Yes! That's a great idea!

I had a long phone conversation with Art Reed of UsingSaxon.com this afternoon. He gave me a course of action with Saxon for the summer and we'll see if that works. If not, then we'll probably go the tutor route. If the course of action works over the summer, then we'll continue with Saxon and Mr. Reed's personalized plan. Sorry I can't give specifics, but he asked that I not share with others because this is a very specific case. Unfortunately, the closest Kumon is an hour from here, so that is only a last resort option. I will also probably get the Lial book. Thank you all for your insight!

Your last paragraph....first and second sentences...yes!!! My husband and I had that conversation with him last night! Nice to see you reiterate it here!

I thought he had that interaction in his co-op class. Apparently, he did not. Asked in another way...does Lial's give enough information in the books that a decent math person could use that book and not need a teacher's manual in order to explain the concepts?

He told me that algebra does not make sense to him and he doesn't understand it. He can work slowly and still get things wrong because he doesn't know what, exactly, he is supposed to do. I gave him a few fairly simple problems and he just didn't know where to start on several of them. So...his basics are lacking. But you're right, he probably doesn't need to go through an entire program again.

Is Lial's self-teaching?

Basics are good. He said after basic algebra...basic variable stuff...nothing made sense. He does not like Khan Academy's style, so learning from that is minimal and not enough practice for the concept to sink in. He said during Algebra 2, he could look back at the lesson and figure stuff out enough to get by. He took the Algebra 2 at co-op and I didn't ask enough questions to make sure he was doing ok and he didn't want to admit it. He did not do well at all on the Saxon readiness test for Algebra 2, so he would start in Algebra 1. I think he NEEDS a solid understanding of Algebra ...even if it comes his senior year and even if he can't fast track. He is not an un-smart kid. He's used to everything coming easy and when math didn't, he made do. I was also wrong about geometry. He used Teaching Textbooks for that and scored very well. That is frustrating to me. And to him, obviously. My now 10th grade completed MUS Algebra 1 this year. She couldn't pass the Algebra 2 readiness test today, either. She said she remembers most things on the test, but not how to do it, that she'd need to see her MUS textbook. Therefore, I'm thinking they both need drill and review. I know kids who use MUS then take a dual enrollment Calc class their senior year, so I'm not blaming MUS. I just think it isn't working isn't for my kids for some reason.

My son, who will be a senior, just got his ACT results. His math score was a 17. He took the ACT prior to Geometry and made a 17 then, also. His other sub-scores were good. He made a 26 in English, for example. (In other words, I feel he did the best he could on the test and the low math score wasn't a test anxiety issue.) He has completed Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 using Math U See. He struggled a little, but completed the work and we thought he was ok. Apparently, he was not. We've never used Saxon. He took the placement readiness test for Algebra 1 and passed it. He's currently working on Algebra 2. Is it worth making the switch to Saxon? I would also get the DIVE dvd to go along with it, as he learns well by listening. If I do that, is it possible for him to fast forward through some of the concepts he may know in order to maybe go on to the next book? He's working on the readiness test for Algebra 2 now. I would probably also get him an accounting course (LifePac) to fulfill his 4th year math requirement and if he has to take a remedial class in college, then he just has to do that. If he's placed in Algebra 2, can I go into Algebra 2 without him having Algebra 1? I'm thinking specifically of the integrated geometry. ...Or should we try the new edition of Algebra 2? My goal is for him to be proficient through Algebra 2. I would love for him to be able to get a course above that under his belt, but I'm not sure he has time at this point. What are your thoughts?