If your student failed the placement test or struggled in a different publisher's Algebra 1 or Geometry course, we recommend taking Shormann Algebra 1. This may seem redundant, but because Shormann saves a year of math by integrating 1 full credit of geometry with Algebra 1 & 2, retaking Algebra 1 with Shormann Math will not take any longer than if you continued with your current curriculum, taking Geometry and Algebra 2. In fact it will probably take less time. How Shormann makes learning faster and easier?
Also, in addition to all the geometry concepts required to earn 1/2 credit of geometry, many of the concepts in Shormann Algebra 1 will be new to your student, like the PSAT, SAT, and ACT topics. Because most curricula do not provide the continual review required to build long-term retention, the concepts that were taught in the student’s Algebra 1 course have often been forgotten or, at the very least, extra practice is needed to develop fluency. Fluency (speed and accuracy) in Algebra 1 skills are required to learn Algebra 2 and excel on timed standardized tests like college entrance exams.
How do I list the credits for Shormann Algebra 1 with Integrated Geometry?
Because Shormann Algebra 1 and Shormann Algebra 2 earn 1 full credit of geometry, you can list the original Algebra 1 curriculum as your Algebra 1 credit, list Shormann Algebra 1 as a Geometry credit, then list Shormann Algebra 2 as an Algebra 2 credit (see the chart below). Keep in mind, the name of the curriculum is not listed on the transcript. List only the name of the requirement the curriculum fulfills like this:
Curriculum List on Transcript Credits
Original Algebra 1 Course Algebra 1 1
Shormann Algebra 1 Geometry 1
Shormann Algebra 2 Algebra 2 1
*Shormann Algebra 2 includes a free prep course for the CLEP College Algebra exam that earns up to 3 college credits and can be listed as one credit of Advanced Algebra on the Transcript. FAQs: CLEP and AP Exams
Together, Shormann Algebra 1 and 2 teach every concept on the newly redesigned PSAT and SAT, as well as the ACT, and CLEP College Algebra exam (earns up to 3 college credits), including over 200 practice problems from these exams. But the foundation is taught in Shormann Algebra 1.
Can I go faster through the lessons that are review to me?
Because it will be easier in the beginning, you can work for an hour and a half or so each day. It is critical that you watch the video here: Timed Method: Frustration Free Math
Can I skip some of the lessons in Shormann Algebra 1 or do only the Geometry lessons?
No. The geometry is integrated with the algebra. Even if you could, the problem with skipping the algebra and only doing the geometry lessons, is that the student will lose fluency in algebraic skills, making it harder to learn the geometry in Algebra 1 and harder to understand Algebra 2. Shormann Algebra 1 teaches computer math, technology applications (ie: Geometer's Sketchpad, spreadsheets, etc), and Algebra 1 level PSAT, SAT, and ACT concepts not taught in a traditional Algebra 1 curriculum. Therefore, to develop the fluency required to learn Algebra 2, we recommend all students start with Lesson 1 and complete all lessons as instructed.
Will my student be bored if Shormann Algebra 1 is taken?
No. Shormann Algebra 1 is an honors level course that teaches all concepts in a Pre-AP course, as well as 1/2 credit of Geometry. Therefore, it has as many concepts not found in standard Algebra 1 courses, but are required to excel on the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. Shormann Algebra 1 also requires the student to apply algebra to geometry. Even If some concepts were learned in the previous Algebra 1 course, fluency (speed and accuracy) was probably not achieved because most courses do not provide continual practice (daily practice of a concept over a long period of time). It’s not enough to know how to solve a problem, they must do it quickly and accurately. This level of fluency is required to build on and apply the concept to a new situation, like science or standardized test questions ( PSAT, SAT, and ACT). Like playing piano or pitching, daily practice of these skills, over and over, are required to develop fluency.
If I have taken Algebra 1, can I do only the geometry lessons in Shormann Algebra 1?
The problem with skipping the algebra lessons, is that the student will lose fluency in the algebraic skills developed in Algebra 1, making it harder when learning how to apply algebra to geometry and when learning Algebra 2. Shormann Algebra 1 teaches many concepts not found in most Algebra 1 courses, like computer math, technology applications (ie: Geometer's Sketchpad, spreadsheets, etc), and Algebra 1 level PSAT, SAT, and ACT concepts. Therefore, we recommend all students start with Lesson 1 and do all the lessons as instructed. However, this will only take about the same amount of time, or less, than if the student takes a traditional Geometry course then Algebra 2.
My student struggled in Algebra 1. How do I know he won't struggle in Shormann Algebra 1?
Most students who struggle in Algebra 1 are usually struggling due to a lack of fluency in reducing and converting fractions, decimals, and percents. Similar to memorizing multiplication facts to learn long-division and fractions, memorizing specific fraction, decimal, and percent conversions makes learning algebra much easier. Unfortunately, most pre-algebra* and algebra curricula do not teach this. Therefore, Shormann Algebra 1 includes 10 five minute drill worksheets that develop fluency in these essential skills. This is another way Shormann Math makes achieving higher levels of learning faster and easier!
*Our pre-algebra course, DIVE with Saxon Math 8/7, does an excellent job of developing fluency in these skills and is recommended for all pre-algebra students.
Is Shormann Math too hard for average and struggling math students?
While it is an honor level course that teaches to the PSAT, SAT, and ACT standards (instead of the very low state high school standards), Shormann Math teaches in short "bite-sized" lessons that slowly build on each other to develop complex concepts that are easy to understand. Also, the intensity of the course is easily modified by limiting the amount of time the student spends on math each day. We call this the Timed Method. Basically, instead of requiring the student to complete 1 lesson every day, students work on math a minimum of 4 or 5 days per week for 45 minutes - 1.5 hours (depending on age). Learn More: Timed Method: Frustration Free Math