Shormann Algebra 1 & 2 Teach Every Concept on the ACT, PSAT, & SAT

with a Biblical & Historical Foundation 

Since Saxon Math does not teach all the concepts on the newly redesigned PSAT & SAT, Dr. Shormann published a new curriculum that teaches every concept on the ACT, PSAT, and SAT, uses John Saxon's proven teaching methods, and incorporates 21st Century topics like computer math, technology applications, and current real-world word problems. 

Sample Lessons

Key Features:

• Self-Paced course in a State-of-the-Art eLearning system

• Shormann Algebra 1 & 2 teach every concept on the PSAT, SAT, and ACT.

• PSAT, SAT, and ACT skills are reviewed throughout Precalculus and Calculus. 

• Based on John Saxon's proven teaching methods

• A biblical & historical foundation teaches the "why" of learning math.

State-of-the-Art eLearning System

 Assignments are organized by week. Select a week to view

all the assignments for that week. 

Video Lectures

Step-by-step instruction for every lesson. 

Interactive Homework

A link to a similar example problem and a link to the video lecture makes it easy 

to re-learn forgotten concepts. 

Results Page

eLearning Course Contents

• 24 Month Subscription to Shormann Algebra 1 with Integrated Geometry

• Weekly Assignment Chart

• Automated grading & grade recording of all assignments 

• Video solutions & PDF solutions for all assignments

• Q&A Email Support with Dr. Shormann

• eTextbook with lessons & homework, eSolutions Manual (upon request), and eTeacher's Guide (printing is not required) 

• Please allow 2 business days to set up your eLearning course(s). To login, follow the steps on your order confirmation email.

• 100 Lessons with one video lecture and homework set each

•  26 Weekly Quizzes and 4 Quarterly Exams

Prerequisite

Completed Any Pre-Algebra, Saxon 8/7, or Saxon Algebra 1/2

Important: Student Placement Info & Tests

Course Description

Shormann Algebra 1 with Integrated Geometry  Laying a firm foundation for upper level math, this course teaches all the topics required for a 21st Century Algebra 1 course including simplifying algebraic expressions, solving equations (linear and quadratic) and linear systems. Geometry is integrated throughout the course, developing long-term retention and fluency of both Algebra and Geometry skills.  Geometry topics include proof, logic, Euclidian geometry, perimeter, area, and volume. Other topics include measurement, computer math, technology applications, statistics and a gentle introduction to basic calculus. With over 100 questions from the PSAT, SAT, and ACT this course starts the process of preparing students for these exams. 

Designed for use as an honors, standard or remedial course, Shormann Algebra 1 has 100 daily lessons, 28 weekly quizzes, and four quarterly exams.

Credits: 1 Algebra 1 and 1/2 Geometry

Select to Learn More  

• Teacher's Guide with Scope & Sequence

• Student Placement Chart

• Sample Lessons

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Comparison Saxon vs Shormann Math

Why did Dr. Shormann write a new math curriculum? 

Teaching Saxon Math to hundreds of thousands of students for more than twenty years, Dr. Shormann knew John Saxon's unique teaching methods worked. However, after the College Board redesigned the PSAT and SAT (2015), Saxon Math no longer taught all the concepts on these exams. Houghton Mifflin, who purchased Saxon after John's death, stripped many of John's original methods in their new editions. Dr. Shormann decided to write a new curriculum to continue John Saxon's methodology while teaching all the concepts on the redesigned PSAT & SAT.  

A 21st Century Math Curriculum with a Biblical Foundation

 Standing on the shoulders of John Saxon, Leonard Euler, Euclid, Newton, and many others, Dr. Shormann published a complete math curriculum that teaches every concept on the ACT and redesigned PSAT & SAT.  Like Saxon, he teaches math like a language with incremental, bite-sized lessons and continual practice of all previously learned skills which build mastery, increase recall speed (fluency), and raise college entrance exam scores. With 21st Century topics like technology applications, computer math, and current real-world word problems, Shormann Math courses are hosted in a state-of-the art eLearning campus that makes learning more efficient and effective. 

