Online Saxon Algebra I Course

Update: This live course has concluded and is available now as a recorded course through our Unlimited Access! Service. This is a great way to learn at your own pace when your schedule allows. To subscribe or learn more: Catholic Homeschooling

I am so very excited to announce that Homeschool Connections is now offering Math! We are beginning with an algebra course for the 2010/2011 school year. We are also in the process of planning summer math boot camps and more math offerings for the 2011/2012 school year. Our math instructor, Mrs. Hoeft, is not only a knowledgeable teacher but also embraces a real love and joy for her subject. Your children won't be able resist her enthusiasm for math!

This year's algebra course begins in just one month so there is no time to waste. Note that there is a $30 discount if you enroll within the week. If you have questions or comments, please don't hesitate to email us.

Here's all the information you need to register:

Math: Saxon Algebra I; Part One

(click on title then scroll down to register)

Note: Part Two will take place in the spring and is 16-weeks long.
Class dates: Mondays, September 13 to December 12, 2010, no class Nov. 22 & 29, 2010.
Lab dates: Fridays, September 17 to December 17, 2010, no lab Nov. 26 & Dec. 3, 2010.
Total classes and labs: 24 (12 weeks)
Starting time: 4:00 pm Eastern (3:00 pm Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Fee: $240 for entire 12-week course. $30 Early Enrollment Discount before August 20, 2010 ($210)
Instructor: Jean Hoeft, MA
Prerequisite: 85% on the Saxon Algebra Placement Test
Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th
High school credit: 1 semester credit for math

Course description: This course involves all concepts needed to fulfill national requirements for Algebra I. The topics to include but not be restricted to, operations with integers, rules of multiplicative identity and additive identity, equation solving, exponential function relations, quadratic function relations and their graphs, Cartesian graphing, polynomial relations and functions, radicals and their properties as well as some work with geometric properties as a background for use in Algebra II.

Course materials: Saxon Algebra I Homeschool Kit, Third Edition which includes the textbook, test booklet, and answer key. (If you shop around, this kit can be found from a variety of sources new or used for a reasonable price.) A different edition could be used if you already own it but it would be more difficult to follow along in class.

Homework: Students will be assigned 4-5 homework assignments per week with testing done on Fridays. Students will be required to take a placement test before entering the class to tailor studies to the individual needs of the students. Parents are asked to grade homework and tests and to send results to the instructor. The course instructor will then use these results to create the lessons for the lab class. The lab involves answering questions and doing practice problems to help the learners understand and improve on mistakes.

Course rationale: Homework is an integral part of the learning process in math. However, homework will be used to formatively assess students’ learning, not necessarily to grade. Students grades will be determined 20% by homework completion and 80% on test performance. This means that students must know and understand their mistakes on homework in order to succeed on tests. This insures their honesty and willingness to try things on homework of which they have not mastered. This also frees the learner to share their mistakes with others to insure their knowledge of the corrections and to help others in the learning process. Students will be asked to give feedback frequently during the class to continue their involvement and increase their participation with the instructor in their learning.

Instructor's biography: Jean Hoeft has been a math and algebra teacher for 22 years. She has a BA from the University of Michigan and a MA from Marygrove University. Jean has taught the confirmation class at her Catholic parish for 27 years. She loves gardening, sudoku puzzles, raising chickens, reading, knitting, and everything Catholic.

Equipment requirements: Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.
Misc: Mrs. Hoeft will be available via email in between classes for questions and comments.
Recordings of classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months.
Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping services.

Math: Saxon Algebra I; Part One

(click on title then scroll down to register)