Shormann Algebra 2 with Integrated Geometry Self-Paced eLearning Course

Author: David Shormann, Ph.D.   ISBN: 978-0-989010-5-3   Edition: 1st Edition

STUDENT EMAIL: List an email address in the “Student Email” field that is not used by ANY other student in the eLearning campus. Don't have one? Learn More

Sibling Subscription: After purchasing Shormann Algebra 2 at full price, a sibling subscription ($39) can be purchased for each child in your household when they are ready to take the course:  Sibling Subscription for Shormann Algebra 2

Student Placement: Placement Info & Tests

Teaches Every Concept on the ACT, PSAT, & SAT

with a Biblical & Historical Foundation 

Because the College Board redesigned the PSAT & SAT (2015), they now have many concepts not taught in Saxon Math. To continue John Saxon's methodology and provide a college preparatory math curriculum, Dr. Shormann published a new curriculum that teaches every concept on these new exams, as well as on the ACT, and uses John's Saxon's original teaching methods.  Standing on the shoulders of math giants like Euclid and Euler, Shormann Math incorporates 21st Century concepts like computer math, technology applications, and current real-world word problems.   Learn More: Saxon vs Shormann Math

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.

• Sample Lessons

FAQs    Teacher Guide    Sample Lessons    Scope and Sequence

Prerequisite

Successful completion of one of the following is required for Shormann Algebra 2:

• Saxon Algebra 1 (2nd or 3rd Edition)  Student used the fourth edition of Saxon Algebra 1

• All Other Publishers: Algebra 1 and at least 1/2 of Geometry  No Geometry?
  

• If your student has not successfully completed the above, see the FAQs below.

FAQs:  My student failed or struggled in Saxon Algebra 1.

  My student failed or struggled in (non-Saxon) Algebra 1 and/or Geometry.

  My student completed a non-Saxon Algebra 1 course and has not taken geometry. 

Credits Earned

1 Algebra 2 Credit

1/2 Geometry Credit*

3 CLEP College Algebra Credits**

*Upon completion of Shormann Algebra 2, students who took Saxon Algebra 1, (2nd or 3rd Edition), earn 1 full credit of Geometry and 1 full credit of Algebra 2. Learn More: Special Considerations in the Teacher's Guide.

**A 3-6 week prep course with specific preparation for this exam is included with Shormann Algebra 2 with Integrated Geometry. 

Course Description

Shormann Algebra 2 with Integrated Geometry teaches all the concepts required for a college preparatory Algebra 2 and Geometry course. Algebra 2 topics include simplifying algebraic expressions, solving equations, solving linear and nonlinear systems of equations, and word problems. Geometry concepts include proof, logic, triangle similarity, perimeter/area/volume, and right triangle geometry (trigonometry).  Analytical geometry, such as functions and their symbolic, graphic, numeric and verbal forms is thoroughly covered.

What about Proofs?

Shormann Algebra 2 teaches all the proofs of Euclidian and Non-Euclidian Geometry required for a college preparatory Geometry course as well as the related skills needed  for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. Shormann Algebra 1 and 2 students will become very familiar with Euclid’s first 5 propositions, giving them a good understanding of proof technique. They will gain an appreciation for the deductive nature of geometry and geometric constructions, seeing how one proposition often requires the previous one. And they will also see the simple beauty and elegance of Euclid’s propositions. For details, see How Shormann Math Teaches Proofs

Other Topics

Other topics include number, ratio, measurement, statistics, computer mathematics, and calculus basics. While it's not normally covered in Algebra 2 courses, results of Shormann Math beta tests reveal students often grasp the grade-appropriate calculus concepts much better than even some of the basic algebra and geometry concepts! Calculus is such an important course for many reasons, and my hope is that, by introducing calculus fundamentals now, it will encourage more students to confidently pursue calculus later.

PSAT, SAT, & ACT Prep

By integrating algebra and geometry, students develop fluency in both subjects, making it easier to grasp analytical geometry and apply it to new situations like standardized tests.  Each Practice Sets contains at least one problem that directly applies math to real-world situations in science, engineering, finance, sports, art, etc. There is also at least 1 problem specifically designed to prepare students for the ACT, SAT, CLEP College Algebra, or CLEP College Math exam. By the end of Shormann Algebra 2, over 200 practice problems from the ACT, PSAT, and SAT have been completed.