A Biblical & Historical Foundation

Teaching math as the language of science and an important tool for understanding God and the world He created, Dr. Shormann inspires students to excel. An emphasis on math history teaches the story of math, giving students a clearer picture of the "why" behind the math they are learning, while shedding light on modern math's rich Christian heritage.

PSAT, SAT, & ACT

• Teaching every concept on the math section of the ACT and redesigned PSAT & SAT, Shormann Algebra 1 & 2 have more than 200 practice problems from these exams.

• PSAT, SAT, and ACT skills taught in Shormann Algebra 1& 2 are continually reviewed throughout Precalculus and Calculus.

• Geometry and Algebra are integrated in Shormann Algebra 1 & 2. Students don't stop learning one to learn the other. Because both geometry and algebra skills are tested on college entrance exams, this integration raises scores

• Shormann Math provides continual review of these skills throughout Algebra 2, Precalculus & Calculus, building long-term retention and fluency (speed and accuracy).     

IDEAL COURSE SEQUENCE & CREDITS

 *If Saxon Algebra 1, 3rd Edition (1/3 credit of Geometry) was taken, completion of Shormann Algebra 2 earns 1 full credit of Geometry and 1 full credit of Algebra 2. Learn More

**If Saxon Algebra 2, 2nd or 3rd Edition (1/2 credit of Geometry) was taken, 1/2 credit of Geometry and 1 full credit of Precalculus is earned in Shormann Precalculus. Learn More

Sequence Modifications

3 Semester Option

Since Shormann Algebra 1 & 2 each earn 3 semesters of math credits, students can take up to 3 semesters to complete them. Instead of planning the lessons over three semesters, use the Timed Method, which allows the student to learn at their own pace which develops fluency. 

AP Calculus 

.Caution: Dr. Shormann does not recommend "pushing" a student to beyond their God-given ability to achieve advanced levels. This may affect fluency and, in the end, require more time to complete the course. Instead, use the self-paced timed method (described in the Teacher Guide and under Scheduling below). 

According the College Board, a passing score on an AP Calculus exam, not only earns up to 8 college credits, it is the number one indicator of college success, significantly boosting admissions and scholarship applications in the selection process. To submit AP exam scores along with applications, they must be taken no later than 11th grade. AP exams taken in 12th grade are still eligible for college credit, but the scores are not received until after most application deadlines have passed. Learn More about AP Exams 

 Schedule 

While advanced math students can complete Shormann Algebra 1 in as little as 30 weeks, good to average math students usually complete the course in 36 weeks.  Remedial or reluctant math students may take a little longer. Since three semesters of credit is earned in this course (1 credit of Algebra 1 and 1/2 credit of geometry), students can take up to three semesters to complete it. 

While the eLearning course is setup on a 30 week schedule, a normal school year is 36 weeks. This means there are six additional weeks that allow the student to slow down, as needed, to re-learn forgotten concepts, ensuring mastery and fluency are developed. Instead of requiring the student to complete a full lesson per day, I recommend working on math 4-5 days per week for no more than an 1 - 1.5 hours each. At the end of this time, regardless of how much of the lesson has been completed, have the student stop. Then, pickup where they left off the next day. Over time, as fluency is developed, they will complete more and more of the lesson during this time.

If I use the timed method, how will my student finish on time?

