Singapore/algebra placement

[Motherjoy]

Help!!! My 9th grader is struggling with algebra. We had been using MUS then got bogged down in the fractions book. We switched to Life of Fred, which was a mistake. Only we didn't realize it until recently. We were using LOF for algebra, and my husband noticed that son just wasn't getting it. So, we switched to No Nonsense Algebra. Something isn't clicking. Part of it is discipline, working a problem in a certain way, showing work, being thorough, etc. Another issue is a foundational gap of some transitional math concepts.

I can't make heads or tails of the upper Singapore levels. There is no placement test for levels 7 or 8 that I can find. I think we need to get him back on track and hope that he can start Algebra next semester.

Tips, anything would be so appreciated!!!! I'm willing to consider tutors or Slvan if neede, but I'm hoping that using a systematic approach to fill in gaps will help.

[StephanieU]

Maybe try something free like Khan Academy and see if that helps? Or there are trials for things like Aleks? I like these as supplements - technology based that feed the information using other senses and give instant feedback.

[pjdobro]

Another possibility is check on the free videos that Art of Problem Solving (artofproblemsolving.com) has on their pre-algebra or algebra text. We are doing the pre-algebra book now since that was a good fit for my dc. I think he really sets the stage in the pre-algebra videos for things that are needed later in algebra. Just going through his videos online and doing his free alcumus (which is an online problem solving system) might be just what he needs to bring him up to speed and ready for algebra.

I'm not a big fan of the upper levels of Singapore. We started 7A last year and found it tedious. We didn't have the schedule from HOD though so we were probably doing a lot more problems that what we needed. If you did decide to go that route, I would definitely get it from HOD and get their schedule for teaching it so you can see what to leave out. It is just too much as it is written.

Another possibility is looking into the Foerster's algebra book that HOD is using as one of the algebra choices. I was amazed at how others have said that their dc didn't like writing out their problems and showing their work until they started using Foerster's. I guess he makes it seem like the right thing to do. From what Carrie said it seems that the first little bit of the book covers a bit of pre-algebra concepts so perhaps that would be enough to bring him up to speed.

[Motherjoy]

Thanks, I will look into all of those options. We have used Kahn for supplement, but I feel we need something basic and systematic. Maybe I'll just find worksheets that deal with the particular issues, and have him go through those.

[StephanieU]

Another option is InterAct math. It is basically the problems in the textbooks for all Pearson math textbooks. The nice things about it are the helps included (Help Me Solve This walks you through the problem and View An Example just shows a similar problem worked) as well as how it will give you an equivalent problem to work if you need more practice. They have all the way down to middle school math as well as basic and intermediate algebra. I don't think it would totally replace a textbook, but it is a good supplement.

[Motherjoy]

So, just today someone offered us Saxon 87 and Prealgebra, totally out of the blue.

Opinions? I've never been a fan of Saxon, and I've read Carrie's thoughts on Saxon. However, I'm not willing to overlook what could be an answer from God.

[StephanieU]

I am not a huge fan of Saxon either, but it might fill the gap you are missing. If it is free, I would definitely try it. What do you have to loose other than a little bit of time (which you would spend looking for something else anyways)?

[Carrie]

Motherjoy,

Honestly, if your child is struggling with Algebra, I would recommend sticking with No-Nonsense Algebra. I would encourage you to sit with your son as he watches the online lessons and then help him do the step-by-step follow-ups. Algebra programs don't get more streamlined and focused than No-Nonsense Algebra.

It is possible that your student has some trouble with the basic skills needed to complete Algebra. If this is the case, then no Algebra program will fix that problem. Does your son do well with addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percents, and decimals? If not, this may be the needed focus rather than Algebra.

Has your son been watching the online lessons with No-Nonsense prior to completing the lesson in the book? How involved with his math lessons have you been up to this point? Would you say his basic math skills are in place? Has he always struggled with math? What programs have you used prior to Algebra for math?

If you get a chance to shed more light on the situation, we can help advise you better.

Blessings,
Carrie