete/placement_tests.php

 

 I'm not sure I would trust Khan Academy alone for a final word on what level they are at.  My guess would be they are somewhere in between.

[OneStepAtATime]

Hm, those results are interesting.  I would say that CLE is not advanced, necessarily.  My approach would be to use those placements more as tool to help target certain areas that need strengthening.   So for your dd13, you could work on certain skills from 600 *without* restarting 6th grade math.  I would also give them the next level up to see how they do.  

 

Regarding AoPS Pre-A placement test.  I've heard it tends to be on the easy side in relation to AoPS itself which is far from easy.  

 

For a second opinion I recommend trying the free MM assessment. We have used CLE and MM together at times.  While we find MM covers concepts a bit deeper than CLE, CLE still provides a good foundation.  At the very least this will help in being a 'tie breaker' or provide another perspective on actual level.  I'm not sure I would trust Khan Academy alone for the final word on where they are at. 

http://www.mathmammoth.com/complete/placement_tests.php

I agree wholeheartedly. 

 

1.  Look at exactly what was missed.  Perhaps there were certain things not covered in Khan, that are covered in CLE at that level.  Or solid understanding wasn't there on something skimmed in Khan.  Or maybe they didn't fully understand the question because it was presented differently?  Figure out what was missed and see if just a bit of targeted review fills in the gaps.  How badly did they not pass?

 

2.  Go ahead and give the placement tests for the next level and see how they do.

 

3.  Also, give the free placement test from MM.  See what the results are there.  It might help clarify what is happening and confirm or call into question the CLE results.  I realize that is a lot of testing, but it might be really helpful to find out if there really are gaps and get those taken care of before pushing too far forward.

 

4.  If you end up using CLE, be aware that the first Light Unit of every level is entirely review, and really helps fill in gaps.  If they didn't totally bomb the placement tests, maybe just run them through the first Light Unit for the Level(s) they bombed, then the first Light Unit for the level you would like them to start at and see how they do.  

[sagira]

Many good points were raised, and I wish the OP good luck. I find Math Mammoth and Khan Academy to complement each other very well.

[Entropymama]

I agree wholeheartedly. 

 

1.  Look at exactly what was missed.  Perhaps there were certain things not covered in Khan, that are covered in CLE at that level.  Or solid understanding wasn't there on something skimmed in Khan.  Or maybe they didn't fully understand the question because it was presented differently?  Figure out what was missed and see if just a bit of targeted review fills in the gaps.  How badly did they not pass?

 

2.  Go ahead and give the placement tests for the next level and see how they do.

 

3.  Also, give the free placement test from MM.  See what the results are there.  It might help clarify what is happening and confirm or call into question the CLE results.  I realize that is a lot of testing, but it might be really helpful to find out if there really are gaps and get those taken care of before pushing too far forward.

 

4.  If you end up using CLE, be aware that the first Light Unit of every level is entirely review, and really helps fill in gaps.  If they didn't totally bomb the placement tests, maybe just run them through the first Light Unit for the Level(s) they bombed, then the first Light Unit for the level you would like them to start at and see how they do.  

 

Yes, I think some things are presented differently. There were some concepts that were taken farther - for example, multiplying fractions. She knows how but the test asked her to multiply three instead of two and she was thrown. I wouldn't say she bombed it. She had to get 61 of 89 correct to pass and she got 52. A few of them I know she could have done but it was an 8 page test and I think she got frustrated because she knew she wasn't doing well. 

 

:crying:  :confused1:  :eek:  :glare:

 

At this point I'm looking at ordering 600 and working on whatever we need to over the summer, then starting 700 in the fall and hopefully starting 800 before the end of the year. Dd will not be happy about that. Which brings up another point - if she does 700 next year and 800 the year after (9th grade), is that okay? Or do we need to get up to 'level'?

[dereksurfs]

I like the idea of filling in the gaps where she needs it with 600.  One of the benefits of CLE is that because its spiral there is a lot of review.  So many folks have been able to accelerate it.  Of course, how much you can accelerate will depend on the child.  But since your dd13 has had some exposure to Pre-A concepts, I would still see how she does with the 700 test.  Maybe there are things in 700 which can be skipped as well or quickly reviewed.  If you can move faster through 700, then you can start 800 before 9th grade.  There are actually quite a few old threads discussing accelerating CLE.  Here is one and another.  Generally speaking, I would target finishing CLE 700/800 before 9th grade.  That might mean spending more time on math than she is used too.  But it wouldn't be the end of the world if she simply needed a little more time.

