When I was in school (you know, way back in the old days) I was always good at math. In fact, I actually enjoyed it. I did really well in all subjects, but math seemed easier than the rest.
When I was trying to figure out what I was going to be when I grew up, people would say to me "you are good at math, you should be an accountant." Well, after deciding that I didn't want to deal with people yelling at me like the patients of the physical therapist that I shadowed yelled at him, and after not doing so well in a 7AM chemistry class that I needed in order to be a pharmacist, I decided that accounting would be my career path.
Contrary to popular belief, though, accounting isn't just about math. It is more about problem solving, and finding the answers to equations. That is where algebra comes in. I use it on a regular basis while performing my job. I have to create annual budgets and monthly forecasts, and if I know certain variables in the equation (sales and desired profit) then I have to solve for other variables (direct costs and overhead rates) to complete those budgets and forecasts.
According to Sylvan Learning: "A critical gateway subject, algebra is the foundation for higher-level mathematics and science courses in high-school, which in turn can open doors for college and lead to better careers and lifetime earning potential." Unfortunately, many parents believe there is an 'algebra crisis' in America and that American students fall behind in this subject, compared to other nations (based on an online survey of approximately 1000 parents). Sylvan has developed the Fit 4 Algebra screener to help parents evaluate whether or not their child needs extra assistance in this very important subject. This is a FREE screening tool that your child can take online.
I checked out the screener myself, and found it easy to use. As a parent, you set up your account, and then add your children to it. When your children are ready, they sit down and complete the online screening, which should take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. The questions seemed like a great representation of the different equations your child would see in an Algebra class. Once your child is done with the screening, you can log in to see their results, and see where they may need help.
I think it is just as important for parents to take the screener as it is your children. Even though I excelled in my Algebra classes in high school, I found that now, nearly 20 years later (YIKES!), I needed a refresher in "coordinate graphing". I want to make sure that when my children are ready for algebra, that I am also ready to help them when they need it. If I was one of those who excelled in reading or history, rather than math, I would definitely want to get outside help for my child if they needed it.
41% of children admit that their algebra work makes them more nervous than asking someone out on a date. With simple tools and a little preparation, algebra does not have to be so scary. If you have a child that is taking algebra or will be taking it soon, I definitely recommend checking out the Fit 4 Algebra screener. You will not only receive an evaluation of your child's algebra potential, but also resources to help close gaps in ability.
Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Sylvan Learning and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.
2 comments:
Sylvan is a great resource for parents. But I am not sure if this is the best resource out there. They do have educational programs and lessons. And do give academic tests to see where you child is, according to their grade level.
For this program, what you will not be told when you call to "schedule" a test is that you will sit down with the Center Director or the Educational Director to go over the test, and buy a package.
The test is upwards of $199 - $250.00. 2-4+ hours a test/s. You do get the test results, and they will tell you exactly where your child is struggling with Sylvan's academic programs.
If your child does not pass the Algebra, he/she will most likely have to take the Sylvan Math Essentials test. Then the results will show where your child is struggling with that program.
You will be told to sign your child up NOT for Algebra but for the Math Essentials program. And then after completing the program he/she can then move into the beginning stages of the Algebra program.
Hourly the centers can charge $40ish to $60/hr. Roughly $50. It is a 3 student to 1 teacher ratio. The teachers depending on the state need their degree. They have a formula to show you how long they predict your child will take to master the elements. This will then have them telling you that in order to complete the program your child will at a minimum have to go to Sylvan 6-8 hours a week, 2 hours at a time (some say 4-6 but they will advise more). So your child who is in Algebra may or may not get help unless then ALSO enrolled in Homework Support. This is where they do one hour of supported work and one of the program. This will actually be more times per week they will come, because again, they need to fit 6-8 hours in.
They do have online help available depending on the program. They might tell you that this is great. Until you learn that the teachers, and the computers are not really that much better. Sitting down in front of the computer is a huge distraction for many children..
Each program is giving practice tests...at 36 hour intervals for the Math Essentials, so most of the time the students programs allows for 3 practice tests or 120hours. This can be expensive, but they give loan options, and some centers let you pay monthly *but they do not like this payment method because it does not ensure that you will continue due to the high prices you will be paying*.
Most school teachers also do not like Sylvan. They feel as though even with the reach-out program (where the director emails or visits with the schools) they are not seeing the whole picture. And most of the time, the teacher is not to be blamed for the child not understanding the work at all, and they feel as though they are inadequate.
Sylvan does offer a guarantee. Or they used to. But this guarantee is shown as "will raise 1 grade level after 36 hours". This means from the level that your child originally tested, if they do not score 1 grade level ahead (in ONE area, not BOTH areas of Math Essentials), they will give you 12 additional hours free and focus WHERE they did not excel. But this is 12 hours ON TOP OF the hours your child will already be going to the center.
I wanted to make sure other parents out there understood fully. Sylvan is a GREAT resource. And it will get your child where he/she needs to be. And Education is important for all children. But, make sure that you do your homework and sign your child up for the right help. Do not be bullied by anyone, the school teacher, the directors at any learning center (any), to make a decision for you. Be the parent and figure out what is best for your child.
Stepha - Thank you for sharing your constructive and detailed comments. We appreciate the fact that you took the time to highlight such an important educational challenge. We feel any information that a parent can obtain will support their efforts in ensuring a better education for their child.
Our local center staff aims to make a positive impact in our students' academic careers, which does involve working closing with local teachers and schools. Since we are specifically talking about algebra, many of our local Sylvan Learning Centers offer a new program called SchoolMathPrep.com. This is an algebra and upper level math video based tutorial program offered to schools for free during school hours. Many teachers have found this to be a great resource to complement what they are currently doing in class. However, children retain knowledge differently and despite the positive reviews we've received, learning online can be challenging for some.
For parents who have students in algebra, there is also a free version available at home, 24/7 at www.sylvanmathprep.com. If your child likes the free version, there is also an unlimited version available for $49.50 per month.
If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding Sylvan, your local center will be happy to help.
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