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Algebra Readiness, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus? It doesn’t have to be that hard when you use a video textbook! Finally! Complete, easy-to-understand Mathematics courses on video AND Online!

Algebra Readiness, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2 ... · Algebra Readiness, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus? It doesn’t have to be

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Page 1: Algebra Readiness, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2 ... · Algebra Readiness, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus? It doesn’t have to be

Algebra Readiness, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry,Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus?

It doesn’t have to be that hardwhen you use a video textbook!

Finally! Complete, easy-to-understand Mathematics courses on video AND Online!

Page 2: Algebra Readiness, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2 ... · Algebra Readiness, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus? It doesn’t have to be

q If he or she can Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide,using Whole Numbers, Fractions, and Decimals;

q If he or she knows “a little” about Signed Numbers (positives & negatives);

q If he or she knows how to change Fractions to Decimals and Decimals to Fractions;

q If he or she knows how Percent relates to Fractions and Decimals;

Then let

show you that...

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IS YOUR STUDENT

READY for ALGEBRA?

“It doesn’t have to be that hardwhen you use a video textbook!”

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h o m e s c h o o l m a t h

REVIEW BY

I have never been particularly clever with math, and it is definitely not my favorite subject. So, when my dad told me I would be doing algebrafor my junior year, I had my doubts, but my parents informed me it would be a useful thing to know. (Would it help me play my cello?)

My dad had looked many places for a quality algebra course and finally found one at a homeschool conference. So, I started VideoTextInteractive Algebra, and surprisingly enough, I didn’t even need much help from my parents! (It’s a good thing, too, because they don’t knowalgebra!) Each video segment is about 15 minutes long. Every day, a different aspect of algebra is presented as simple as possible withdifferent colored numbers to clarify each algebra step and narrated by a pleasant, smiley man in a sweater (sorry, not Mr. Rogers, but close)

I don’t even need to take notes because the course comes complete with notes on each lesson, so I can review them whenever I need to.(Author Tom Clark thinks it is important that students concentrate on what we are learning rather than taking notes during the lesson.) Eachday after watching the short video segment, I do either a math lesson or a quiz. The lessons all have example problems already done, whichhelped me greatly.

VideoText Interactive presents algebra to me clearly. Instead of just tossing me rule after rule to follow, it thoroughly explains why the processneeds to be done, and just how the rule really works. I am surprised that I find myself actually grasping each lesson and glad that even thoughI definitely have to put work into it, I can learn one of my least favorite subjects without a lot of strain–or long hours staring at a confusingtextbook. This is a truly helpful course. If I can understand it, anybody can!

Yolanda AndreolaStudent

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q It must be more than just a talking head or writing hand! When video uses computer generated graphics and animation effectively, your students SEE the concepts developed in a way that brings new insight and deeper understanding.

q It must be “Fully Integrated”, with all parts working together! Nothing is more difficult than to work with a program which is a “collection” of independently written lessons, none of which are designed to flow from one to the next.

q Everything must be included in the price! You certainly don’t want to get home, only to find out you have to pay more for videos, solutions manuals or support.

q The Solutions Manual must be more than just answers! In Mathematics,the solutions manuals MUST show EVERY step of EVERY problem, so that the student

can troubleshoot any incorrect solution. Error-analysis is a valuable life skill.

q There must be an unlimited, toll-free Help Line! Any time your students come to a hurdle, it is ESSENTIAL that they be able to CALL FOR HELP. Otherwise,that hurdle will turn into a brick wall of discouragement.

q The program must be non-consumable! When materials are not “used up”, you can use the program again and again!

q It must contain a Complete Testing Program! If you expect your students to MASTER Algebra and Geometry concepts, they must be given a short quiz several times a week. This will keep them out of “deep water”, and will let you know that they are able to move on. Also, make sure there are two versions of each quiz and test, just in case you have to repeat a lesson and reassess mastery.

Since the real purpose of studying Algebra is to enable the student to develop the ability to think

analytically, we MUST use a program that does more than just teach shortcuts, tricks, rules, and formulas.

We MUST ensure that the student really understands the “WHY” behind every process! When you

choose your Algebra program, use the checklist below to MAKE SURE you have chosen appropriately.

Key Elements for a

Successful Math Program

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The VideoText Interactive approach to learning Math has been proven to be simple and effective!

