Success Algebra 1 is an algebra course that has been slimmed down and broken into small, bite-sized pieces and designed for students with extra learning challenges where processing math is difficult. The lessons in Success Algebra 1 typically introduce just one skill at a time in an easy-to-understand format, with frequent reminders and review built in. The goal of the course is for students to experience success in algebra 1 by removing math anxiety, building math confidence, and not only teaching algebra skills, but also teaching the learning skills and habits needed for learning abstract math such as algebra.
This course is specifically for students who have a learning or processing challenge that cause them to struggle with math, not for students who have learning challenges but are gifted in math. Diagnoses for these types of students can be (but not limited to) dyscalculia, ADD/ADHD (but not gifted in math), high functioning autism (but not gifted in math), or other similar processing or learning challenges. However, a diagnosis is not required to determine if your child needs this. Often, a gut feeling from a parent is enough. If your child really, REALLY struggles with and has not experienced success in algebra, then this course is right for them.
Success Algebra 1 has cut out the non-essential algebra 1 topics to make room for focusing on the topics needed to successfully complete geometry and algebra 2. While this is not considered a “college-prep” course, the goal is to build math confidence and good learning habits in the student that will help them should they desire to pursue college at some point.
A student who completes Success Algebra 1 will have the algebra basics they need to move on to Success Geometry and then Success Algebra 2. By the end of those three courses, a student will have enough math credits to graduate high school, as well as the skills needed to take math portions of standardized tests and transition to higher study if desired.