Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Recommended Resources pre-algebra readiness

In a year, my child will take the "algebra readiness exam" to see if he can get into Algebra I for 7th grade.
What topics might a test like that cover?
Does anyone know any workbooks to get to work on for algebra readiness? Thanks!

You could look at the AOPS pre-test for Algebra I here. I don't know how closely that will track your school's algebra readiness requirements, though.

A pre-algebra books are will probably give you a good idea of topics. Your probably need to ask other people in your school since these tests are not necessary uniform.

1) Fractions -- anything and everything to do with fractions.
2) Negative Numbers
3) Abstract Thinking

The test in my school district puts a heavy emphasis on how the students can handle two & three step problems. Two step problems are where you need to more than one technique to solve the problem. Only part of our test is multiple choice, because the math coordinator is looking for kids who can show they can think abstractly rather than just know the tricks for solving multiple choice tests.

There is the Iowa Algebra Readiness Assessment. You can get it from BJU Testing.

Life of Fred has some awesome pre-algebra books including fractions and two pre algebra books

Your title references "pre-algebra" readiness but your post seem to focus on "algebra" readiness so I'll touch on both. Keeping in mind that individual districts may have different criteria, I still think that a good rule of thumb for "pre-algebra" readiness is a deep understanding of fractions and the ability to manipulate same (multiply, divide, convert) easily as well as developed abstract thinking ability. Any decent math workbook that features fraction problems should be sufficient.

As for "algebra" readiness, I think the best approach is to master a solid pre-algebra curriculum. Is it that your DS will be skipping pre-algebra? Many districts have their math curriculum on-line or simply look through their textbook. DS took a national algebra readiness exam last year at the conclusion of his pre-algebra course. There was no preparation involved in the same way that you wouldn't study for the MAP assessments.