How does VideoText work in the home?VideoText Interactive instructional programs are the perfect solution to the Algebra and Geometry problems faced by studentsand parents. Whether your student is already struggling with these courses, or just beginning his or her study, this is oneresource you don’t want to be without. Because of the unique quality of the VideoText lessons, students studying independentlyare now able to cover, and comprehend more material than ever before thought possible.

This is not the traditional approach, with “teachers at the blackboard with their backs to the students”. Each video lesson isdesigned to capture and hold the student’s attention for 5-10 minutes, through the use of animation and colorsequencing, while engaging him or her in the development and understanding of concepts.

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1 Watch the lesson. After a brief introduction to the concept, the student begins, (together with the parent/instructor, if possible) to watch the Video Lesson. The parent/instructor (or the student) pauses the lesson frequently (usually every 15-30 seconds) to answer questions or engage in discussion. This means that a 5-10 minute video lesson may actually take 10-15 minutes to complete. During this time, it is not necessary for the student to take notes. In fact, the student’s attention should not be divided, or important connections may be missed. Everyone should be concentrating on concept development and understanding.

2 Look at the Course Notes. Once the video lesson is completed, the student may then review, if necessary, by looking at the appropriate Course Notes. In the entire course, there are over 300 pages of notes, all of which are replications of the content that was viewed in the video lesson, along with room to add any other notes considered important. The key here is that the student has concentrated on understanding first, and now can take care of the “note-taking” for future reference.

3 Work with the Exercises. Next, the student begins to do some work on his or her own, by going to the Student Worktext. The primary benefit of the Student WorkText, besides providing exercises for students to work on, is that objectives are restated, important terms are reviewed, and additional examples are considered. These examples are explained in significant detail, again taking the student completely through the logic of the concept development process.

4 Check the Solution for Each Exercise Now, the parent/instructor checks only the answers to the exercises, requiring the student to use the Solutions Manual to analyze those exercises which were missed. The student should then be expected to explain to the parent/instructor why the answer to the exercise was incorrect. This is a unique resource, in that it shows step-by-step solutions for each and every exercise in the Student WorkText.

5 Take a Short Quiz. Then, there are Progress Tests, to be administered on the next day, which will assess student growth. Often, these tests will utilize open-response questions which require the student to state, in writing, his or her understanding of the concepts. In addition, because there are two versions of each test, the student can be retested, if necessary, to assure understanding and mastery.

6 Check the Solution for Each Test Problem. Finally, there is an Instructor's Guide which provides additional help for parents and instructors, with detailed solutions for each and every test problem. Also, for all comprehensive tests, each problem includes a notation as to which video lesson covers the concept related to that problem, assisting with diagnostic remediation and mastery.

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There are approximately 180 DVD video lessons, each approximately 5-10 minuteslong, and each of which explores Algebra or Geometry concepts in a detailed,logical order. These easy-to-follow presentations may be viewed again and again,in a format which can easily be used independently, or at home.

The Student WorkTexts contain, all together, 10 units, each of which is easy to teach,because they are sequentially arranged. The Algebra course begins with a compre-hensive “reteaching” of Arithmetic concepts that are applicable to algebraic thinking,and finishes with an exploration of higher-level Algebra topics, including ConicSections and Exponential/Logarithmic Functions. The Geometry course begins with acomprehensive “reteaching” of basic geometric measurement and logic, and finisheswith an investigation of trigonometric relations. Further, thousands of exercises areincluded to meet student needs.

For each lesson, there are easy-to-read Course Notes, which allow studentsto review the logical development of the concept. Each page chronologicallyfollows the video lesson, reflecting all of its essential ideas.

Solutions ManualsChecking Student Work for Logical Thinkingand Concept Understanding

This comprehensive package of Quizzes, Unit Tests, Cumulative Reviews, andComprehensive Exams, is designed to have students demonstrate understanding. There aretwo versions of each test, allowing for retesting or review. In addition, an Instructor's Guideincludes detailed solutions, to assist with diagnosis and complete mastery of concepts.

Progress TestsAssessing the Student’s True Knowledge of the Concept

Detailed Solutions Manuals provide step-by-step solutions for every problem inthe Student WorkText. Students now have a powerful tool to personally checkthe accuracy of their work and their thinking.