 

Before doing all of that, however, I would first see how she does with 600 once you get it.  If she doesn't like it at all I would still push through 600 in the areas she in weakest and needs the practice.  Then start Pre-Algebra with one of the other many options.  At that point, Derek Owens Pre-A workbooks and videos may be a good fit or something else.

[Entropymama]

Would you say CLE 700 is a pre-A course? Or 800?

[Entropymama]

On a related/unrelated note: my ds11 (going into 6th grade) is quite adept at math and enjoys it. I was going to do AoPS pre-A for him, but am wondering if waiting a year is advisable? I'm thinking of high school.. if he does pre-A in 6th, algebra 1 in 7th, geometry in 8th, algebra 2 in 9th.. that seems VERY accelerated. But what comes before pre-A? He's already almost halfway through the 6th grade level of Khan (take that for what it's worth) and passed the AoPS pre-A placement test. 

[dereksurfs]

Would you say CLE 700 is a pre-A course? Or 800?

 

CLE created 700 & 800 to be Pre-A, combined - a two year program.  So that is why many try to accelerate them or even skip 800.  Though the later is not advisable, quite a few have done it successfully going into a gentler Algebra 1 with plenty of review like Jacobs.

[dereksurfs]

On a related/unrelated note: my ds11 (going into 6th grade) is quite adept at math and enjoys it. I was going to do AoPS pre-A for him, but am wondering if waiting a year is advisable? I'm thinking of high school.. if he does pre-A in 6th, algebra 1 in 7th, geometry in 8th, algebra 2 in 9th.. that seems VERY accelerated. But what comes before pre-A? He's already almost halfway through the 6th grade level of Khan (take that for what it's worth) and passed the AoPS pre-A placement test. 

 

Many have done this including our ds13 who will be taking Algebra 2 in 9th grade this Fall.  Even some of the public schools are now offering geometry in 8th grade.  There is no problem being ahead of the curve when it comes to math.  But first I would have him try one of the other placement tests for his level such as CLE or Math Mammoth.  If you haven't done so already, I would do that before jumping into AoPS Pre-A.

 

Regarding what comes before Pre-A, its your basic arithmetic along with some introductions to advanced topics such as variables, negative numbers, the number line, simple geometry, etc... Both Math Mammoth and CLE have these topics built-in.  For example, here are the main topics covered in MM 6 which our dd11 will be in this coming Fall:

• review of the basic operations with whole numbers
• beginning algebra topics: expressions, equations, and inequalities
• review of all decimal arithmetic
• introduction to ratios and percent
• prime factorization, GCF, and LCM
• a review of fraction arithmetic from 5th grade, plus a focus on division of fractions
• the concept of integers, coordinate grid, addition & subtraction of integers
• geometry: review of quadrilaterals & drawing problems; area of triangles & polygons; volume of rectangular prisms with fractional edge lengths; surface area
• statistics: concept of distribution, measures of center, measures of variation, boxplots, stem-and-leaf plots, histograms

[Entropymama]

Ugh. Another set back. I had ds11 take the 500 CLE placement test and he failed. So... what does this mean? The only thing I can figure is that Khan introduces concepts later than CLE. I am very hesitant to take all the kids back a year. For those who are familiar with CLE, is the first light unit (review) enough to catch gaps if we spend extra time in it? Rather than repeating an entire year of math, because I really don't think they need that. 

[OneStepAtATime]

Ugh. Another set back. I had ds11 take the 500 CLE placement test and he failed. So... what does this mean? The only thing I can figure is that Khan introduces concepts later than CLE. I am very hesitant to take all the kids back a year. For those who are familiar with CLE, is the first light unit (review) enough to catch gaps if we spend extra time in it? Rather than repeating an entire year of math, because I really don't think they need that. 

Why not get the first light unit of each level you want the kids to start with and SEE how they do?

 

 If they are struggling and miserable and don't get it, then you may need to at least run them through the last couple of light units of the previous level.  Khan may just not have been enough for what they needed to achieve mastery and cover the concepts necessary.  

 

But if you work through the 01 light units and they do o.k., they should be fine moving forward.  I would look at what they missed and maybe have them review those particular topics on a dry erase board, just walking them through it.  Then have them start the 01 light unit.  The review unit should help solidify those concepts but I would hate for them to start with that unit having no clue what is being asked of them.  Don't let them get discouraged by starting them in something they aren't ready for.  Just do a bit of review based on the placement test to at least familiarize them with the concepts/procedures first.  

 

I do think if you do that, and they do well, then absolutely, moving forward into that level will probably be fine.

