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Average Math Student Or Student Struggled in Integrated Math
Start with Shormann Algebra 1. While there will be some review, this review will develop fluency, building a strong foundation for learning new concepts. Since Shormann Algebra 1 & 2 teach all the topics (and then some) over two years instead of three, taking Algebra 1 will not take any longer than if the student continued the standard Integrated Math sequence.
Strong Math Student Who Did Well in Integrated Math
Take Shormann Algebra 2. While Integrated Math 1 is missing some of the Geometry and other concepts taught in Shormann Algebra 1, these concepts are reviewed in the first 25 lessons of Shormann Algebra 2. Since some of the review lessons in Shormann Algebra 2 will not be review for these students, it may take a little longer to complete these lessons. To allow the student the extra time needed to learn this material, use the timed method. Instead of requiring the student to complete one lesson per day, students should work on math 4-5 days per week for no more than 1 - 1.5 hours. At the end of this time, regardless of how much of the lesson is completed, stop. Then, have them pickup where they left off the next day. Eventually, mastery and fluency are developed and learning math becomes faster and easier!
If a lesson per day is not required, how will we finish on time?
This is a common concern. However, there are several points to keep in mind. First, while a standard school year is 36 weeks, Shormann Math is setup on a 30 week schedule. This provides an additional six weeks to slow down when extra time is needed to grasp a concept. Second, because Shormann Algebra 2 awards 1.5- 2 math credits (1 credit of Algebra 2 and 1 credit of Geometry) it can be spread out over 3 semesters. Third, upon completion of Shormann Algebra 2, the CLEP College Algebra exam can be taken. A passing score of 50 on this exam not only awards up to 3 college credits, 1 high school math credit is also earned. Therefore, even if it takes four semesters to complete the course (which is rare), four semesters of credit can be earned.
I'm concerned my student will not focus or work diligently if the Timed Method is used.
In our experience, the Timed Method has the opposite effect. When the student knows that, regardless of how many times he has to stop and rewind the lecture, or go back and re-watch a lecture from a previous lesson, math will never take longer than an hour and a half. Pretty soon the attitude changes from avoiding math and thinking "this is going to take forever!" and they are free to focus on learning and understanding math. If you think this will be an excuse for slothfulness, pray with and for your child. Be patient and give it time.You can also give incentives for staying focused or not taking breaks. Over the past 5 years, we have seen the Timed Method have a profound effect, especially for those who struggle with or don't enjoy math.
Do you have a syllabus for using Shormann Algebra 2 as a three or four semester course?
Regardless of whether you use it as a two, three or four semester course, it is usually better to use the Timed Method. We do not recommend assigning 1/2 lesson per day or a certain number of problems per day as this limits the student's ability to improve. With the timed method, as fluency develops, the student will complete more and more of a lesson. There will be occasional set backs, but overall there is improvement in speed and accuracy. In general, a strong math student will complete the course in about 30 weeks and an average math student will complete it in about 36 weeks.
What do you mean by fluency?
Fluency is defined as speed and accuracy. While most people think of math in terms of accuracy, speed is equally important. Why? Because math is a language. It is the language of science. Like reading fluently is required to understand what you are reading, a certain level of fluency is required to understand and use math as the tool God gave us to explore, discover, and understand Him and the world He created. Developing fluency requires daily practice over a long period of time. Shormann Math is designed to develop fluency efficiently. Learn How
High School Math Credits
Completion of Saxon Algebra 1 and Shormann Algebra 2 earns 1 full credit of Geometry, 1 credit of Algebra 1, and 1 credit of Algebra 2.