The timed method usually has the opposite effect than what parents expect. While a  strong math student will usually complete the course in 30-34 weeks, an average math student may take 36-45 weeks. However, since Shormann Algebra 1 & 2 earn 3 semesters of math credits each (see chart below), taking up to 54 weeks (3 semesters). is perfectly fine. While Shormann Math is not Common Core, CC recommends an integrated geometry/algebra approach which spreads Algebra and Geometry over three years. While, their approach is more like mixing than true integration, colleges are now familiar with the integrated approach and are not surprised or confused when these credits are listed on the transcript. Learn More About Transcripts

TruePractice

While every problem is first solved on paper, the eLearning course features a system we call TruePractice^TM that builds long-term mastery more efficiently than traditional approaches. What is TruePractice? Well, think about how you learn a sport. During practice, if you make a mistake, the mistake is discussed and, if you have a good coach, you immediately regroup and try again. That’s how the online homework is designed in Shormann Math. When a homework problem is attempted, immediate right/wrong feedback is provided. If the answer is wrong, a small penalty is assessed, and the student can re-learn using the links above each homework question, then solve the problem correctly! Rather than “spoiling” them with an answer, TruePractice™ encourages students to stay engaged and re-learn the concept, which is the best way to achieve long-term retention and fluency.

24 Month eCourse Subscription $139 per Course

- Setup on a 30 week schedule but can be stretched to 3 or 4 semesters

- 24 Month access to the eCourse for one student

- Self-paced; no due dates, parents can change grades and reset assignments

- Includes printable eTextbook, eSolutions Manual (upon request), & eTeacher’s Guide

- Most assignments can be completed offline 

- Use as an honors, standard, or remedial course

- Subscription FAQs: Student Email and Sibling FAQs

Discounted Sibling Subscription $39 per Course

Once you purchase a subscription for one child in your family,

the subscription can be renewed for each sibling for $39

- $39 Sibling enrolled concurrently with the primary student

- $39 Sibling enrolled at a later time (no time limit between siblings)

- Purchase sibling subscription when sibling is ready to start 

Integrated Geometry and Continual Review

- Based on John Saxon’s teaching methods of incremental bite-sized lessons, continual review, and cumulative assessments

- Updated with 21st Century technology applications, real world word problems, and computer math

Comprehensive Video Instruction for Every Lesson

- 100 Daily lessons with 1 video lecture each (avg 20 min)

- Students take notes and work example problems

- Video lectures can be accessed offline

Interactive Homework with Automated Grading

- 20 homework questions per lesson

- Work problems on paper first, then enter the answer for instant feedback

- Links to a similar practice problem and to the related video lecture make re-learning quick and easy

- Automated grading provides instant feedback

- Homework can also be completed offline using the eText, then enter answers into the eLearning system for grading or grade using the eSolutions Manual

Video Solutions Ensure Understanding

- Step-by-step explanation for each homework question

- Access is restricted until homework is completed and score is recorded

- eSolutions Manual is also available to parents

Interactive Quizzes and Exams with Automated Grading

- 26 weekly online quizzes and 4 online quarterly exams

- Automated grading and grade recording

- Parents can reset assignments and change grades

Q&A Email Support with Dr. Shormann

- Q&A email support with Dr. Shormann

- eTeacher’s Guide and eSolution’s Manual 

Earn 14 College Credits via CLEP and AP Exams

- CLEP Professor for College Algebra is included with Shormann Algebra 2

- CLEP College Algebra earns 3 college credit

- Passing scores also validates high school transcripts

Excellent Preparation for the Newly Redesigned PSAT & SAT

- Written specifically to meet the new requirements of the 2015 redesigned PSAT and SAT

- Shormann Algebra 1 & 2 teach all the concepts required to excel on college entrance exams

- Continual review and integrated geometry develop fluency, raising standardized test scores

- Shormann Precalculus will continue to review these concepts to maintain fluency

System Requirements

- Browser based eLearning system- like a website

- Access from any computer or device with a browser (Chrome or Safari) and internet access

- Speakers or headphones 

Samples for Lesson 1

Each lesson is made of three components, Rules and Definitions, Video Lecture, and the Practice Set (homework). Following is a sample of each of these components in the order the student would complete. 

1. Read the Rules and Definitions using the Digital Flashcards. 

2. Watch the video lecture, taking notes and working example problems with Dr. Shormann.

Most lectures average about twenty minutes. However, depending on the new concept, some lectures are longer. Again, use the timed method described under Schedule above to avoid frustrating or overwhelming the student.