[RootAnn]

One of the things that holds back kids in algebra is lack of solid skills from arithmetic (basic operations with whole numbers, decimals & fractions). One of the things that causes good students to struggle in calculus is a lack of a good base in algebra.

 

Although I know it is REALLY hard because I've had to do it, sometimes it is the very best decision to start a kid back where they really need to be and move forward from there. CLE is really easy to accelerate. Every day, you have the kid do the new part of two lessons & the review section of the second section. Some people skip the quizzes, tests, and extra sections in each LU. This allows them to zip through material their kid already knows, slowing down for the things they need more explanation of. CLE includes plenty of review, but you need to have the concept down first.

 

As others have said, the very first Light Unit (LU) is review of the previous level, so you might have to use that very first one to fill gaps without accelerating.

 

It is not unusual for people switching into CLE math from some programs to have to drop back one or two grade levels.

[3andme]

There have been a lot of questions about CLE800 and whether it's necessary or not to proceed to Algebra 1. So I've gone through the CLE Scope and Sequence and reorganized the lessons by topic. I have not included 801 which is review and 810 which is all consumer math. Here's a complete list of the topics in CLE800 sorted by category. I have also listed below just the Math & Algebra and Prob & Stat topics for easy reference.The ones in italics are those that are also covered in the Algebra I course. 

 

The breakdown for LU 802-809 is as follows:

• 20% - Geometry

• 40% - Math & Algebra

• 18% -  Prob & Stat

• 22% -  Consumer Math

Math & Algebra and Prob & Stat account for 58% of the content in 800. Of those two categories in CLE800, there is a 70% overlap with CLE's Algebra 1 course. Keep in mind CLE's Algebra 1 only includes Algebra and Probability & Statistics - there's no Consumer Math or Geometry. 

 

Every pre-algebra program and student is different so it's best to look at the topic list below and see if it would be beneficial to do 800 or skip it.  Of course, it never hurts to have a stronger foundation but if you're not concerned about the other topics (Geometry and Consumer Math), I'm not sure there's a compelling case to do CLE800 since 70% of the topics will be introduced in Algebra I. For a weaker student, it might be a good idea though since they get 2 passes through the material.

 

The breakdown for LU 802-809 is as follows:

 

Probability and Statistics  - Italicized topics are covered in Algebra 1

1. Probability and Statistics
2. Understanding probability
3. Expressing certainty
4. Visualizing probabilities
5. Bar graphs
6. Using numbers for probability
7. Graphs and statistics: Bar-in-a-bar graph
8. Probability with more than two options
9. Graphs and statistics: Circle graph
10. Probability and percents
11.  Histograms
12. Combination probability
13. Line graphs
14. Multiple probability
15.  Graphs and statistics: multiple line graphs
16. Graphs and statistics: Pictographs
17. Permutations
18. Graphs and statistics: Rectangle graphs
19. Percentiles

 

Mathematical and Algebraic Topics -  Italicized topics are covered in Algebra 1

1. Order of operations with grouping symbols: parentheses, brackets, and braces  
2. Like terms in expressions
3. Simplifying expressions that include different variables
4. Variables on both sides of a simple equation
5. Variables on both sides of a complex equation
6. Mental multiplication using the distributive property
7. The distributive property with negative numbers
8. The subtraction/negative sign
9. Multiplying negative numbers in a series
10. Divisibility rules 11, 7, 13
11. Using prime factorization to find the LCM
12. Simplifying expressions with division bars
13. Solving equations with fractional coefficients
14. Reducing algebraic fractions
15. Reducing algebraic fractions
16. Using proportions to solve fraction story problems
17. Using the percent proportion to solve story problems
18. Changing fractional percents to decimals (with rounding)  
19. Scientific notation
20. Dividing numbers in scientific notation
21. Multiplying numbers in scientific notation
22. Simplifying after multiplying or dividing in scientific notation
23. Squaring fractions and decimals
24. Simplifying expressions that include exponents
25. Simplifying negative numbers with exponents
26. Dividing variables with exponents
27. Extracting the square root
28. Combining square root
29. Multiplying square roots
30. Dividing variables with exponents
31. Rational and irrational numbers
32. Perfect squares and irrational square roots
33. Multiplying combinations of variables, constants, and exponents
34. Solving equations with a squared variable
35. Finding square roots on a calculator
36. Levels of precision
37. Counting significant digits
38. Rounding according to significant digits
39. Points on a coordinate plane
40. Linear relations
41. Graphing linear equations
42. Graphing linear equations on a coordinate plane
43. Solving Inequalities: Multiplying or dividing by a negative number

 

 

 

 

[Mabelen]

I didn't think that CLE was that advanced but it may be compared to Khan? I only have my daughter's experience to go by. She tested into level 500 last summer after finishing 4th grade in public school where they used Houghton Mifflin Math Expressions. One thing has been already mentioned but it bears repeating, you can very easily compact CLE by crossing out review exercises. I have been doing this because my daughter is using it as a supplement/review to her school math program and it would be overkill for her to have two full programs going. It is a great program. I plan to use it again next year. Would you consider going through the summer? You could cover a lot of ground that way!

