success stories - aleks success stories christine l. - student irvine, ca scenario: uses aleks as...

SUCCESS STORIES

ALEKS

Learn how other students and families are using ALEKS!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STUDENTS

Christine L., Irvine, California 4 Scenario: Personal Tutor

Jonathan L., Denver, Colorado 5 Scenario: Personal Tutor

Kenneth Dunham, Portland, Oregon 6 Scenario: Personal Tutor

Deborah Hansen, Santa Clarita, California 7 Scenario: Personal Supplement

PARENTS

Jacqueline Logan, Petaluma, California 8 Scenario: Supplemental Tutor

Noreen Joyce, Suamico, Wisconsin 9 Scenario: Supplemental Tutor

Judie Mengel, South Bend, Indiana 10 Scenario: Summer Supplement

Page Lee, Charlotte, North Carolina 11 Scenario: Summer Supplement

HOMESCHOOLING PARENTS

Laurie Becker, Woodland, California 12 Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling

Rachelle Ottosen, Olalla, Washington 13 Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling

Kathy Pease, Rockport, Maine 14 Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Robin Wright, Apo, Armed Forces Pacific 15 Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling

Jana Miller, Rancho Santa Margarita, California 16 Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling

Michelle Nelson, Orange, California 17 Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling

Cynthia Wygant, Savannah, Georgia 18 Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling

Vanessa Everhart, Bennington, Kansas 19 Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling

Cheryl White, Ann Arbor, Michigan 20 Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling

Stacy Bilko, New Caanan, Connecticut 21 Scenario: Supplemental Curriculum for Homeschooling

Lori Kephart, Arlington, Washington 22 Scenario: Supplemental Curriculum for Homeschooling

Linda Bebb, Traverse City, Michigan 23 Scenario: Supplemental Curriculum for Homeschooling

ALEKSSUCCESS STORIES

Christine L. - StudentIrvine, CAScenario: Uses ALEKS as personal tutorTime Spent in ALEKS: 45 minutes a day, 6 days a weekALEKS Course Product: Algebra 1

Overall Experience:I started using ALEKS this summer to review my Algebra 1 course. Prior to ALEKS, I thought I had mastered Algebra 1, but after the initial assessment, I saw that there were still more topics I needed to learn. I have used ALEKS every day, and in less than a month, I'm ready for the next course! I found this program very interesting and effective. The explanations for all course topics were clear and concise, and I was able to learn them all in a very short time. The results are outstanding and it makes me want to work on ALEKS more and more!

What challenges did you face in mathprior to using ALEKS?It was challenging to find a math practice book that suited me.

What were you looking for in an online math tool? I was looking for a lot of practice with clear explanations to accompany each problem.

How was ALEKS implemented with other curriculum?ALEKS improved my math skills by finding my weak points and then helped me to strengthen them.

What math progress have you experienced since using ALEKS?Before ALEKS, I lost concentration easily and had to spend a lot of time on each question. Since starting ALEKS, I found that I now work on problems more efficiently. I am very satisfied with my progress and am looking forward to moving on to the next course! Because I now work faster, more efficiently, and independently, I like math a lot more.


Jonathan L. - StudentDenver, COScenario: Uses ALEKS as personal tutorTime Spent in ALEKS: 3 - 4 sessions per weekALEKS Course Product: Principles of Accounting (Sole Proprietorship)

Overall Experience:I found that I could easily understand ALEKS because it works at my pace. Because ALEKS is able to teach me according to my needs, I was able to quickly grasp concepts that I had been struggling with in Accounting Principles. ALEKS helped me to go from a 65% on my first test to an 88% on my second test. What else is there to say?

What challenges did you face in mathprior to using ALEKS?My ability to understand and communicate the process required to solve problems was static. With ALEKS, I was forced to demonstrate the proper principles.

What were you looking for in an online math tool? I needed a tool to help me improve my accounting skills.

What math progress have you experienced since using ALEKS?I improved from a 65% on my first test to an 88% on my second test. Before ALEKS, I went to tutors and had no improvement, but with ALEKS, I completed the course with an 82%. I feel confident that I can be successful in other classes by supplementing the core curriculum with ALEKS.


Kenneth Dunham - StudentPortland, ORScenario: Uses ALEKS as personal tutorTime Spent in ALEKS: Varies, from 1 - 2 hours/week to 4 hours/day ALEKS Course Product: Intermediate Algebra

Overall Experience:Being 18 years removed from intermediate algebra, I needed something to bring me up to speed as quickly as possible so I could succeed in College Algebra. ALEKS targeted the areas I was weak in, and provided me with instant feedback. I found the explanations easy to follow and I attribute ALEKS with helping me get an A in College Algebra for engineering and medical majors.

