Algebra I resources/classes

[Anonymous]

My child is in Algebra I in 7th grade. He is a good at math and scores well on MAP/PARCC. Because of the lack of textbooks and clearly outlined curriculum, it is hard for me to determine where the gaps exist, both for him and the MCPS curriculum. My son will use Khan Academy if he needs further explanation of a concept but is not a fan. My child likes his teacher and from what I can tell, the teacher does a great job with the MCPS curriculum. I purchased an Algebra I textbook that his teacher recommended. However, in reviewing the textbook, it seems the topics covered in Algebra I in MCPS only address the surface. Am I missing something? Will the topics covered in the textbook show up again in Geometry, Algebra II?

I have hired a Blair student as a tutor to go over concepts in the textbook but now I think there has to be an easier approach as I spend a lot of time trying to figure out what the tutor should cover as I have no guidance/outline from the course (only worksheets) and don't want to bother the teacher. I did find some links on the MCPS website, but the info is too general. It is difficult to follow the textbook because MCPS unit topics don't follow the same order if that makes sense!

Is there an online source/curriculum that I could follow to fill in the gaps or a class that meets once a week for Algebra enrichment?

[Anonymous]

You can get an Algebra 1 text book from Amazon. That will show you if there are any gaps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can get an Algebra 1 text book from Amazon. That will show you if there are any gaps.

PS. Landon Summer do an Algebra program over the summer and they use this book

PRENTICE HALL SMITH CHARLES ALGEBRA 1 STUDENT EDITION 2006C

[Anonymous]

IXL
Khan Academy
AOPS

[Anonymous]

So, it’s the middle of the year and your child likes algebra and likes the teacher and is doing well. What makes you second guess this? Did you also go out and buy a textbook to be sure he’s learning Spanish right, or social studies, or are you only suspicious about math?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child is in Algebra I in 7th grade. He is a good at math and scores well on MAP/PARCC. Because of the lack of textbooks and clearly outlined curriculum, it is hard for me to determine where the gaps exist, both for him and the MCPS curriculum. My son will use Khan Academy if he needs further explanation of a concept but is not a fan. My child likes his teacher and from what I can tell, the teacher does a great job with the MCPS curriculum. I purchased an Algebra I textbook that his teacher recommended. However, in reviewing the textbook, it seems the topics covered in Algebra I in MCPS only address the surface. Am I missing something? Will the topics covered in the textbook show up again in Geometry, Algebra II?

I have hired a Blair student as a tutor to go over concepts in the textbook but now I think there has to be an easier approach as I spend a lot of time trying to figure out what the tutor should cover as I have no guidance/outline from the course (only worksheets) and don't want to bother the teacher. I did find some links on the MCPS website, but the info is too general. It is difficult to follow the textbook because MCPS unit topics don't follow the same order if that makes sense!

Is there an online source/curriculum that I could follow to fill in the gaps or a class that meets once a week for Algebra enrichment?

Yes, the classes are taught on a spiral--topics are revisited and expanded each year. The courses really should just be renamed Math I, II, III, that's what other districts have done, e.g. California.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So, it’s the middle of the year and your child likes algebra and likes the teacher and is doing well. What makes you second guess this? Did you also go out and buy a textbook to be sure he’s learning Spanish right, or social studies, or are you only suspicious about math?

Yes, when I looked at the textbook I became suspicious in your words. I'm worried because math needs a firm foundation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child is in Algebra I in 7th grade. He is a good at math and scores well on MAP/PARCC. Because of the lack of textbooks and clearly outlined curriculum, it is hard for me to determine where the gaps exist, both for him and the MCPS curriculum. My son will use Khan Academy if he needs further explanation of a concept but is not a fan. My child likes his teacher and from what I can tell, the teacher does a great job with the MCPS curriculum. I purchased an Algebra I textbook that his teacher recommended. However, in reviewing the textbook, it seems the topics covered in Algebra I in MCPS only address the surface. Am I missing something? Will the topics covered in the textbook show up again in Geometry, Algebra II?

I have hired a Blair student as a tutor to go over concepts in the textbook but now I think there has to be an easier approach as I spend a lot of time trying to figure out what the tutor should cover as I have no guidance/outline from the course (only worksheets) and don't want to bother the teacher. I did find some links on the MCPS website, but the info is too general. It is difficult to follow the textbook because MCPS unit topics don't follow the same order if that makes sense!

Is there an online source/curriculum that I could follow to fill in the gaps or a class that meets once a week for Algebra enrichment?

Yes, the classes are taught on a spiral--topics are revisited and expanded each year. The courses really should just be renamed Math I, II, III, that's what other districts have done, e.g. California.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child is in Algebra I in 7th grade. He is a good at math and scores well on MAP/PARCC. Because of the lack of textbooks and clearly outlined curriculum, it is hard for me to determine where the gaps exist, both for him and the MCPS curriculum. My son will use Khan Academy if he needs further explanation of a concept but is not a fan. My child likes his teacher and from what I can tell, the teacher does a great job with the MCPS curriculum. I purchased an Algebra I textbook that his teacher recommended. However, in reviewing the textbook, it seems the topics covered in Algebra I in MCPS only address the surface. Am I missing something? Will the topics covered in the textbook show up again in Geometry, Algebra II?

I have hired a Blair student as a tutor to go over concepts in the textbook but now I think there has to be an easier approach as I spend a lot of time trying to figure out what the tutor should cover as I have no guidance/outline from the course (only worksheets) and don't want to bother the teacher. I did find some links on the MCPS website, but the info is too general. It is difficult to follow the textbook because MCPS unit topics don't follow the same order if that makes sense!

Is there an online source/curriculum that I could follow to fill in the gaps or a class that meets once a week for Algebra enrichment?

Yes, the classes are taught on a spiral--topics are revisited and expanded each year. The courses really should just be renamed Math I, II, III, that's what other districts have done, e.g. California.

Thanks!

Which isn't to say you're wrong to be concerned, if your DC is self motivated, there's more he can do now--not everyone needs to be spoon fed.

[Anonymous]

Try one of the Spectrum workbooks on Amazon for Algebra. We found this helpful in finding the gaps in learning because they have ‘tests’, plus explanations. Almost like a textbook, but cheaper and easy to use.

Then, whatever DC needed help with, we used Khan Academy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Try one of the Spectrum workbooks on Amazon for Algebra. We found this helpful in finding the gaps in learning because they have ‘tests’, plus explanations. Almost like a textbook, but cheaper and easy to use.

Then, whatever DC needed help with, we used Khan Academy.

Thank you! I will order today.