DD17 is a senior this year, and we use a charter school. Here's the problem: Math is her most difficult subject. She needs to pass Algebra 1 to graduate. We were using Teaching Textbooks and got 1/2 through the book. The school now says TT is not recognized and so she was given a Algebra 1 textbook to do. They told her she could go through the chapter tests and as long as she passed she does not need to do the actual chapters-in essence, test out. She is stuck on Chapter 2!! We are going back through and doing the lessons but it looks Greek to her and she's in tears every day that nothing looks familiar and she is simply and utterly lost. We do have a tutor for 1 hour a week but what happens is, she ends up getting stuck mid-week and cannot talk to the tutor until the following meeting. We use the textbook's online help section and watch the video of the examples but when she gets to the problems in the book, she 'thinks' they are not the same and gets super frustrated and ends up crying. Now I am in a panic. I'm at my wits end and honestly don't know if she will graduate at this point unless something changes to get her going. She is actually ahead in credits required overall, but this is a required class, so to fail it would be disasterous. I don't even know if I am looking for you to give advice, or just listen. I just need to talk to someone. Is there a such thing as a "remedial" Algebra class? What does the school do for something such as this? When I was in HS, I totally failed algebra myself and at that time it wasn't required so I had to take another year of any math so I took accounting and did fine. We don't have that option here. What to do????
Make sure she has learned the lanquage of math. That she understands the meanings of the vocab being used in the book she is using. Perhaps there is a difference in the terminology and it might be what is adding to the confusion. There are a lot of math videos on Khan academy website that are all free. You can look for items that match up with her text in terms of the learning objectives. Perhaps putting TT aside might reduce stress also, by getting a new "teacher" in the videos.
What about trying Life of Fred? That is great for reinforcement and a different way of looking at things. Lots of folks who have problems with Algebra get it after using those books.
Ok both good ideas. Will look into both and also trying to cement vocabulary. It's sooo hard to get very far when she's so upset.
I can totally sympathize! I have a dd16 who can't stand math and has very low math aptitude and many tears have been spilt over algebra. You mention that you are in a charter school. I'm assuming a cyber-charter school, right? Is that where the tutor is from? Does the sschool have any suggestions for you?
We are in a local charter school that allows us to pick our own curriculum (provided its not religious) and to work at home. We have used TT for the past 2 years but suddenly the school through in an "exception" with the math. The kids must use the school textbook in Algebra 1. My middle is using TT pre-algebra and younger one is using TT4 and that seems to be ok. They are just being stinkers about the Algebra 1 book for some reason. I put in a message to our ES (education specialist) as to what to do, but haven't heard back. They got us a tutor so far and gave me an "intervention" workbook that's also written in "greek" so hasn't helped a lick. The tutor is only available on her assigned meeting day since she also has a regular job and other students. Trying to breathe and not panic. I just know how dd struggles and this is really hanging her up.
If this is a do or die must pass to graduate class, then you need to get a daily tutor out of pocket. Your tutor needs to come at least 2-3 times a week to be effective. Tuesdays and Thursdays or Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. That way your child is getting reinforcement from the tutor through the week. What text is the book? You could even look for a tutor over skype type of deal. Tutoring is not easy either but I can't imagine 1x a week being very productive.
As much as I love Life of Fred I don't think that will work here. My suggestion is KhanAcademy.org. It is free and she can work through the algebra concepts that are covered in the book the school gave her. You sign on as her coach and you can 'suggest' lessons for her to do ie you find the right ones. I wish I lived near you! I can hear how desperate you are and I would love to help.
Was the TT working for her? I'd probably keep using the TT, but use the instruction to keep up with the textbook. KWIM?
They probably won't allow the TT due to EOC exams following the text. Does your charter use end of course exams? I would be leery of continuing TT when the school is saying no to it b/c they have probably compared it to the text and found it lacking in some way.
Yes, they do EOC tests, but being a senior, she won't have to take it. I'm concerned with my other two kids because they will have to take EOC. I may just grab textbooks for them, as well, and get them going on it and use the TT as supplement.
Some good news for once: The school is putting her into the on-site class that meets 2 days a week. They will also continue with the tutor to reinforce concepts, 1x a week. So starting tomorrow, she will have 3 days of instruction a week. Ok, I'm happy now and really think this will work for her. Thank God!
I think you might need to look into enrolling her in an algebra class, either at your community college, or a homeschool co-op, or pay for a private tutor who will teach her everyday for an hour. If this is her big hang-up for graduation, I'd put all my effort into this class, and scale back on some other classes, if needed. Good luck!
Wow...in my state, kids need to pass Algebra One, Algebra Two and Geometry to graduate. Count your blessings that Algebra One is the only dragon to slay I agree that getting her some day to day help...would probably be best. You might check with the local highschool and see if there's a student looking for a job...might be more affordable. Here is an excellent resource for identifying what skills she needs to work on: http://www.hostos.cuny.edu/oaa/compass/prealgebra.htm It's meant as a practice aid for taking a community college math placement test. It has both pre-algebra and algebra sections. Essentially, you take the test, and it helps you figure out where you need to start and what concepts are giving you trouble. Also, if you miss a question, it breaks it down, and shows you how to do each step...or suggests where you might have gone wrong by the answer you select. My daughter used this as a study aid before taking the ACT. I really like the way it's put together. It's not a curriculum, but the diagnostic will help you find the areas that need the most attention if tutoring resources are limited. Good Luck! PS...my best girlfriend took Algebra One three times when we were in high school. She barely passed...it was a nightmare for her. Ironically, today she manages a bank! I'm not remotely kidding. Some people just have a tougher time of it. Hang in there!
DD went to class thursday for the first time and she really liked it. There are only 5 kids in the class so that's a plus. We did do like Laura suggested and scaled back. We dropped Psychology (which she would just be doing for elective credit) to focus as much attention in Algebra as we can. Yes, and thank goodness we don't have the Algebra 1, 2 and Geomety class as requirements!