What challenges did you face in mathprior to using ALEKS?I had never been gifted in math and I was 18 years removed from my last formal Algebra course.

What were you looking for in an online math tool? I was looking for quick and accurate feedback. I needed easy to follow explanations and the ability to target my weak spots without wasting time on areas I had already mastered.

What math progress have you experienced since using ALEKS?I received an A in College Algebra! I feel pleased with my progress and only wish I had used ALEKS sooner. Between my college instructor and ALEKS, I feel more confident in my math skills.


Deborah Hansen - StudentSanta Clarita, CAScenario: Uses ALEKS as a personal supplementTime Spent in ALEKS: 2 hours per day, 6 days a weekALEKS Course Product: College Algebra

Overall Experience:I enrolled in this course because I am interested in leaving the education field. I have started work on my second master’s degree in Professional Accounting with a concentration in Taxation. As a classroom teacher for the last 12 years, I am easily turned-off by poor teaching methods. ALEKS, however, focuses on the basic methods of instruction that classroom teachers use daily. It is amazing to be able to learn material as I would present it in my classroom.

What challenges did you face in math prior to using ALEKS?I used ALEKS in the areas where I faced a lack of confidence. I had not taken a college level math class in over 15 years and I needed a little confidence booster.

What were you looking for in an online math tool? I was looking for a method that would allow me to learn at a pace that I was academically ready for. It was comforting when I found this math program. My expectations, objectives and goals were clearly laid out for me. If I did well, ALEKS would advance me. If I had trouble, ALEKS would reteach me until I had mastered the concept. Since ALEKS does not require a human tutor, learning, in this case, is easier. The student can not feel dumb or embarrassed, and no one can get impatient or have negative emotions toward the learner. This makes ALEKS a safe environment in which to learn. It was extremely comfortable and reassuring to learn with this program.

What math progress have you experienced since using ALEKS?As an educator, I am greatly impressed with this program. I recommend ALEKS to the parents of students I know who need a little extra push. I believe this program has found all the right keys to help the student that is lost during math time. It gives her an objective to work toward. The directions and explanations are clear and precise, and ALEKS gives an adequate number of examples, opportunities and help. As a student, I NEVER felt that the math in this program was too hard. When I did not understand a concept, I was retaught and quizzed until I had a firm understanding of the concept. This is an amazing product that I would recommend to all parents who have students with math anxiety or struggles!


Jacqueline Logan – ParentPetaluma, CAScenario: Uses ALEKS as supplemental tutor for 6th grade daughter Time Spent in ALEKS: 3 - 4 sessions per weekALEKS Course Product: Mathematics - LV 6

Overall Experience:This program SAVED us this year! My daughter was struggling in 6th grade math -- too many topics in every lesson were preventing her from gaining clarity in anything. ALEKS focuses on one specific skill at a time without the distraction of too many topics being presented. My daughter loved her ‘personal pie’ that showed her progress. I loved the progress emails from ALEKS. My daughter was testing below grade level at the beginning of this year. Last week, she tested at 8th grade with some skills at the high school level. We look forward to using ALEKS in 7th grade!

What challenges did your student face in math prior to using ALEKS?My daughter struggled with distraction, focus and mastery.

What were you looking for in an online math tool? We were looking for a tool that focused help on weak skills.

How was ALEKS implemented with other curriculum?We used ALEKS on its own based on how my daughter tested in the initial assessment.

What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?My daughter tested at an 8th grade level last week! On some topics, she tested well into high school! We are so excited about her progress! She is so proud of herself and she's not afraid of math anymore. She is more willing to ‘try’ the things that she thinks are hard.


Noreen Joyce - ParentSuamico, WIScenario: Uses ALEKS as supplemental tutor for 8th grade sonTime Spent in ALEKS: 40 minutes in class and 1 - 2 hours per eveningALEKS Course Product: Algebra 1 and Algebra 2

Overall Experience:In mathematics, my son is ahead of his classmates. When he was in the 8th grade, his teacher suggested ALEKS to us as a way for our son to further his learning. As we looked into the program, we found that our son would not only learn math, but would be kept on a track to continue excelling. ALEKS taught him, tested him and challenged him to go further than he thought he could. I would recommend ALEKS to every family that has a student from elementary school through college; it can teach where the teacher and parents leave off. ALEKS provides my son with an excellent education and he is much further along than we ever could have expected. Another advantage of ALEKS is that the teaching continues after class is over. He can review ALEKS explanations if he struggles on a problem and can learn how to do it on his own. ALEKS promotes a very independent teaching and learning atmosphere.