Course NotesReinforcing the Concept

Video LessonsDeveloping & Understanding the Concept

Student WorkTextsDemonstrating Understanding of the Concept

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Our Online Versions of the Algebra and Geometry courses offer even more convenient use of theVideoText materials! Each course still contains all the elements of our Classic Versions, at a significantly lower price! There are no books to keep up with or DVDs to keep from beingscratched. Nor is there any confusion as to what pages in each book are to be used for a particular lesson, as they will be pulled up automatically. There is also no question as to whereeach student is in the course. The lessons are unlocked as the student moves through the course.This guarantees that appropriate time is spent in each lesson to ensure mastery. For descriptions of each element, and how to use VideoText Interactive Online in your home, refer to pages 3 & 4in this product brochure. If you would like to experience an actual online lesson, log in as a

guest at www.videotextonline.com. (NOTE: please be sure to enable browser cookies)

REVIEW BY

Dr. Jay WileAuthor of Apologia Science Curriculum

The quality of mathematicseducation is extremely importantto me, as math and science gohand-in-hand. There are manystudents who cannot handle mychemistry course, for example,because they have not had agood algebra course. That iswhy I strongly encourage you tolook at VideoText Interactive'salgebra course. It is, truly, thebest that I have seen.

The course teaches realmathematics. It doesn't use tricksor shortcuts. Instead, it teachesthe student to think mathemati-cally. That's what is missing frommany algebra courses!

The use of animations andgraphics is excellent. They donot detract from the learning, asis the case with some videocourses I have seen. Instead,they enhance the student's abili-ty to understand what is happen-ing in each and every step alongthe way. If you want your studentto really learn algebra, youshould use this course.

In short, this course is ascientist's dream come true!Every science-oriented studentshould use it.

Algebra & Geometry Classic Print Versions - What’s Included?

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Q. Do you have a money-back guarantee?

A. Yes! First, you can order the VideoText Module A, and tryit out in your own home! Then, if for any reason, you are not100% satisfied with Module A, simply call us within 30 days,for instructions on returning it to VideoText. You will receive acomplete refund of your purchase price, including shipping.

Q. Is this an Algebra 1 course, an Algebra 2 course, orboth?

A. The reason that we named our course "Algebra: A CompleteCourse", is that we believe the best way to learn Algebra is tostart at the beginning and end at the end! In this program youwill find a complete study of the essential material covered intraditional Algebra 1 and 2 courses. Further, it is important tounderstand that a student should attempt Geometry only afterfinishing a COMPLETE Algebra course.

Q. How do I know where my student should start in yourcourse?

A. We find that 95% of the students who have had someexposure to Algebra still do not have a foundational understand-ing of the reasons behind the solving of problems in certainways. Unfortunately, in most curricula, there is an emphasis onlearning rules, formulas, shortcuts, and tricks, and that onlyserves to improve memorization skills. In Algebra, we should bestarting to teach the young student's brain how to developproblem solving skills, and analytical thinking skills, and thatonly occurs if we explain the "why" behind every single concept.Our stance is that it is very difficult to try to place a student in themiddle of this course, since the analytical processes that we usethroughout the program are actually "built" in the earlier lessons.Even though a lesson itself might contain a procedure that thestudent already recognizes, the understanding of the conceptbehind that procedure is the real reason to study Algebraanyway. We want to develop our students into great thinkers!

By the way, if you look at nearly any other Algebra 2 course, youwill find that it does not start where Algebra 1 ended. Instead, itgoes way back, often including Pre-Algebra, virtually startingover! So your students will be covering many procedures again,no matter which program they choose. However, withVideoText, they will not be learning tricks and shortcuts. Theywill be learning why those procedures work as they do. Theseearlier lessons are essential in setting the proper foundation,even though older students will probably be able to movethrough them more quickly than younger students.

Q. Can a student work through this program without helpfrom Mom or Dad?

A. One of the strongest features of our program is thatstudents can complete virtually all of the material on their own!Of course, the parent should provide oversight, but all of theproblems in the entire program (including quiz and testproblems) are worked out, step-by-step, in the DetailedSolutions Manual! Also, any time students need help, theycan call the toll-free help line and talk with an instructor whowill “walk them through” the problem, and help them to reinforcethe concept. This unlimited support is good for the entire family!

