Author: David Shormann, Ph.D.   ISBN: 978-0-989010-6-0   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 Precalculus at full price, a sibling subscription ($43) can be purchased for the each child in your household when they are ready to take the course:  Sibling Subscription for Shormann Precalculus

Student Placement: Placement Info & Tests

HOW DOES IT WORK? 

Watch this short video to view how Shormann's Self-Paced eLearning system makes learning faster and easier! 

 Featuring an integrated approach to math that includes technology applications and real-world word problems, Shormann Math is a 21st Century curriculum that provides excellent preparation for the new, redesigned  PSAT and SAT, as well as ACT and CLEP exams. Shormann Math is built on a biblical and historical foundation that teaches math as the language of science;  a tool used to better understand God and His creation. An emphasis on math history gives students a clearer picture of the "why" behind the math they are learning, while shedding light on modern math's rich Christian heritage. Hosted in a state of the art eLearning Campus similar to the systems used in college math classes, students learn more efficiently, building fluency with less homework than traditional Saxon texts. Students learn how to use math as a tool to explore their world and enhance their own God-given creativity. Learn more: Saxon vs Shormann Math

Sample Lessons

Credits: 

• 1 Precalculus with Trigonometry Credit
  

• 1/2 Geometry - Only for students who used Saxon Algebra 2, 2nd or 3rd Edition which earns the first 1/2 credit of geometry. All the geometry required to earn the remaining 1/2 credit of geometry are taught in the first 25 lessons of Shormann Precalculus.

• Earn 3 College Credits: Along with the included CLEP Professor course, Shormann Precalculus provides specific preparation for the CLEP Precalculus exam.  When can I take a CLEP exam

    

Course Description

 Shormann Precalculus provides a comprehensive teaching of standard precalculus topics, with a special emphasis on advanced algebra and trigonometry topics found on the CLEP Precalculus Exam. Functions are a priority, with both standard and real-world applications of the following types: linear, quadratic, cubic, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, absolute value, trigonometric and piecewise-defined. Students learn to work with functions presented in graphic, symbolic, verbal and numeric form. Calculus fundamentals are also presented and practiced, which improves student confidence and success in college-level Calculus I. 

All Shormann Math courses feature TruePractice™. 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 and try again! Rather than “spoiling” them with an answer, TruePractice™ encourages students to stay engaged, developing mastery and fluency.

What's Included?

-Video Lectures for every lesson

- Interactive homework with 20 questions

- Step-by-step solutions for every homework, quiz, and exam question

- Printable Results Page with questions, student answers, and grade

- Weekly quizzes with automated grading and grade recording

- Quarterly exams with automated grading, practice exams, and solutions.

- Online gradebook; parent can reset assignments and change grades

-  Q&A email support with Dr. Shormann; Emails answered within 1 business day

- eTextbook, eSolutions Manual (upon request), and eTeacher's Guide are available for those who want to use the course    

Sibling Subscription for Shormann Precalculus: After purchasing Shormann Precalculus at full price for one student, a sibling subscription ($43) can be purchased for each child in your  household. 

24 Month eCourse Subscription $144 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, & eTeacher’s Guide

- Most assignments can be completed offline

- Use as an honors, standard, or remedial course

- Subscription FAQs: Start Date, Student Email, Siblings

Discounted Sibling Subscription $43 per Course

- Sibling enrolled concurrently

- 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 purchased 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 (upon request)

Interactive Quizzes and Exams with Automated Grading

- 26 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 Precalculus 

- CLEP Precalculus earns up to 3 college credits

- Validate high school transcripts

- Can boost admissions and scholarship applications in the selection process

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 continues 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

- Offline access also available (see below)

Credits Earned

1 Precalculus Credit

1/2 Geometry Credit*

     *Students who completed Saxon Algebra 2 can earn 1/2 Geometry Credit in Shormann Precalculus

Prerequisite

Saxon Algebra 2, 2nd or 3rd Edition

or Completion of any publisher's Algebra 1, 2, and Geometry courses

 Resources

 Teacher's Guide   

Frequently Asked Questions           

Comparison: Saxon vs Shormann Interactive Math

 Schedule

This is a self-paced course. Instead of requiring the student to complete one lesson per day, use the timed method. This gives the student the time required to re-learn forgotten concepts, building mastery and, eventually, fluency. To do this, work on math four to five days per week for an hour and a half to two hours per day.  At the end of this time, regardless of how much of the lesson has been completed, have the student stop and pickup where they left off the next day. Over time, as fluency develops, learning math will become faster and easier and the student will accomplish more and more during this time.   

