Algebra II suggestions?

[momxnine]

I have a 17 year old son who is almost done with all of his credits. He's never gone through a whole HOD guide, but is using parts of WG & WH. We started HOD after he was almost done with everything and didn't want to rock the boat by switching everything. One of the main things he still has to have is another math, Algebra II. He did ACE/School of Tomorrow Algebra I and Geometry. He did fine w/the Geometry, but has really struggled with Alg. II. He went through the No-Nonsense Algebra last year to make sure he was getting all of the concepts and hopefully would be able to go on into Alg. II, but that didn't happen.

I have one more son who is 13 and will also be starting Algebra soon, but he "gets" math so I don't think he'll have any trouble. I don't really want to and can't afford to spend a whole ton of $$$ on a math curriculum at this point. These are my last two. He is not planning on going to college, but at this point, he doesn't have any clue what he's going to do. Because of that, he probably needs to be able to go to college if it turns out he needs to.

Thoughts, ideas or suggestions of what to do? Thanks!

[Tabitha]

Have you heard of, or looked at, CTC Math? Link removed per board rules by board moderator. They are an online program, and you get access to all grades/levels of math. They allow you to have up to 5 children enrolled with your subscription. The special for homeschoolers is $118/year. They often run specials where you can sign up with an additional 3 or 6 bonus months. This program is a top pick by Cathy Duffy, if you want to look up her review for it.

We are using CTC with my oldest. She did TT for Pre-Alg, and Math Essentials Pre-Alg. Like you I have done a few programs trying to make sure it was well covered if she still had hangups or wasn't sure of herself. She also did No-Nonsense Alg 1. She is ending the CTC Alg now. I plan to have her in Carrie's Geometry recommend, and have CTC there if we need it.

My dh is an Electrical Engineering Progam Manager. He uses math daily. He has been greatly impresssed with CTC saying lots of this math he didn't even learn in his college engineering classes.

The one nice benefit of CTC is having access to all the math levels. If your child struggles with an area you can go through and find a lesson in a lower math level to use for review, etc.

The one other math resource I have found invaluable is a book titled Understanding Math From Counting to Calculus by Keith Kressin. It may seem silly to a teen, but the book is meant to be used from start to finish as understanding of one concept builds on the other. You don't have to use it that way. We did and found it beneficial. For your son, reviewing from Pre-Alg on might be sufficient. I bought ours off Amazon about 4-5 years before we started using it. I wish I had pulled it out much sooner.

[momxnine]

No, Tabitha, I don't know anything about CTC. I don't think I've even heard of it! Thank you for posting the link, I'll go check it out.

[Tabitha]

Feel free to send me a pm/note if you have any questions about them. They do have a demo to view. I don't remember, though, if they have viewable lessons for each grade/math level.

[Lynn3ggb]

If you like CTC you may want to check out TabletClass Math. My daughter has done well with it. She used the geometry class last year and said she definitely wanted to stick with it for Algebra II. If you like the looks of the program, sign up for their email newsletter and you should get a link to order for half off or if you need more than one level, you can get pre-algebra, Alg I, Geometry, & Alg 2 for 99.00. This is the option I chose so we could review at any level if we need to. The sale ends soon I think, but even at full price it is a good deal. It is video instruction on a whiteboard with printable notes.

My son did CTC and loved it, but he said the Tablet Class had more instruction and it was easier to follow. Hope you find the right program. I know what it is like to search for the right math curriculum.

Best Wishes

[Tabitha]

I have never heard of Tablet Class. I will have to check it out. More instruction sounds nice. Your comparison to CTC is helpful to me. The Australian accent in CTC is a huge plus for my dd. She loves it. She has a big issue with voices driving her crazy (had to stop TT because the nasal-y voice made her insane, like nails on a chalkboard). I'm interested to see how she will comment on this program. Dh would appreciate her needing a little less of his help from time to time.

[Nealewill]

I am just curious - what is the highest math requirement for your state? Are you required to do Algebra 2? If not, I would look at a business math class or statistics or something similar. This way he gets something out of math even if it isn't Algebra 2.

[Tabitha]

Lynn, is TabletClass Math aligned to Common Core? I tried googling some info and was unsure. All I can find is the company saying they meet state and national standards. CTC Math is not Common Core aligned. While dd enjoys the accent, us parents rejoiced over their non-alignment. We choose to use unaligned curriculum only.

[momxnine]

All that is required is 3 maths. He would be happy with a good business math thing I think, but I don't even know where to find one of those! I did have the set of ACE paces, but it was SO simple and seemed dumbed down. I got rid of it. He doesn't want any other math curriculum. He said he'd just push through it, he doesn't care if he learns it or not. *sigh* I'm sort of on my last rope with him. : (

[Mumkins]

I wonder if Math U See's personal finance course would count? Might be more useful and probably easier.

[Tabitha]

What about the Life of Fred series? I have never used them. My friends who do rave about them. I recently looked at them before recommending them to my sister. The website has a sample from each level that you and your son could look at. I am tempted to get a book now and she how my younger girls like it. I don't want to interfere with their current math, though, since all is okay atm with them.

[Lynn3ggb]

Tabitha,
I am not sure if TabletClass is CommonCore aligned. It works well for our daughter so we would use it regardless of that detail. You can try emailing Mr. Zimmerman to ask. He was quick to get back to me when I had questions about the program.

[my3sons]

Good morning! I am a little confused about what has been completed previously. Maybe my brain is just foggy this AM , but could you please share what program(s) were used previously, how much of each was completed, and how dd did with each? Thanks in advance!!!

In Christ,
Julie

[Onduli]

Aleks has a Business Math course online and lots of other choices that aren't the typical Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry...