Math: Student Placement
Looking for the: Science Student Placement Chart
4th Grade - Pre-Algebra Grade Math Placement
Saxon makes it easy to transition from another curriculum. The first 30 lessons of each text review the previous text. Any gaps or holes from the previous curriculum are learned in these lessons. Since these lessons are not review to your student, it may take a little longer to complete them. To ensure the student is not overwhelmed or frustrated, a self-paced timed method is recommended. This means that instead of requiring a student to complete one lesson per day, students work on math 4-5 days per week, for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on their age. At the end of that time, regardless of how much of the lesson is completed, the student should stop. Then pickup where they left off the next day. This makes it very easy to transition to Saxon from another curriculum and fill any gaps while ensuring the student is not overwhelmed or frustrated. For details, see the Teacher's Guide for the course linked in the chart below.
Fourth through seventh graders are usually placed according to grade level as listed below. If your student struggles with math, back up one level. Unless the student has a learning disability, we do not recommend backing up more than one grade level. See learning challenges below.
Eighth Grade & Higher: Pre-Algebra Not Taken- Regardless of previous curriculum, students in 8th Grade or higher, who have not completed a pre-algebra course, should start with Shormann Pre-Algebra. This course does an excellent job of reviewing and developing fluency in all foundational math skills and provides excellent preparation for Algebra 1. If multiplication facts to 9 are not memorized, do this before starting Shormann Pre-Algebra. See the DIVE Teacher Guide for details.
Learning Challenges: In the chart below, select the student’s developmental grade level.
Advanced Students: If you believe your student is advanced beyond their normal grade level, administer a Saxon Placement Test (bottom of this page) to ensure readiness.
Placement Chart
|
Grade |
Recommended Course |
|
4th Grade |
DIVE/SaxonMath 5/4, 3rd Edition |
|
5th Grade |
DIVE/Saxon Math 6/5, 3rd Edition |
|
6th Grade |
DIVE/Saxon Math 7/6, 4th Edition |
|
7th Grade |
|
|
8th Grade & Higher |
HAS Completed Pre-Algebra Shormann Algebra 1 With Integrated Geometry
HAS NOT Completed Pre-Algebra |
*Click Here to Learn More
Pre-Algebra - Calculus Placement
Chart
To place your student in the correct math course, select the last course completed in the left column below. By "successfully completed" we mean an average of 80% or higher. If not, see our Course Remediation Plans.
Decision Chart for 8th - 12th Grade
|
Successfully Completed |
Recommended Course |
|
Saxon Math 8/7, 2nd or 3rd Edition |
|
|
Saxon Algebra 1/2, 2nd or 3rd Edition |
|
|
Pre-Algebra (non-Saxon publisher) |
|
|
Has not taken Pre-Algebra |
|
|
Saxon Algebra 1, 3rd Edition |
|
|
Non- Saxon Algebra 1 - without Geometry |
See # 1 Below |
|
Non-Saxon Algebra 1 & Geometry |
|
|
Non-Saxon Algebra 1 & 2 - No Geometry (not Saxon 2nd or 3rd Editions) |
See # 2 Below |
|
Non-Saxon Algebra 1, 2, and Geometry
|
Shormann Algebra 2 with Integrated Geometry or Shormann Interactive Precalculus See # 3 Below |
|
Saxon Advanced Math, 2nd Edition |
DIVE/Saxon Calculus, 2nd Edition* |
|
Non- Saxon Precalculus |
DIVE/Saxon Calculus, 2nd Edition* |
*Shormann Calculus available Spring 2018
Frequently Asked Questions: Student Placement
FAQ: Is My Child Ready for Algebra 1?
1. Student completed Algebra 1 but has not taken Geometry.
My general recommendation for these students is to start in Shormann Algebra 1. While this may seem redundant, Shormann Algebra 1 teaches many concepts not found in a traditional Algebra 1 course like computer math, technology applications, as well as 1/2 credit of geometry. Any review of previously learned algebra concepts will develop and maintain fluency in these skills. Because our Algebra 1 & 2 integrates 1 full credit of geometry, re-taking Algebra 1 with Shormann Math will not take any longer than if the traditional math sequence of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 is continued. In fact, the student may spend less time overall. Shormann Algebra 1 and 2 not only earn 1 full credit of geometry, 1 credit of Algebra 1, and 1 credit of Algebra 2, these courses teach every concept on the newly redesigned PSAT and SAT, as well as the ACT, and CLEP College Algebra exam (earns up to 3 college credits), including over 200 practice problems from these exams. If Shormann Algebra 1 & 2 are completed (2+years) Shormann Algebra 1 can be listed as Geometry. Alternatively, the credits for the previous Algebra 1 course, Shormann Algebra 1 & 2 can be listed as Integrated Math 1, 2, and 3. Common Core now recommends integrated algebra and geometry math courses. Therefore, colleges are now familiar with these terms. See Transcripts, posted on our website under Support in the upper right menu.