Frequently Asked Questions

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REVIEW BY

Dean Andreolareviewer for CBD Homeschool Catalog

“What would you recommend for high school math?” “Which programcomes closest to what Charlotte Mason would call a ‘living mathcourse’?” “I was never very good with math concepts. Is there acourse that can make up for the knowledge and enthusiasm I lack?”These are some of the most frequently asked questions Karen and Ireceive at homeschool conferences. I am now pleased to report thatwe have found such a course! Tom Clark, the creator of VideoTextInteractive, is perhaps the most gifted and inspiring math teacher inAmerica. Not too many other teachers can bring a large homeschoolconference audience to tears and laughter on the topic of math!

In my high school days, I really stumbled in algebra because I was thetype of student who always asked the “why” questions. Instead of get-ting answers, I was told to memorize tricks, shortcuts, rules, and for-mulas that didn’t seem to make sense. In strong contrast, this courseoffers a series of short incremental lessons that last about 5 to 10 min-utes each. They have been specially designed to encourage the stu-dent to dialogue his way to understanding. This is the most naturalway to gain knowledge of any given subject.

Using the pause button to answer questions and engage in discus-sion, the whole lesson will only take 15 to 20 minutes. Course notesare prewritten so the students can give their full attention to the con-cepts presented. There is a solutions manual that details every stepof every problem in the supplied worktext, and this course can beused with multiple students and ages. Using not just a “talking head”or “floating hand,” this full-color, professionally presented courseoffers live instructors, detailed explanations, and computer-generatedgraphics and animation to drive a concept home.

Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman once said that most high schoolmath textbooks were filled with errors and poorly written by peoplewho didn’t always know what they were talking about and, worst of all,did not understand the practical working connection of math as a toolof science. His conclusion was that students who can understand andthink through math concepts (instead of merely memorizing tricks andanswers for the test) have the potential to give us our great discover-ies in science. Dr. Jay Wile, author of Apologia Science Curriculum,has said, “There are many students who cannot handle my chemistrycourse because they have not had a good algebra course. . . .VideoText Interactive’s algebra is truly the best that I have seen. . . inshort this course is a scientist’s dream come true!” Even if your stu-dent is not a budding scientist, this course will improve his/her prob-lem-solving skills and SAT scores that will be needed for a productivecollege career.

The secret to the success of this curriculum is Tom Clark’s love andenthusiasm for his subject and his students! He also offers the clear-est teacher and student instructions I have ever seen. To get the mostout of this course, your student should already know how to add, sub-tract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and deci-mals; know how to change fractions to decimals and vice versa; andknow how percents relate to fractions and decimals, although thecourse gives a new perspective on these basics. Let me close with aword of advice. Don’t skip a module or a lesson, even if you havealready learned some algebra. This is a completely different approachto learning these concepts, so please begin at the beginning! Eachmodule includes three DVDs, a student worktext, course notes, asolutions manual, progress tests, and an instructor’s guide.

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Q. At What Age Should My Student Begin the VideoTextProgram?

A. We can easily recommend that a student begin our pro-gram in the 8th or 9th grade. Of course, if they are doing wellin arithmetic, a 7th grade start would be reasonable. On theother hand 10th and 11th grade students who are struggling,will find this course extremely helpful in getting them back ontrack, even though they will probably be able to move throughit more quickly than a younger student.

Q. What about Pre-Algebra?

A.. Traditional Pre-Algebra courses tend just to repeat most ofthe arithmetic course work that the student has already cov-ered, and then proceed on to some very basic Algebra.Typically, a 7th or 8th grade student, who has done reason-ably well with arithmetic courses, will be ready to start ourcourse. In addition, in our first Module, we RE-TEACH EVERYARITHMETIC CONCEPT that will be needed in an Algebracourse, but we take their understanding of those concepts toan algebraic level. We teach them the "WHY" behind eachand every arithmetic procedure they will use!

Q. If you aren't using the spiral method, what do you use?

A. We employ a "mastery method," which ensures that thestudent master a particular concept before going on to the next.Small, "bite sized" concepts are developed, so the student isable to understand much more quickly, not only the “how”, but,more importantly, the “why” of the concept. Additionally, weemploy a "building" approach which takes the information wejust learned, and continues to use it in the following lessons.This eliminates much of the need for repeating old lessons.