3. Complete the Lesson Practice (homework). 

Work every problem on paper, then enter the answer and select Submit for instant feedback. There are two links above each question (see graphic below). One is a link to a similar example problem and one is a link to the video lecture that teaches that concept. If your answer is wrong, or you don't know how to do a problem, use these links to quickly re-learn and try to solve the problem again. Because the homework is practice, up to four attempts are allowed for each problem. Points are deducted for each wrong attempt which keeps the student from guessing. 

4. After completing all the homework, click Submit All and Finish at the bottom of the page. The system will calculate the score and store it in the online grade book. Parents can request grade changes and assignment resets at any time.

5. The results page will appear with the correct answer and video solutions to every problem. Re-learn and correct missed problems by looking at the correct answer and watching the video solutions for each missed problem. Then re-work each missed problem on your Homework Notes.

Quizzes

Every fourth lesson there is a four question quiz over the past four new concepts. Notes can be used during the quiz. There is a time limit of twenty minutes. which is about twice as much as most students need. See the FAQs for a work around, if more time is needed.  

Quarterly Exams

Every twenty five lessons a quarterly exam is administered. This is a cumulative test covering all the material the student should have mastered to that point. Two to three practice exams are provided to prepare for the exam. Quarterly exams prepare students for college math exams that cover a large body of material. 

Overview of Shormann Math 

Standing on the shoulders of math giants like Euclid, Euler, Newton, together with John Saxon’s common sense teaching methods, we are pleased to present Shormann Math! Taught from a Christian foundation, this new curriculum by David Shormann builds on a firm foundation of time tested, proven methods, enhanced with 21st Century content delivery.

Because scholars consider mathematics to be “the language of science,” these courses teach math like a language. In a foreign language course, you don’t learn nouns for a year, verbs for another year, etc. You learn a little of each concept, combined with lots of practice and review, Then you combine the different concepts together to create more complex concepts. Fluency is achieved through patient practice and repetition.

While Algebra 1-level concepts will be the focus of our first course, our primary goal is to teach mathematics, not just algebra. For example, Algebra 1 and 2 will contain a full credit of geometry, including plenty of proofs, even some straight out of Euclid’s famous book, The Elements. But we’ll also introduce non-Euclidean geometry, and show students how the concept of proof applies to all of mathematics, not just geometry. In fact, all the algebra, geometry, trigonometry, etc. that a student will find on the SAT (including the new SAT) or ACT will be covered in Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. 

Most modern mathematics curricula ignore math history. But ideas have consequences, and studying history often reveals which ideas are worth repeating and which ones aren’t. There is a rich Christian heritage in math. Whether or not you are using a classical, trivium/quadrivium approach to your child’s education, understanding mathematics within a biblical, historical framework will help students make more sense out of what they are learning and why they are learning it.

“If I have seen a little further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants”
-Isaac Newton

Sequence Modifications

3 Semester Option

Since Shormann Algebra 1 & 2 earn 3 semesters of math credits each (see above). these two courses can be spread out over 3 years (3 semesters each). 

AP Calculus BC in 11th Grade

According the College Board, a passing score on an AP Calculus exam, not only earns up to 8 college credits, it is the number one indicator of college success, significantly boosting admissions and scholarship applications in the selection process. To submit AP exam scores along with applications, they must be taken no later than 11th grade.

AP exams taken in 12th grade are still eligible for college credit, but the scores are not received until after most application deadlines have passed.

While a passing score on the AP Calculus AB exam is usually enough to earn the desired admission and scholarships, strong math students who plan to take the BC exam should either take Algebra 1 in 7th grade (pre-algebra is required) or work on math year- around. Learn More about AP Exams

Caution: I do not recommend "pushing" a student beyond his God-given ability to reach these high levels of math achievement. Often, this has a detrimental affect on fluency and, in the end, requires more time to complete the course. Instead, I recommend a self-paced timed method (described in the Teacher Guide and under scheduling above) that ensures mastery and fluency are developed, making math faster and easier.