Question concerning math

Discussion in 'Homeschooling' started by charmedslayer, Sep 10, 2013.

  1. charmedslayer

    charmedslayer New Member

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    My son is having problems with high school math (Algebra and above). He just does not understand it and gets very frustrated, which makes the issue even worse. I am struggling with what to do. Everything I have tried has failed, but am also reluctant on spending money we do not have on things that are not going to work either. He is a senior (within all other subjects), but has only completed Algebra I due to his frustration and anxiety.

    I am sure they need to pass Algebra II, Geometry, etc. to pass entrance exams at colleges right? He wants to attend a local junior college, but for automotive technology, which requires no core classes. I know there are alternatives such as Business Math and others, but do not know if this would benefit him in the long run.

    Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated. My hours of research and working with him is not paying off.
     
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  3. Mouseketeer67

    Mouseketeer67 New Member

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    Contact the junior college to find out what is required for admission and what math classes are expected for the automotive program.
     
  4. charmedslayer

    charmedslayer New Member

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    The program he has chosen does not contain any core classes, such as math, history, etc.
     
  5. Lindina

    Lindina Active Member

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    Not necessarily. He might not need fantastic scores on the SAT/ACT to get in at a junior college. There are other tests that colleges give to determine the student's "ability to benefit" from the courses they teach. Find out from the junior college what they will require on his high school transcript for admission to their program, and what tests/scores he might need to pass to get in.
     
  6. OrHmschlMom

    OrHmschlMom Member

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    Would you be able to hire a tutor? Maybe look into Khan Academy?
     
  7. MicheleLea

    MicheleLea New Member

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    This is what I was thinking, too. Maybe a tutor could get through to him. I know I struggled with pre-algebra, but that was because I struggled with an LD and I couldn't keep up in a traditional classroom. I eventually fell behind and once you fall behind there is no catching up in public school.
     
  8. mschickie

    mschickie Active Member

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    Have you tried Life of Fred? That is good for a basic understanding. Most automotive programs do require that kids know algebra at least. It may be that he needs to do a remedial program at the college before hand.
     
  9. cabsmom40

    cabsmom40 Active Member

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    You may not necessarily need those courses to do what he wants. I would check it out and go from there. If he is going to study something that doesn't require the core classes that other degrees need, I don't think it will matter.
     
  10. Gina

    Gina Member

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    I honestly don't think you need to worry too much. Lots of people struggle with math. Most community colleges offer high school math classes called "learning support" classes. They don't usually count toward the degree, but they're there for students who need more practice before moving on to college math. Usually, these schools require placement exams as part of the admission file anyway to determine where the student should start.
     
  11. Shilman

    Shilman New Member

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    My dd is in 9th grade this year and has several ld's. I struggled for years to get her to memorize her math facts, and she just can't do it! Finally a friend, who is a math teacher, told me to give her a calculator and move on. She would get very frustrated when we worked on math together. Finally, after swearing I would never stick her in front of a computer to do her work, we settled on Teaching Textbooks. She did several lessons on their website over the summer before we purchased Algebra 1. We started school a few weeks ago and she made 88% on her first test, WITHOUT MY HELP! I am sure it will get harder as the year progresses, but she really likes working independently, so I am praying TT will get her through graduation. I honestly don't know if this will prepare her for college math, but we get through each day now with no math melt downs.

    We will look for schools which don't require high scores on the ACT/SAT. I want her to get through Geometry and Algebra II with a C or above, just in case she wants to attend a 4 year college. Just check with the schools he might be interested in to see what their entrance requirements are.

    I don't know if this helps you any, but I certainly understand how you feel!
     
  12. BatmansWife

    BatmansWife New Member

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    My son really struggles with math too. He's a junior this year. Tomorrow he starts Math Rescue. I also have some Math Tutor DVD's that I think will be good for him. I would recommend you go to the Math Tutor website and check out the free lessons. See what your son thinks of those. The teacher explains and shows each and every step.

    ETA: I see that Educents has another deal on Math Tutor DVD packages. The last time they had a sale is when/where I bought the Math Tutor Basic pkg and the Pre-Algebra pkg. There's a little over 5 days left on the sale. Hmm...maybe I should consider the Algebra 1 pkg now that the sale is on again.

    ETA again....I said we were about to start Math Relief. Duh! It's really called Math Rescue. I corrected it above.
     
    Last edited: Sep 12, 2013
  13. mom24boys!

    mom24boys! New Member

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    My DS (10th grade) has hated and struggled in math since day one of school. Yes, I am talking since Kindergarten. We are using Math Relief this year and for the first time EVER he comes in everyday after doing math and says, " Mom, I just love math now!":D. And I like it too because all is have to do is grade it, that's it!:D
     
  14. Cornish Steve

    Cornish Steve Active Member

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    When I look at math textbooks (and many science books), I become so depressed. Here are the most exciting and creative subjects under the son, and they are introduced in such a boring way. No wonder our children struggle and try to avoid them like the plague.

    I would suggest trying to find a tutor who is genuinely excited about math, someone for whom math means everything and who loves to communicate its value to students. Such people are few and far between, unfortunately, but genuine enthusiasm can rub off on students.
     

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