What challenges did your student face in math prior to using ALEKS?My son has been ahead of his classmates since 5th grade. When entering middle school, scheduling problems did not allow him to join upperclassman; he was on his own. He was sent to the library to teach himself the lesson for the day and returned to class with 10 minutes left to ask any questions. At home my husband could help him, but at school there wasn't enough help.

What were you looking for in an online math tool? I wanted an online math tool that would teach my child that there are a few ways to solve a math problem. ALEKS taught math completely and thoroughly, and my son was assessed frequently. ALEKS provides online help, tests and retests, and provides a great learning environment. We wanted him to learn at his own pace, but more importantly, we wanted to know what he was doing and how he was doing it.

How was ALEKS implemented with other curriculum?ALEKS was our primary teaching method. He signed on at school and worked during class, as well as at home. His teacher was given access to our master account so she could monitor his progress.

What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?My son is ahead of his classmates. He will be entering high school this fall and will be in an honors trigonometry class. He is very proud and independent. He can do just about anything he wants now in math.


Judie Mengel - ParentSouth Bend, INScenario: Used ALEKS over the summer to supplement daughters’ math curriculumTime Spent in ALEKS: 20 - 30 minutes per day, 6 to 7 days a weekALEKS Course Product: Mathematics - LV 4 and Mathematics - LV 5

Overall Experience:My triplet daughters all used ALEKS over the summer. All three are at different levels of math competence so it was nice that each girl could work at her own level without feeling superior or inferior. I also loved that ALEKS was available when we were available - no waiting for the tutor, no crazed drives across town to meet someone else’s schedule. All three girls gained enormous confidence while using ALEKS and look forward to resuming it over the summer. As a parent, I appreciated being able to monitor their progress and show them how they had improved in concrete ways. Lastly, the price was right! (Always a concern when you have 4 children).

What challenges did your students face in math prior to using ALEKS?Maggie is a stellar math student and was able to do advanced math. Rose had low confidence in math and struggled with math facts. Elizabeth had low confidence and struggled with math facts and some comprehension.

What were you looking for in an online math tool? I needed something that all three girls could do on their own time and at their own level, while also providingflexibility, and all at a good price.

What math progress have the students experienced since using ALEKS?Rose and Elizabeth had very low math confidence; since using ALEKS, each girl has shown an increase in confidence. With ALEKS, they are all able to work at their own pace and no one has to see how many times it took to get a problem right.


Page Lee - ParentCharlotte, NCScenario: Used ALEKS over the summer as a supplement for 6 year-old daughterTime Spent in ALEKS: 4 days per weekALEKS Course Product: Mathematics – LV 3

Overall Experience:My 6 year-old daughter is mathematically gifted and was not being challenged by the math instruction at school. We worked together on ALEKS over the summer to increase her skill level and to challenge her abilities. My daughter really enjoyed ALEKS; she was able to move at lightning speed through the areas that were easy for her, and concentrate on the areas that were more difficult. We didn’t waste a lot of time on unnecessary repetition. We began this school year with a much clearer view of what she is capable of. ALEKS is an excellent learning tool; we are likely to use it again next summer.

What challenges did your student face in math prior to using ALEKS?We were faced with a low level of challenge.

What were you looking for in an online math tool?We were looking for a tool to increase her challenge level.

What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?My daughter jumped 1.5 grade levels in skill after a month of serious ALEKS usage.


Laurie Becker - Homeschooling ParentWoodland, CAScenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool sonTime Spent in ALEKS: 3 sessions per weekALEKS Course Product: Mathematics – LV 6

Overall Experience:We have used ALEKS for my son, now 9, over the past 2 years. He loves math, and ALEKS has kept that love alive by letting him move ahead at his own pace. It presents the right amount of work at the right level, every time.

What challenges did your student face in math prior to using ALEKS?My son had difficulty staying on task long enough to finish a page of problems in a traditional math book. He resented having to do the same kinds of problems over and over before he could get to "the fun stuff".

What were you looking for in an online math tool? I wanted something that would allow my son to work at his ability level that would be motivating but not over-stimulating. I wanted something I could afford, and that would be a full curriculum, not just a "game" or a supplemental resource.

What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?My son is motivated to earn his "pieces of pie" on his own. He takes pride in his ability to figure problems out and loves telling us how much pie he has earned each day. I don't have to stand over him to get him to complete his work. My son never complains that ALEKS is "boring" or "too hard". It is always just the right amount of work and the right amount of challenge for him.

He is thrilled to be learning concepts that he wouldn't normally see for another three years in a traditional classroom. My son is very confident in his ability to learn math;he says, ‘If everyone could use ALEKS, nobody would be afraid of Algebra’.


Rachelle Ottosen - Homeschooling ParentOlalla, WAScenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool sonTime Spent in ALEKS: Varies, between 1 and 4 hours per weekALEKS Course Product: Middle School Math Course 3

Overall Experience:This past year was our first year of homeschooling. I loved the idea of homeschooling but did not do it for years for fear of WWIII in our home. WWIII is exactly what ended up happening with the textbook math course we chose (even though it came highly recommended). Then, a friend recommended ALEKS and the tensions came to an abrupt halt! My son didn't have anyone to fight with and blame; he just did his math. ALEKS is probably the saving factor in our homeschool venture.

What challenges did your student face in math prior to using ALEKS?My son had problems sticking with the lessons. He had to be hounded in order to complete his math, and even then I still didn't know whether he turned it in or not. When he was turning his homework in, he would get A's. Left on his own, he would get C's and D's. When we started homeschooling with the textbook, it was awful. He just about hated me every day when it was time for math. He wouId cry and refuse to do the work and I would become the Wicked Witch of the West. With ALEKS, math is his responsibility and I can see his progress instantly.

What were you looking for in an online math tool?I was looking for conflict reduction; more peace in my home. Mission accomplished!

What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?I feel confident that my son has progressed in math, but more importantly, my relationship with my son is no longer being strained.


Kathy Pease - Homeschooling ParentRockport, MEScenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool high school sonTime Spent in ALEKS: 5 - 7.5 hours per weekALEKS Course Product: Algebra 1 and High School Geometry

Overall Experience:Overall we have had an excellent experience with ALEKS. The unique format allows my son to work at his own pace which is faster than what he would have been able to do in high school. He was able to gain a thorough understanding of both Algebra 1 and Geometry in one year. I liked the learning-based tests because ALEKS highlights the weak areas to make sure they are understood before allowing my son to move on. Also, we came to realize that these high school subjects are more thorough than the same courses offered in our local high school. Often this son was working on the same concepts that our older son was learning in a higher level course in the public high school.

What challenges did your student face in math prior to using ALEKS?Math class was either not challenging enough, or had too many concepts that were offered too quickly without enough time to master any of them.

What were you looking for in an online math tool? We were looking for a program that would allow our son to set his own pace while also providing the proper instruction to learn new concepts. My son’s goal was to qualify for entrance into a prestigious math and science oriented high school, and ALEKS helped him get two full years of high school math in one year in order to get in to the school. (He did get in!)

What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?My son was very happy to see the words ‘There is nothing left to learn,’ at the end of each subject. I was able to “promote” him to the next ALEKS course at no extra charge!


Robin Wright - Homeschooling ParentApo, Armed Forces PacificScenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool 10 year-old sonTime Spent in ALEKS: 1 hour every dayALEKS Course Product: Mathematics - LV 5

Overall Experience:I tried ALEKS for a month and loved it. My son is able to work at his own pace and I am free to work with my other children. My son is able to go through the math course and concentrate on concepts that challenge him. I love ALEKS and signed up for the next grade!

What challenges did your student face inmath prior to using ALEKS?My son’s major challenge with math was finding time for me to explain each concept to him.

What were you looking for in an online math tool? I was looking for something that would explain concepts, check work, and monitor my son’s progress. My son also needs instant feedback; ALEKS provides this and it has really helped to boost his confidence level. I love the pie chart which helps him to see what he has learned.

What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?He has gained about half a year’s worth of progress in about a month. My son loves ALEKS; he can see how much he has learned from the pie chart and he loves to brag about his pie. He is more confident and I never have to remind him to do his math anymore; he just gets it done and then calls me to look at his chart or to show me a new concept he has learned. He loves it.


Jana Miller - Homeschooling ParentRancho Santa Margarita, CAScenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool two sonsTime Spent in ALEKS: 30 minutes a day, 4 - 5 days a weekALEKS Course Product: Essential Mathematics and High School Geometry

Overall Experience:Fantastic! Both of my sons have used ALEKS. My youngest son is being homeschooled. My oldest is in geometry at Pacific Coast High School. First semester, he used a textbook and received an A-/B+ on the midterm. He switched to ALEKS at the quarter andgot 100% on his final; this is a child who has never done well with small details. My other son started ALEKS in 7th grade for Essential Mathematics. He finished that early and is now using Pre-Algebra. I have assigned him one new concept per day; he does assessments and review as they pop-up. He used ALEKS completely independently this summer. I love ALEKS!

What challenges did your students face in math prior to using ALEKS?My son got burned out on math early. We started homeschooling in 3rd grade and I saw that he was very good in math so I pushed him. I backed off during his 6th grade year, but then he was behind. With ALEKS, he caught up and is ahead without the frustration of having to do so many problems. We tried so many other programs: Mathusee, Singapore, Horizons, Saxon . . . none of them work like ALEKS.

What were you looking for in an online math tool? I wasn't looking and I dismissed it when I first heard it mentioned because I wanted the pencil in his hand. I'm a huge math-lover, it always was my favorite subject. My first impression was "no way, you can't do math online and I'm not going to dumb down to multiple choice questions." Of course, that was before I really looked at ALEKS. ALEKS uses minimal multiple choice problems; students must enter their answers.

What math progress have the students experienced since using ALEKS?My sons went from being behind to being ahead in math!


Michelle Nelson - Homeschooling ParentOrange, CAScenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool 6th grade sonTime Spent in ALEKS: 5 hours a weekALEKS Course Product: Mathematics – LV 6

Overall Experience:We have been very pleased with ALEKS. The program allows the student to move at his or her own pace. The initial assessment is wonderful, as the student doesn't waste valuable lesson time repeating concepts they have already learned. The learning progress reports are well organized and I especially like that if the student is unable to demonstrate ability on a concept during an assessment, they must go back and review it. This insures that the student understands before he moves on. ALEKS is a brilliant approach and our test scores prove it.

What challenges did your student face in math prior to using ALEKS?We were wasting time repeating the early chapter reviews each year and frustrated by conveyor belt math that moves at one speed. If you missed a concept, you’re out of luck; or if something is easy you’re often stuck doing 40 problems of it. ALEKS is more effective in holding my son's attention.

What were you looking for in an online math tool?We were looking for something that would allow my son to progress at his own speed.

What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?My son tested at the top tier of his standardized testing, ADVANCED. In addition, he is quite confident with his math skills.


Cynthia Wygant - Homeschooling ParentSavannah, GAScenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool two sonsTime Spent in ALEKS: Everyday useALEKS Course Product: Mathematics – LV 3, Mathematics – LV 4, and Mathematics LV – 5

Overall Experience:My youngest son has just completed 2nd grade and is a math whiz, and my oldest son has just completed 4th grade and tends to struggle in math. I have used at least 5 different math programs during my 5 years of homeschooling and did not find the right fit for both of my children until I found ALEKS. It is the perfect combination of practice and mastery. ALEKS does not require students to do endless hours of practice once they have mastered a topic but it does continually assess students, and if a topic is forgotten, ALEKS will bring it back for review only when necessary. I love the order in which ALEKS presents new topics. Unlike a textbook that is unaware of the student’s actual mastery of previous material, ALEKS does not present new topics to a student unless he has mastered the preliminary topics needed to be successful at the new material.

What challenges did your students face in math prior to using ALEKS?My sons struggled with the endless practice that workbooks tend to require. They also experienced an inability to focus on the current problem when an overwhelming amount of information was presented on each page.

What math progress have the students experienced since using ALEKS?ALEKS works perfectly for both of my sons. For my son who is the math whiz, ALEKS allows him to work ahead and move forward at his own pace; he just finished Mathematics LV5 at the end of second grade. For my older son who tends to struggle in math, ALEKS’ presentation of single problems with immediate feedback gives him the confidence to continue working without fear of doing a whole page incorrectly. Needless to say, I love ALEKS and would recommend it to anyone!


Vanessa Everhart - Homeschooling ParentBennington, KSScenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool 3rd grade son and 9th grade daughterTime Spent in ALEKS: 7 - 10 hours a week per childALEKS Course Product: Mathematics – LV 3 and High School Geometry

Overall Experience:My children didn't understand certain concepts in math – now, with ALEKS, they can't wait to do their Math. I am not kidding!When my daughter first started ALEKS she didn't like it because it frustrated her, and now she wants to do her math. I can't get her to NOT do it. My 3rd grader is the same. At first math was a chore, and now he LOVES to see his progress and watch his pie fill up.