Take Algebra 1 Again using Shormann Math vs Traditional Math Sequence
2. Student completed a non-Saxon Algebra 1 & Algebra 2 and has not taken Geometry
Students in this situation should use Shormann Interactive Algebra 2 with Geometry to earn 1 full credit of geometry*. Better than a stand-alone geometry course, Shormann Algebra 2 also reviews and develops fluency in Algebra 2 concepts, providing excellent preparation for college entrance exams which test both algebra and geometry. Shormann Algebra 2 has over 200 PSAT, SAT, ACT, and CLEP practice problems.
*How is a full credit of Geometry earned in Shormann Algebra 2?
Shormann Algebra 2 includes a short prep course with the geometry lessons from Shormann Algebra 1. These lessons, along with Shormann Algebra 2, teach all the concepts required for 1 credit of Geometry. Therefore, students who have taken a traditional (non-Saxon, non Shormann Algebra 2) followed by Shormann Algebra 2, can list Shormann Algebra 2 as a Geometry credit on their high school transcript.
3. Student completed traditional (non-Saxon, non-integrated) Algebra 1,
Algebra 2, and Geometry (ie:Math U See, Teaching Textbooks).
Learning Precalculus requires fluency in both Geometry and Algebra 2 skills. Like the European and Asian countries that consistently beat the US in standardized math tests, Shormann Math integrates the teaching of algebra and geometry, reviewing both throughout Precalculus and Calculus. Because students never stop learning algebra to learn geometry, they build long-term retention and fluency. Students who use a traditional American public school format of teaching math in "chunks" of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 spend at least one year without practicing either geometry or algebra. This makes it difficult for the average student to learn precalculus. Therefore we make the following recommendations.
Standard Recommendation: Shormann Algebra 2
Unless you have a strong math student (see below), Shormann Algebra 2 is recommended for these students. This course will build mastery and fluency in both geometry and algebra, while providing excellent preparation for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. It also includes a 3-6 week CLEP College Algebra prep course which earns up to 3 college credits.
Strong Math Students: Shormann Precalculus
Strong math students can start with Shormann Precalculus. The first 25 lessons provide plenty of review of the foundational concepts needed to successfully complete this course. Since it has been a year since the student took either geometry or algebra, some of these review lessons may not be review to your student. Use the self-paced timed method described in the Teacher Guide to ensure the student has the time required to re-learn or master these concepts without becoming does overwhelmed or frustrated during these review lessons.
4. Why do you recommend Shormann Math instead of Saxon?
To better prepare students for the newly redesigned PSAT and SAT, as well as the ACT, CLEP, and AP exams, we now recommend Shormann Interactive Math instead of Saxon Math. Written from a biblical perspective by Dr. Shormann, author of the award-winning DIVE into Saxon Math series, 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 includes concepts like technology applications, computer math, real-world word problems, and non-standard solutions not found in Saxon Math. Hosted in a state-of-the-art self-paced eLearning system, similar to college math classes, these courses feature expert video instruction, automated grading, video solutions, Q&A email support, and more! Learn More about Shormann Interactive Math
Saxon Placement Tests
4th - 7th Grade Students
Caution: The first 30 lessons of each Saxon text review the concepts from the previous text. Because these tests are designed for public school students, who must maintain the pace of the class, the Saxon Placement Test may place students in a lower level than necessary. However, since homeschool students can work at their own pace, they can slow down as needed to fill in any gaps or holes during the review lessons, then complete the course normally. Unless there is a learning disability, we do not recommend placing 4th - 7th grade students more than 1 grade lower than the recommended course listed in the chart at the top of this page. Schedule a Complimentary Consulting Call
Placement Test for Saxon Middle Grades
Algebra 1 - Calculus
To better prepare students for the newly redesigned PSAT and SAT, as well as the ACT, CLEP, and AP exams, we now recommend Shormann Interactive Math instead of Saxon Math. Written from a biblical perspective by Dr. Shormann, author of the award-winning DIVE into Saxon Math series, 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 includes concepts like technology applications, computer math, real-world word problems, and non-standard solutions not found in Saxon Math. Hosted in a state-of-the-art self-paced eLearning system, similar to college math classes, these courses feature expert video instruction, automated grading, video solutions, Q&A email support, and more! Learn More about Shormann Interactive Math
Placement Tests for Algebra 1 & Up
Placement Test for Precalculus
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