Honors, Standard or Remedial Course

Shormann Algebra 2 can be used as an honors, standard, or even a remedial course by modifying the pace. Most students complete the course in 32- 36 weeks. Since three semesters of credit are earned (1 Algebra 2 and 1/2 Geometry), students can take up to three semesters to complete the course.  Learn More: See Honors in the Teacher Guide

State-of-the-Art eLearning System

 User-friendly self-paced course organizes assignments by 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

• 32-36 week course - can be completed over three semesters

• 100 lessons with 1 video lecture and 1 interactive homework each

• Weekly Quizzes and Quarterly Exams

• Automated grading & grade recording of all assignments 

• Video solutions & PDF solutions

• Q&A Email Support with Dr. Shormann

• eTextbook with lessons & homework, eSolutions Manual, and eTeacher's Guide (no printing required) 

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

• 24 Month access allows plenty of time for planning, holidays, and illness

          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 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 

While a passing score on the AP Calculus AB exam in 11th grade will usually earn the desired admission and scholarships, strong math students who plan to take the BC exam in 11th grade should either take Algebra 1 in 7th grade or work on math year- around. Learn More about AP Exams 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.

Caution: I do not recommend "pushing" a student to beyond their God-given ability to achieve advanced levels of math. It can have a detrimental affect on fluency and, in the end, require more time to complete the course. Instead, I recommend a self-paced timed method (described in the Teacher Guide and under scheduling below) that ensures mastery and fluency are developed, making math faster and easier. 

 Schedule

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™ 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 Self-Paced eLearning 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 

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

- Most assignments can be completed offline

- Use as an advanced, standard, or remedial course

- Subscription FAQs: Start Date, Student Email, Siblings

Sibling Subscription $39 per Course

- Sibling enrolled in same course concurrently $39

- Sibling enrolled in same course at a later time (no time limit)  $39

- 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 requested for offline access 

Interactive Homework with Automated Grading

- 20 homework questions per lesson

- Work problems on paper first, then enter the answer

- 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 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

- Video Solutions for every homework question

- 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 credits

- Passing scores on CLEP and AP exams also validate transcripts and make college admissions and scholarship applications more competitive

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

Can I transition from  Saxon Algebra 1 to Shormann Algebra 2?

Yes. While Saxon Algebra 1 is missing some of  the geometry taught in Shormann Algebra 1, these concepts are reviewed in the first 25 lessons of Shormann Algebra 2.  This makes it very easy for students to transition from Saxon Algebra 1 to Shormann Algebra 2.  Upon completion of Shormann Algebra 2, students earn 1 full credit of geometry. See the Special Considerations in the Teacher’s Guide for details on credits and prerequisites.

College Entrance Exam Preparation

Every homework set has at least one question from the ACT, PSAT, or SAT. 

Excellent Preparation for the ACT and Redesigned PSAT and SAT

CLEP College Algebra Exam & CLEP College Math Exam

1. Parent Login, Email Addresses, and Sibling Subscriptions:

For questions about email address, parent logins, sibling subscriptions, etc. click here: Sibling and Subscription FAQs

2. Why did Dr. Shormann publish a new curriculum?

After John Saxon passed away, Saxon Publishers was sold to Harcourt, which was acquired by Houghton Mifflin. Shortly thereafter, HMH released a Saxon Geometry text, along with the fourth editions of Algebra 1 and 2, confirming Dr. Shormann and other Saxon supporters suspicions that the Irish held mega-curriculum publisher would make detrimental changes to unique pedagogy that made John Saxon’s texts so effective. The new HMH texts had markedly less review, lacked the essential connections between the incremental lessons, and completely removed the integration of geometry and algebra. After 10 years of praying and researching, Dr. Shormann began writing a 21st century curriculum that embodied not only John Saxon's best ideas, but those of history's greatest mathematicians and math teachers. Preparing for PSAT, SAT, and ACT 

3. Do you recommend Saxon or Shormann Math? 
  We recommend Shormann Math because: 

• It provides better preparation for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT.

