Algebra II: A Fresh Approach Textbook

If you are looking for a different approach to Algebra with:

• Logically organized introduction of concepts
• Simple, clear explanations
• Student-directed instruction
• Non-intimidating text
• Work space in the text (or to photocopy and work)
• Thorough coverage of algebraic concepts without "extras" thrown in
• A discovery approach to learning

Then these texts may be just what you're looking for. The author has made clear choices to keep the course simple, understandable, self-directed, and easy to succeed at. Even the font sends a "you can do it" message. It's large, bold, crisp and clear with plenty of white space on each page. There are no side notes or rabbit trails here; everything is direct, on task, and pertinent to mastering Algebra. The result of this is a less overwhelming feel to the text. This approach would work well both for the student who is an independent learner and the student who doesn't particularly enjoy math (the "let's just get it done" type). Some children don't really care for the (exciting to me!) explanations and nuances of mathematics. They just need to learn it to get to college or go on to what they're really interested in. They need it like a tool to use; not like a painting to be studied and enjoyed. These are the children that will appreciate what Christy Walters (author) has done in this curricula. Her no-nonsense, straightforward explanations and examples will help both types of student focus on understanding how Algebra works and overcoming any reservations they may have about their ability to conquer the subject.

I appreciate that she has also incorporated self-discovery here; when a student makes their own connections, they understand and retain them. For example, she doesn't introduce the difference between two squares factoring method as a different way of factoring. She purposely made the decision to allow students to discover this unique relationship for themselves. The way she introduces factoring gives them the understanding and confidence they need to just tackle this unique problem like any other factorization problem. While there are techniques you can apply, many students do better if they intuit those independently through trial and error. This is especially true of children who don't do well remembering a bunch of rules and techniques. They are forever "lost" applying random techniques to a problem in an effort to find the "right" one, but without a clear sense of which one to apply! If I sound like a parent of a math-indifferent child, well, let's just say they're not all "chips off the old block"!

Mrs. Walters has, indeed, managed to keep it simple rather than mysterious, bewildering, and perplexing! It would be difficult for a child to be confused by the direct and understandable instruction. Moreover, she takes us through examples step by step and supplies many practice problems that grow gradually more complex. She concentrates on one skill at a time in progression from simple to complex. Her approach is stranded rather than spiral. Chapters are organized topically with a mixed review at the end of each. You will not revisit mastered concepts unless they are needed to solve more complex problems later. If you allow your child to "use" the text, they can write in it; she has left ample space to do so. Otherwise, you could photocopy the problem set pages and put them in a notebook. There are also note pages at the end of each chapter so the student can keep summary thoughts or points to remember together. Answers to odd-numbered problems are in the back of the text. Answers to all even problems (showing all solution steps) are contained in the Solution Guides. There is no separate teacher book or manual needed; the text contains all needed instruction. There are also no separate test books and keys. The Mixed Review problems at the end of each chapter are to be used for testing the understanding of all material in that chapter. The author has left her email address in the preface and welcomes all comments and/or suggestions.

The perfect component to round out this program is a complete set of tests. There is one test provided per chapter, and the tests vary from 2 to 4 pages in length. Tests in this packet correspond directly to chapter content, and beginning with chapter six they include a section of review problems on each test. Tests are printed on 8 ½ x 11 inch paper with plenty of space for students to show their work. The tests are not 3-hole punched, so the first thing I would do is punch them and put them in a binder.

This course is, indeed, a "fresh" approach. There is no "one size fits all" math curriculum, so if your child is having trouble with other traditional approaches, you might want to try this one on. Unlike some other programs out there, this one is comprehensive in coverage, not "dumbed down". While the methods are fresh, the course is serious in scope and is college preparatory. If you compare course content to Saxon, you will notice that it does not include topics that are normally taught in Geometry (or other branches of math - like box and whisker plots which are normally taught in Statistics). Read on for more details on the newly-released Geometry program!