Samples:  Lesson 4

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 section:

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

Most lectures average about twenty minutes. 

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 questions, 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. 

5. The Results page will appear (below) with the grade, all the questions, correct answers, and solutions to every problem. The Results page can be downloaded, saved, and printed for your records.

6. Students re-learn and correct missed problems by looking at the correct answer and watching the video solutions for each missed problem. Each missed problem must be solved correctly on a corrections page.

7.  If a problem cannot be corrected, the student should email Dr. Shormann. If the student has any handwritten work on the problem, they should take a picture of it and include it in the email. Then Dr. Shormann can quickly show the student where their mistake is. 

8. All grades are stored in the online grade book. Parents and students can view the grade book. Parents request grade changes and assignment resets at any time.

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

          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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shormann Interactive Math?

Published by Dr. Shormann, author of the award winning DIVE video lectures for Saxon Math, and based on John Saxon’s original teaching methods of incremental development, continual review, and integrated algebra and geometry, Shormann Math is a 21st Century curriculum that teaches all the concepts required to excel on the newly redesigned PSAT and SAT as well as the ACT. It includes concepts like technology applications, computer math, real-world word problems, and non-standard solutions not found in Saxon Math.

• Expert video instruction for every lesson

• Interactive homework with automated grading and grade recording

• Embedded help links to quickly re-learn forgotten concepts

• Video solutions for every homework question

• Q&A email support with Dr. Shormann

• Weekly quizzes and quarterly exams with solutions

• Over 200 practice problems for the ACT redesigned PSAT and SAT

• 3-6 week prep course for CLEP and AP exams earn up to 14 college credits

• Hosted in a state-of-the-art eLearning system similar to college math courses

• Self-paced Course with 24 month subscription period; offline access is provided

• Parents retain control of grading- change grades and reset assignments as needed

• Based on a biblical and historical foundation that inspires students to excel

• Not Common Core aligned

What’s the difference between Saxon and Shormann Math?

See this article for a detailed description and comparison chart: Saxon vs Shormann Math

Thinkwell vs Shormann Interactive Math

What does “biblical foundation” mean?

Built on a biblical and historical foundation, Shormann Math teaches math as the language of science;  a tool used to better understand God and His creation. With an emphasis on math history, students get a clearer picture of the "why" behind the math they are learning, shedding light on modern math's rich Christian heritage. Shormann Math students learn how to use math as a tool to explore their world and enhance their own God-given creativity.

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  

How does the Self-Paced eLearning course work?

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

Questions about Subscriptions: Email Addresses, Sibling Subscriptions, and More

      Click Here:  Emails, Sibling, and Subscription FAQs

Where Should I Place My Child?

For detailed information, see the Placement Chart & Placement Tests

How do I list Shormann Math credits on a transcript?

A Subject Transcript, which lists credits by subject instead of by year, is recommended for all students. This makes it very easy to see that your student has completed all the required credits. Learn more here: High School Credits & Transcripts.

Should a stand-alone 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 and upper level math courses. 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 to Shormann Math?

Yes! Please see the transition recommendations below:

Transition from Saxon Algebra 1 to Shormann Algebra 2

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. Completing  Saxon Algebra 1 and Shormann Algebra 2 earns 1 full credit of geometry. See the Special Considerations in the Teacher’s Guide for details on credits and prerequisites.

Transition from Saxon Algebra 2 to Shormann Precalculus

While Saxon Algebra 2 is missing some of  the geometry taught in Shormann Algebra 2, 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 2 to Shormann Precalculus. Completing Saxon Algebra 2 and Shormann Precalculus earns 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?

Yes, the Teacher's Guide is available here.

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 request a grade change 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.