Q. How many exercises does the student complete aftereach lesson?

A. Typically, we have 15-25 exercises per lesson, and we recom-mend that the student only do half of those, working the odd oreven set. Sometimes parents wonder if 10-12 exercises areenough. Our philosophy is that the rote memorization and repe-tition that may have seemed effective in the early years, is nowshown to be exactly the opposite of the technique we should beusing in higher-level mathematics. Now we want to focus onunderstanding the “why” behind each procedure. So we havefewer exercises, but we require the student to show every step oneach of those exercises. By doing this, if a student gives an incor-rect answer, the solutions manual can be used to determineexactly where the student's thinking went wrong.

Q. What review, if any, does your program offer?

A. The review in our program is not the same type of reviewthat the student may have experienced in Arithmetic. Thattype of review is typically accomplished with repetition androte memorization. By the time we move into higher-levelmathematics, we really want to stop focusing on memoriz-ing, and begin focusing on understanding. Therefore, if astudent shows mastery of a concept, we move on, andbegin incorporating that concept into future lessons.

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REVIEW BYCathy Duffy, Grove Publishing

This unusual course actually combines pre-algebra through algebra 2concepts (including serious work with functions) in a single course.This course focuses on number concepts that are foundational foralgebra: fractions, decimals, operations, prime numbers, signed num-bers, etc. It continues from there to teach algebraic concepts in a dif-ferent sequence than is common to most other programs. Equationsand inequalities are taught together, concepts are developed in orderof degrees, and it strives to follow a logical continuity from lesson tolesson as much as possible.

Consider the entire program equivalent to two years of high schoolalgebra and a supplement to a pre-algebra course, even though itshould take less than 2-years to complete. A number of differentteachers present the lessons but, because all of the lessons havebeen written by a single author, they all use a consistent style thatworks very well. Presentations are methodical and clear. Videos useanimated graphics to illustrate lessons. Emphasis is upon conceptu-al understanding rather than memorization of processes.

This is solid Algebra instruction that should work well for independentlearners. The multimedia presentation is likely to be especially help-ful for students who struggle with math. If students need assistance,a toll-free help-line is available for them to ask questions. If it does notpose problems for SAT or ACT testing, I recommend completing allsix modules before tackling a geometry course.

REVIEW BYKate Kessler, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine

Algebra: A Complete Course is exactly what it says it is: “All theAlgebra You Will Ever Need to Know” - Algebra Readiness, Algebra1, as well as Algebra 2. VideoText Interactive has created a productthat is broad in scope, but clearly understandable to those who havestruggled with mathematic concepts in the past. The curriculum is amastery program and it builds upon itself. One step builds upon theother until the whole scope of Algebra is accomplished.

VideoText offers free help over the phone at their toll-free number.There are few companies that offer phone help for Algebra. Theirgoal is to answer the “why” of math for their students, and this is oneof the many ways they make themselves available to help you. I findthat very impressive.

I have not seen a more complete program available that teaches fortrue mastery, does not teach by tricks, gimmicks or rote memorization,and that accomplishes what it sets out to do via honest academicinstruction. If this fits the goals you have for your child regardingAlgebra, you will find all the help and information you need to do it withVideoText Interactive.

REVIEW BYBeth Laing, God’s World Magazine

We loved this thorough study of algebra that begins with no pre-alge-bra expectations, making it easy for any high school level math stu-dent to use. Both students who need guidance at a steady pace orthose who have a natural math affinity will find this curriculum excep-tional. Additionally, homeschool moms who may find upper level mathintimidating will find they can readily depend on this curriculum.

All major algebraic expressions are taught and reviewed in thiscourse, which would give any student a working knowledge of alge-bra. The philosophy of this program is not to teach methods, but toteach a logical understanding of numbers and variables and their rela-tion to each other. The methods, then, become second nature andproblem solving is easier.

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Q. How long will it take my student to go through thecomplete Algebra course?