• Shormann Math includes 21st Century math concepts like computer math, technology applications, and more.

• Shormann Math teaches how to use the same type of eLearning system used in college math classes

        Learn More: Saxon vs Shormann Math

4. How does the eLearning course work?

Getting Started Lesson: This video walks you through the course and how it  works.

Sample Lessons: 5 lessons of each course can be completed in our eLearning system.

5. Where Should I Place My Child?

The chart here provides general recommendations for student placement. For a specific recommendation. please contact us here: Consulting Contact Form

How is a full credit of Geometry earned in Shormann Algebra 2?

All the geometry taught in Shormann Algebra 1 (½ credit) is reviewed, then the concepts for the remaining ½ credit of Geometry are taught and reviewed throughout the course. Students in this situation would list Shormann Algebra 2 as a Geometry credit on their high school transcript. Keep in mind, the name of the requirement is listed on the transcript, not the name of the course or curriculum used.

How do I list these credits on a transcript?

A Subject Transcript is recommended for all students. Instead of listing credits by year, they are listed by subject. This make it very easy to show that your student has completed all the required credits. Learn more about High School Transcripts.

Should a separate geometry course be taken?  

Shormann Interactive Algebra 1 & 2  teach all the concepts required to earn 1 full Geometry credit as well as all the geometry needed to excel on college entrance exams. Therefore taking a separate geometry course is not only redundant, it can cause students to lose fluency in algebra. This makes Algebra 2 and upper level math courses more difficult and negatively affects standardized test scores. Learn More

Can my student transition from  Saxon Algebra 1 to Shormann Algebra 2?

Yes. While Saxon Algebra 1 is missing some of  the geometry taught in Shormann Algebra 1, these concepts are reviewed in the first 25 lessons of Shormann Algebra 2.  This makes it very easy for students to transition from Saxon Algebra 1 to Shormann Algebra 2. Students who take Saxon Algebra 1 and Shormann Algebra 2 earn 1 full credit of geometry. See the Special Considerations in the Teacher’s Guide for details on credits and prerequisites.

Can Shormann Math be completed offline?

While the online eLearning course, featuring automated grading, instant feedback, and embedded links for quick and easy re-learning, is the most efficient way to complete Shormann Math courses, most assignments can also be completed offline. Please see How to Use Shormann Math Offline for detailed instructions.

Is there a Teacher or Parent Guide?

Shormann Algebra 2 Teacher's Guide

Shormann Math Getting Started Video

Is Shormann Math Common Core aligned?

No, Shormann Interactive is built on a biblical foundation and has not been influenced by the “new math” in Common Core. However, it still provides excellent preparation for the redesigned PSAT and SAT, the ACT, as well as CLEP and AP exams, and college level math classes.

Can I print or save the online assignments?

Yes, after each assignment  is completed, a results page, with the questions, correct answers, and the students answers, is displayed. The results page can be saved and either printed or emailed to the parent or teacher.

Do I need to print the eText, eSolutions Manual, or eTeacher Guide?

No, it is not necessary to print any of these materials. All the content the student needs to complete the assignments are posted in the eLearning course with easy access. If you want to view the files offline, simply download and save the files to your computer.

My child has a learning disability. Can the time for the tests and quizzes be modified?

Yes. Have the student take each test or quiz twice.  In the first attempt, complete only the first half of the exam. In the second attempt, complete the second half. Add the two scores together then fill out the correct form here.

Which calculator is recommended?

Calculator Recommendations

When are vectors introduced?

Vectors (and calculus), are introduced in Shormann Algebra 1, and built upon throughout Algebra 1, Precalculus and Calculus. For example, in Shormann Algebra 1, all we do with vectors is define them and have the students describe them graphically with arrows. It's actually something a pre-algebra student could do. However, having this basic understanding of vectors will make it much easier for students to grasp vectors when numbers and calculations are added in Shormann Algebra 2.