[Entropymama]

3andme - wow. Thank you so much. I'm beginning to have some clarity on what exactly I'm doing here and that list is incredibly helpful. I didn't realize you could order just one light unit until I read OneStepAtATime's post. Thanks again to everyone for hearing me out and weighing in. At this point I'm going to order the first LU for them and do it over the summer, and go from there. 

[OneStepAtATime]

3andme - wow. Thank you so much. I'm beginning to have some clarity on what exactly I'm doing here and that list is incredibly helpful. I didn't realize you could order just one light unit until I read OneStepAtATime's post. Thanks again to everyone for hearing me out and weighing in. At this point I'm going to order the first LU for them and do it over the summer, and go from there. 

Sounds great.  I highly encourage you to also order the reference chart.  Really helpful.

 

I found the CLE flash cards extremely helpful, too.  Far more so than the flash cards we bought from other sources because of the way they are organized and how they are presented.  At least the addition/subtraction set might be something to consider for the younger student.  I liked the multiplication/division ones, too, but I used them differently than CLE.  Many don't find those as needed, but I drill multiplication and division at the same time and having the matching division fact on the flip side of the multiplication fact was immensely helpful.  The cards are also notched so I was easily able to organize them by fact family.  Other card systems I have not been able to easily do that with.

[Rosepetal]

Is Tabletclass Algebra enough and rigorous for Stem career ?or do you supplement it with any text?is supplementing necessary for advanced levels in maths?Does Tablet class has its workbooks also?

[OneStepAtATime]

3andme - wow. Thank you so much. I'm beginning to have some clarity on what exactly I'm doing here and that list is incredibly helpful. I didn't realize you could order just one light unit until I read OneStepAtATime's post. Thanks again to everyone for hearing me out and weighing in. At this point I'm going to order the first LU for them and do it over the summer, and go from there. 

You probably posted somewhere else about what you are doing now but I was curious what you ended up doing and haven't been able to find any posts saying what you did.  Hope whatever happened that it all worked out.  

[Entropymama]

It turned out my oldest got into a classical charter school and is taking pre-algebra in 8th grade.. and getting a D. It's very disheartening, and the teacher is of basically no help. But there are on options except to soldier on. To be honest, the school uses Saxon, which we quit in 5th grade because it wasn't working. I believe she needs a mastery based program rather than a spiral one. I'm hoping high school math, which has a longer focus on one subject, will be better. She still scores very well on her arithmetic skills, it's just the algebra that is tough. 

 

My 6th grade son started with AoPS, which worked well for about two months and then got too tough. We put it aside for next year and he's doing CLE. We just started coming back from Christmas break, so far so good. 

 

My 5th grader started in CLE 500 but had gaps, so we bumped her back to CLE 400 and are supplementing with Life of Fred and Khan. It's a bit chaotic but seems to be doing the trick. 

 

Now to decide for the upcoming K and 1st grader. Ah, the joys.  :)

 

Thanks again for everyone's help!

[OneStepAtATime]

It turned out my oldest got into a classical charter school and is taking pre-algebra in 8th grade.. and getting a D. It's very disheartening, and the teacher is of basically no help. But there are on options except to soldier on. To be honest, the school uses Saxon, which we quit in 5th grade because it wasn't working. I believe she needs a mastery based program rather than a spiral one. I'm hoping high school math, which has a longer focus on one subject, will be better. She still scores very well on her arithmetic skills, it's just the algebra that is tough. 

 

My 6th grade son started with AoPS, which worked well for about two months and then got too tough. We put it aside for next year and he's doing CLE. We just started coming back from Christmas break, so far so good. 

 

My 5th grader started in CLE 500 but had gaps, so we bumped her back to CLE 400 and are supplementing with Life of Fred and Khan. It's a bit chaotic but seems to be doing the trick. 

 

Now to decide for the upcoming K and 1st grader. Ah, the joys.  :)

 

Thanks again for everyone's help!

Thanks for the update!  Is there any way your oldest could do some targeted mastery based learning for upcoming subjects on the side/weekends so she might have a fighting chance?