A. Of course every student is different, but let's look at thenumber of lessons to be completed in the complete program.There are a total of 176 video lessons to complete, along withthe exercises, quizzes and tests that accompany those les-sons. The video lessons average 5-7 minutes each, and theentire process of watching the video, working the exercises,and taking a short quiz on “yesterday's lesson”, should nor-mally be finished in 25 to 55 minutes. Since you have approx-imately 180 school days in a 9-month school year, a studentwho completes just one lesson every two school days, willcomplete the entire course in two years. Many students areable to complete most of the lessons in just one day. In factolder, more experienced students, who can complete a lessoneach day, would finish in approximately one year! So, a goalof 1 or 2 years to complete the course is very achievable.

Q. Do I own the program when I am done with it, andcan I use it with multiple students?

A. Yes the program is yours to resell, to give away, or to keepas long as you like. Also, you do not need to write in any ofthe books. Exercises will be completed on regular notebookpaper. Further, we give you permission to make copies of anyof the print, within your own home, if desired. Of course, youmay order additional booklets, if you wish. Just check ourwebsite, or call our order department, for current prices.

Q. What do you do when a student completes a lessonbut fails to understand the concept taught?

A. We recommend first doing just the odd or even set of prob-lems, checking in the solutions manual after every two orthree problems to ensure that students are “on track”. If thestudent misses several of these daily problems, it is that stu-dent's job to compare his or her work to the Solutions Manualand be able to explain where the mistake was made, and whatmust be done to correct it. Then, when the student feels ready,he or she takes a short quiz, normally the next day, before thatday's lesson. If a deficiency is recognized, then a decisionmust be made. You might watch the short video again, workanother set of problems, or take the second version of thequiz. If the student still performs poorly, it is time to “put on thebrakes” and give us a call on the toll-free help line.

Q. What about Pre-Algebra?

A. Traditional Pre-Algebra courses tend to largely repeat mostof the arithmetic course work that the student has already cov-ered, and then proceed on to some very basic Algebra andsome simple Geometry. Typically, a 7th or 8th grade studentwho has done reasonably well with arithmetic courses will beready to start our course. In addition, in our first Module, we“reteach” every arithmetic concept that they will need inAlgebra, realizing that they may already know “how” to performthe computations, but taking their understanding of those pro-cedures to a conceptual level. In other words, we teach themthe "why" behind each and every one of those procedures!

Don’t see your question answered here? Check out videotext.com/FAQ.html for more FAQs

or contact us at 1-800-ALGEBRA

MORE Frequently Asked Questions

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REVIEW BYMaryann Turner, Mary Pride's Practical Homeschooling

Thinking mathematically is the Key to being a successful math schol-ar. Algebra: A Complete Course from VideoText Interactive does aremarkable job of helping your son or daughter understand the rea-soning behind the concepts of both Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. Thisunique approach makes VideoText Algebra the most user-friendlyalgebra course I've ever experienced. My 13-year-old daughter wasimmediately captivated. This is the same daughter who has troublecompleting math lessons because of boredom!

The colorful computer-generated graphics and the “one-on-one” feelof the video presentation make the short lessons easy to follow. Thelecturers vary from module to module, but in each video your studentwill feel like he is being tutored personally. The screen is never clut-tered. The quality is excellent. Each video moves smoothly from lec-turer to problem, and lesson to lesson. This is very refreshing for thismom who has struggled to teach algebra in a language my childrencould understand.

I wish VideoText Algebra had been available when we were wadingthrough high-school math programs a few years ago. It is by far theeasiest to use course that we have ever used, and we have tried allof the “big names” in math curriculum.

REVIEW BYChristine Miller, Classical Christian Homeschooling

VideoText Interactive is CCH's top choice for Algebra instruction, for7th-9th grades and up, or after completion of a complete course inArithmetic as described in Grammar Stage Math. VideoText Algebrais a unique approach to algebra among courses available. Thisapproach makes algebra simple to understand for even the mostmath-phobic. I know, because my oldest daughter, who has sincegraduated from homeschool high school, was math phobic. (Not anylonger, thanks to VideoText Algebra.)

When we chose VideoText Algebra for her Algebra II course, shecried tears of joy when she first began working in it. “I finally under-stand math! I am not dumb in math after all!” were her exact words. Itbroke my heart, but made me extremely grateful to Mr. Clark for hisunique approach. The organization and presentation of the materialto be learned is so simple, elegant, well-done, and unique amongalgebra courses, that it justifies the expense in my mind.

