WHAT CLASSES DO YOU OFFER?
For Fall 2023, classes offered include grade 6, grade 7, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and a new course “Algebra 1 and 2 – a 3-Year course”.
WHAT CLASS SHOULD I ENROLL IN?
Please see the scope and sequence pages to see the topics covered in each course to determine the best fit for your student. Pre-Algebra is typical for 8th grade and for advanced 7th grade students. Algebra 1 is typically for 9th grade and Algebra 2 for 10th and above provided the student successfully completed Algebra 1. You must have Algebra 1 prior to Algebra 2, Geometry, or any other high school course. Geometry and Algebra 2 can be taken in any order and different schools and curriculums approach this differently.
Feel free to contact me if you have questions about this. I strongly caution against skipping a grade just because a student seems advanced. There are topics that are missed when doing this. If you have questions, please contact me.
DO YOU USE COMMON CORE?
To put it briefly, no. Common core is a list of standards that should be taught in each grade. It is not a method of teaching. To see the topics I teach in each grade, please click on scope and sequence and select the grade level you are interested in. How I teach is based on 20 years of experience and is not dictated by any curriculum. I can tailor examples to fit student questions and use a variety of methods to reach all learners.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BUY?
You will need access to a printer. You will also need basic supplies such as paper and possibly tools such as a ruler, compass, and protractor. Colored pens or highlighters may aid students as well with notes. You will not need to purchase a textbook. Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 will include online textbooks that can be printed at home if desired.
WHAT FORMAT WILL THE CLASSES TAKE?
Classes may vary depending on the subject matter. All courses will be live and incorporate direct teaching, student practice, and activities. Classes will be recorded, so if there are internet issues or a student must miss due to illness or family needs, the class may be made up at the student’s convenience. In the event of teacher illness or conflict, the class may be recorded rather than live.
WHAT IF I HAVE TROUBLE SUBMITTING WORK?
Due dates are generous to allow for issues such as internet connectivity, illness, family emergency, etc. Further, the 2 lowest homework scores and 1 quiz score will be dropped. No tests will be dropped. Students will want to be careful with their time so that procrastination does not cause further issues. As long as work is completed on a regular basis, students should not have trouble with getting work turned in. I have made allowances in both due dates and dropping scores so that families will have plenty of opportunities to deal with problems that may arise. Due to these allowances, late work will not be accepted.
HOW WILL I KNOW HOW MY STUDENT IS DOING?
Both parent and student should use the same login and password to access the course. Parents should regularly check what is due and look at grades. Parents should also read announcements for current information. It will be the parent’s responsibility to contact me with concerns. I am happy to speak with and help any family with questions. However, I will not be contacting families to let them know a student is not doing well. You will know grades and progress by regularly checking the website.
WHAT IF THE STUDENT HAS QUESTIONS OR NEEDS HELP?
Students will be given the opportunity to ask questions during the live class. Other opportunities for understanding include examples provided in notes or text, video links, and in the lesson page for that day. Each lesson page includes supplemental helps such as videos, games, activities, tutorials, and extra practice. Students may also contact me through the message center in the class portal.
HOW MUCH IS THE CLASS?
One full year live class is $700. This includes textbook and/or printable notes depending on class. You will not incur any book fees! Discount codes may be available via events such as conventions. Self-paced Pre-Algebra is $349.
HOW DO I LOG IN TO THE CLASS?
After paying and close to the start of classes, you will receive all the information needed to login and participate. You will need an email address to sign up for the website. This can be a parent or student email. Both parent and student will need access to login information for the class website and either parent or student should regularly check the associated email account. You will also need a google account to access google docs. This does not have to be a gmail account. I would encourage students to use the same email for the class and google to make things easier but this is not required.
IS THIS A FAITH BASED CLASS?
All math classes will be academic in nature. Students of all faiths are welcome.
WHAT CURRICULUM DO YOU USE?
I do not use a particular curriculum. I create most of my own materials. I teach the grade level topics based on my 20 years of experience. Homework and activities are appropriate to the material being taught. Upper level courses will have access to a textbook by OpenStax. All courses will be provided with regular notes that contain the information needed for each topic. Students will need to complete these during class. There is also plenty of supplemental material provided via other websites that provide additional help, practice, or short videos.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
- Before June 30: receive refund minus a $50 service fee
- July 1 – 31: receive refund minus a $100 service fee
- August 1 – 28: 50% refund
HOWEVER, a student may transfer from one course to another without penalty.