By Christy Walters
A+ Education Services
www.aplusses.com
505 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 103
Stockbridge, GA 30281
770-506-9272
Algebra II: A Fresh Approach worktext is a 713-page complete Algebra II program. It is the second book in the Algebra: A Fresh Approach series and follows the same teaching formula as the first book in the series (Algebra I). In 21 chapters (see the table of contents at http://www.aplusses.com/sample/AlgIITOC.pdf) students are instructed in traditional Algebra II material and are introduced to Probability and Trigonometry.
Algebra II is a softcover worktext. In other words, students write in this book. Because it is consumable, it is not going to be passed down in the family. However, this is a small price to pay for an easy-to-understand and user-friendly Algebra II curriculum. Answers to odd-numbered questions are included in the back of the book and Ms. Walters is working on a complete solutions manual for the even-numbered problems.
Worktext pages are printed on 60-pound paper (standard copy paper is 20 pound) and the cover is 100 pound cover stock. These two features make Algebra II durable and able to hold up to daily use without falling apart.
A typical day's lesson would be one section of a chapter (chapters have between 4 and 6 sections). Each parent/student should feel free to move faster or slower if desired. The author recommends spending less time on the first few chapters and more time on the later chapters. Plan to spend 30-60 minutes each day on math. Problems get harder as students progress through each section. Even if your student finishes the book in less than a year, award one credit for Algebra II because they have learned a full year's worth of math. Since the last 5-6 problems in each section are more difficult, parents can call the class an "honors class" if students do all these problems.
In Chapter 6, "Solving Quadratic Equations," section 3 contains a lesson on completing the square. I remember learning this many years ago and teaching it to my high school age daughters, and I found Ms. Walters's instructions much easier to understand and follow than the way I learned it previously. Her directions to all of the exercises I have done are clear, and this particular lesson impressed me with its logical and systematic instructions.
As with Algebra I, Algebra II is a well thought out algebra course. It is logical, easy to use, and easy to teach. I look forward to the publication of the solutions manual because sometimes I need step-by-step solutions to figure out where my student is making mistakes, and most days I can't do the work myself.
Ms. Walters is available via email for worktext support. Simple questions that require minimal time are free of charge, while more extensive questions will incur a $45 per hour fee. She plans to write a Pre-Algebra worktext once the solutions guide to Algebra II is completed.
Product review by Tina Rice, Contributing Writer, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, December 2007
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