REVIEW BYDeborah Deggs Cariker, Eclectic Homeschool Online

Veteran mathematician Tom Clark has a mission: Help every mathstudent understand what he/she is doing, - AND why. It's not enoughto learn quick tricks and shortcuts, Clark says. Students must under-stand why math works so they can be successful with it. He strives formastery, not just a good grade with soon forgotten data.

I believe programs like this that strive for mastery and help students'development of critical thinking skills also enhance self-esteem. Therecaps and reminders help students implant math strategies in theirbrains and do not induce that hit-and-miss quality of some math cur-ricula. You can see that it "made sense to approach it that way," asthe on screen announcer comments. This is a great program andvery homeschool friendly! I can't imagine there will be any dissatis-fied customers.

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Thomas Clark is a life-long teacher of Mathematics and Science with 44 yearsexperience in education, at all levels, from elementary through adult. He began hiscareer with twelve years of classroom teaching, including a full year of graduate study,and then served for five years as the State Mathematics Supervisor for the IndianaDepartment of Education. While there, he was responsible for curriculum development,statewide in-service, textbook adoption, and consultation for all public and private schoolsin the state. As a result of those opportunities and the valuable knowledge he gained, hewas asked to join the Indianapolis Public Schools as the Supervisor of Mathematics,K-12, overseeing staff development efforts and supervising the implementation ofcurriculum. Seven years later, Mr. Clark was promoted to the position of Director ofCurriculum Development for all areas, utilizing his rich background in mathematics,

science, art, music, language, and athletics. In subsequent years, he was commissioned to author severalmathematical resources for the Houghton-Mifflin Publishing Co. and for the Addison-Wesley Publishing Co.

His unique awareness of the needs of both teachers and students is a combination that helped him win the IUPUIChancellor’s Award, the Purdue Chancellor’s Award, and the Purdue School of Science Faculty Teaching Award.

As a result of all of his experience, he is convinced that everyone has the ability to understand mathematics. In thelast eighteen years, he has focused on the development of multimedia programs that challenge traditional methodsof instruction, and which help with both individualized and group learning. He has written several articles on thesubject, and has been a featured speaker at many conferences across the country, addressing techniques ofinterweaving technology and instruction for concept development, especially in the areas of middle school and highschool mathematics. Further, he is often asked to provide staff development and teacher training in school districtswhere Mathematics instruction is the focus of attention.

Tom is now president of VideoText Interactive, a company that specializes in bringing the textbook to life throughtechnology. The company’s two major programs, “Algebra: A Complete Course”, and “Geometry: A CompleteCourse”, have been acclaimed nationwide, as comprehensive college-preparatory Mathematics courses, and arenow available in two formats. The Classic Version, with books and DVDs is still very strongly received, and the newOnline Version is gaining in popularity.

Personal Life: Tom and his wife, Alice, have been married for 40 years. They have been blessed with 2wonderful children, Christopher and Kimberly, and are now expecting their fifth grandchild. Tom’s father was aminister and his mother is the daughter of a missionary to Japan. His sister, Sharon, and his brother, Steve, havebeen very instrumental in the growth of VideoText Interactive, working with Tom to bring the company to the positionof being a major provider of quality Mathematics instruction for the homeschooling community. As well, Kimberly, anaccomplished graphic artist, and Christopher, an experienced informational technology expert, have contributedgreatly to the professional quality and appearance of the VideoText Interactive educational materials. In fact, theextended families of both Tom and Alice have also participated in conference and parent support activities, withseveral of those family members having significant educational backgrounds as well. The development of Tom’s“Why?” philosophy, and the eventual production of the VideoText materials began 25 years ago, at “the kitchentable”, with Tom developing notes to explain mathematical concepts to his children. His family has enjoyedwatching those early “notes” develop into a video program, which has now moved to kitchen tables all acrossAmerica. As a result, homeschooling families everywhere can enjoy the benefits of truly understanding Mathematics.

Notes, Observations & Questions

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Page 12: Algebra Readiness, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2 ... · Algebra Readiness, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Pre-Calculus? It doesn’t have to be

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Module A (Algebra Readiness or Geometry Readiness) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$59.00*

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*These prices reflect use for independent study and homeschooling, and are subject to change without notice. Neither do these packages include storage boxes or zippered DVDcases. Those items may be ordered separately, while supplies last, for an additional charge. Please call us or visit www.videotexthomeschool.com to verify current pricing.

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