Algebra 1 curriculum advice

I have just finished writing a LONG article on homeschool algebra 1 recommendations and advice. It took me quite many hours to write and research.

Questions about what to do for algebra 1 have become one of the "frequently asked questions", so I decided to write down something that I can refer people to, from now on.

I realize you may have different opinions and even suggestions for algebra curriculum in homeschool, so if you let me know, I'm willing to look into other possibilities not mentioned in the article.

Common Core State Standards released

Common Core State Standards is a state-led initiative (not by the government) and designed by a diverse group of teachers, experts, parents, and school administrators.

They hope these standards will be adopted by various states. We shall see! It would definitely help if the math standards didn't vary so much among the various states. In some states, there are SO many standards and objectives per grade that it seems impossible students could learn it all well.

You can view the mathematics standards here. They also have language arts standards available.

Math Mammoth Percent

Math Mammoth Percent book is here! Part of the "Math Mammoth Blue Series", this is a topical worktext, which contains both the instruction and the exercises in the same book. Download price: $3.50.

I know that the concept of percent and related applications are often difficult for students. I wrote this text keeping this in mind, and I hope it can clear the confusion on percentages, percent of change, and such topics!

From the description:

Math Mammoth Percent teaches students the concept of percent, percentage of a number, discounts, sales tax, percent of change, circle graphs, and percent of comparison. It is suitable for 6th-8th grade (middle school).

The concept of percent builds on a student's understanding of fractions and decimals. Specifically, students should already be very familiar with the idea of finding a fractional part of a whole (such as finding 3/4 of $240). Students who have used Math Mammoth have been practicing that concept since 4th grade, and one reason why I have emphasized finding a fractional part of a whole so much in the division and fraction materials in the earlier grades is specifically to lay a groundwork for the concept of percent.

Assuming the student has mastered how to find a fractional part of a whole, and can easily convert fractions to decimals, studying percents in middle school should not be difficult.

Read more and see the free sample pages!