Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Recommended Resources How to plan out math progression?

I was wondering if there is a "right" way to progress through math? My daughter is currently using ALEKS and doing very well with it. The problem I have is that although math isn't her favorite subject she is moving very quickly now that she can move at her own pace. She finished Level 4 and is now 72% done with Level 5. I could easily see her being done with that by early summer. She is much happier since she doesn't "have to waste time waiting for everyone or constantly going over the same thing twenty times".

I vaguely remember Geometry in 7th, Pre-algebra in 8th, I think Trigonometry in 9th, Algebra I, Algebra II, Precalculus, and then Calculus in 12th.

I have looked at the suggested placement for AP students on the ALEKS website but I was looking for some more input. They seem to have many choices for 5th thru 8th so I'm a little lost. I know things have changed and they do offer AP Statistics for an option in 12th so that might help. I am just wondering how this will all play out if she continues to move at a quick pace. She sees math as a means to an end since her true love is science. That somehow seems to motivate her all the more.

Generally, basic math skills are covered through 7th grade followeed by
Pre Algebra
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Trig/Pre-Calc
Calculus AB

The reason they stick Geometry between Algebra I and II is because there is some Geometry on the SATs and most kids will take the SATs/PSATs before they take Algebra II.

Some courses will separate Algebra into 1, 2, and 3 (notice the Arabic numerals), which takes Algebra I and II and breaks it into three smaller parts.

When I went to high school we took Algebra 1, Algebra 2/Geometry, Algebra 3/Trig, and Calculus A.

I think it all depends on the publisher of the book. Check out Saxon math's progression for a common American math sequence:
http://saxonpublishers.harcourtachieve.com/en-US/sxnm_home

Good luck.

Kate

Should I be trying to slow her down in this progression? Math was never my favorite. I followed the AP schedule like all my other classes and did well but promptly disregarded most of what I learned as unnecessary. Wish I had thought ahead. I am already relearning in order to teach some of it. I know I never learned modes and some of the other new terms they are using today. How should I be approaching math with a GT kid today?

If your DD is a math junkie, there is no slowing her down. My DS is 6, taking pre algebra and I've tried to get him to stop and take a breath, forget it!

There is quite a bit of Prob and stats in school today. Most colleges expect students to take a course in this - regardless of major. This is usually introduced early on in school and then in Pre-Algebra.

Kate is right about the order. Some books have Trig in with Algebra II and for some, it is a separate course.

Many curriculums introduce Algebra as early as second grade (in small parts). The pre-algebra really determines the algebra I. So many schools are calling Algebra I what is truly a pre-algebra.

I do not think that nearly enough time is spent on fractions, percent, and decimals or the true understanding of them (such as place value). This leads to much understanding later.

Geometry has a lot of Algebra in it - finding an unknown. The proofs bog almost everyone down in this class.

Trig begins the Transcendental Functions (and continues with Calc). I highly recommend a good Precalculus class, which really goes over all the Algebraic and Transcendental functions, inside and out. Some schools skip this, but it can really deepen the understanding of functions before Calculus. A good Precalc class is valuable and is truly like a Algebra III course, with the addition of Trig.

Most of all, develop factoring. This has been dropped or lessened. This is developmental and knowing this is the key to advanced math. Students usually don't even know their prime number anymore or how to break out a number into its primes.

Sorry, this is my passion.