Denison Pre-Algebra is a course designed for the “non-mathy” or struggling student entering 7th or 8th grade. It is a basic pre-algebra course with a heavy focus on reviewing and reteaching arithmetic basics, while also introducing algebra topics to prepare students for studying algebra 1. While it is a full pre-algebra course that would prepare any student to study algebra 1, it is written at a “basic” level, meaning it focuses on reviewing and reteaching arithmetic, helping students fill in gaps, reducing math anxiety and recovering math confidence, and introducing students to the abstract world of algebra 1 in an approachable way. If a student is not struggling with math basics, learns math just fine, or has had consistency with their math curriculum and does not have math gaps, then this pre-algebra course may not be the best fit.
While other Denison Algebra courses are written at a standard level, Denison Pre-Algebra is somewhat unique because it is written at a more basic level, intended to recover math for situations where math has become a pain point, or where large gaps are suspected. Will Denison Pre-Algebra be sufficient prep for studying algebra 1, even for a college-bound student? Absolutely. It covers all the essentials needed for studying algebra 1. But it is designed for students in a situation where math has become a struggle. For a struggling student, it is absolutely prep for studying high school algebra 1. For a student who does not struggle or who does not have gaps in their math background, it will be sufficient prep, but this student may prefer a faster moving course.
Who Denison Pre-Algebra is good for:
- A student who still struggles with basic arithmetic, particularly multi-step arithmetic such as long hand multiplication and division.
- A student who struggles to remember their times tables.
- A student who struggles with multi-step problems.
- A student who has lost all confidence in math, and math has become a miserable part of the school day.
- A student who has gaps in their math education due to factors such as switching curriculums often, taking time off because of life circumstances, inconsistent time spent on learning math, etc.
- A student who struggles heavily with math anxiety or has completely lost confidence in their math abilities.
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Who Denison Pre-Algebra is NOT good for:
- A student who has had a fairly solid and consistent approach to learning math (for example, successfully using the same curriculum for many years, therefore reducing the possibility of gaps).
- A student who has strong (or average) arithmetic skills and learns math fine.
- A student who dislikes math but learns math just fine and does not struggle with it.
- A student who is confident in their math ability, or even a student who is neutral about their math abilities but learns math without struggle.
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Scroll down to see what the course includes and to see sample lessons and videos, and you can click HERE to see more placement information.