What challenges did your student face in math prior to using ALEKS?The biggest challenge was just “not getting it”.

What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?GREAT PROGRESS!!! My daughter went from a basic 8th grade math level when we started to 10th grade Geometry in ONE YEAR. Where do you get those types of results?! We just started with our 3rd grader, but he is off to a great start.

My children love it! It gives them the feedback and incentive they need to keep going. I will be honest: at first it was a struggle. My daughter would gain so many points, then take an assessment and slide back. She got to where she hated that. We told her that is how you learn, by doing something over and over until you get the concept down pat. She still didn’t care for it, but when those pieces of pie filled up, it was wonderful to hear her cheer in victory! Since starting 10th grade Geometry, her self esteem has drastically improved. I have never ever seen her WANT to do math before. I don't have to tell her to do it. In fact, it's kind of a hindrance because her chores are neglected so she can do math.

Our 3rd grader is still a bit wary, but he enjoys seeing the points go up and the pie pieces fill up. We reward him for so many points a week which is a great incentive. In fact, we told him when he fills a piece of pie, we'll make him a pie. He's working on it! I LOVE this program and hope ALEKS comes out with one for spelling and English and Science and. . . ;)


Cheryl White - Homeschooling ParentAnn Arbor, MIScenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool sonTime Spent in ALEKS: 1 hour a day, 2 days per weekALEKS Course Product: Algebra 1, High School Geometry, Algebra 2, and PreCalculus

Overall Experience:ALEKS has allowed my son to be successful in math. He goes at his own pace, gets credit for what he already knows, and learns new material very quickly. The ALEKS format is perfect for him!

What challenges did your student face in math prior to using ALEKS?My son is twice-exceptional. He was frustrated with the slow pace of teaching in public school, yet his learningdisabilities caused him to get failing grades even though he knew the material.

What were you looking for in an online math tool? I was looking for a tool that presented the information in a way that a visual-spatial learner could use. ALEKS provides clear reporting of what he knows, what he is learning now and what he needs to learn to complete the course; it’s icing on the cake!

What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?My son always completes a course with a 100% score. He won't accept anything less. He has taken charge of his own learning in math and has become very confident of his abilities.


Stacy Bilko - Homeschooling ParentNew Caanan, CTScenario: Uses ALEKS as supplemental curriculum to homeschool 3 childrenTime Spent in ALEKS: Approximate use: 2.5 - 10 hours per week. Minimum = 30 minutes per day, but this increased since students like it so much. Usage also increases as tests approach. ALEKS Course Product: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and PreCalculus

Overall Experience:I have three home schooled children currently using ALEKS. All three have traditional math textbooks and use ALEKS as a supplement. However, much of the time, they prefer the way ALEKS teaches overthe textbook. They all love the way that ALEKS does not make them do the same problem over and over, or continually test them on material that they have mastered. In some cases, a more complete explanation and examples of a certain topic may be found in the textbook. . . other times though, ALEKS provides material that isn't even in their textbooks (e.g. probability). The net result is a much more thorough understanding of their math courses.

I have one daughter taking the math SAT IIC tomorrow morning. She is currently working on ALEKS to prepare for it.

What challenges did your students face in math prior to using ALEKS?My son didn't always understand his textbook’s explanations. I often became exasperated at what I saw as an easy concept. My daughter's Algebra 2 courses did not cover enough material. ALEKS has now prepared her to embark on PreCalculus.

What were you looking for in an online math tool? I was looking for a simple math site to reinforce concepts and provide practice, while also being enjoyable for my students.

How was ALEKS implemented with other curriculum?For my son, the time spent on ALEKS was in addition to daily time spent on textbook math. My daughters found, however, that they could learn more material in less time by using ALEKS alone.

What math progress have the students experienced since using ALEKS?All three kids have a more complete understanding of their math studies and love this program. They enjoy seeing evidence of their progress. The pie is inspiring; the children want to see a slice “filled in”.

ALEKS generates math confidence in its students. The best example I can provide is of my two daughters tossing their textbooks aside in order to learn solely from ALEKS. Also, the eldest, who has the SAT II Mathematics Level 2 tomorrow, won't leave the computer at all today! That shows the confidence she has in ALEKS as a capable and thorough teacher.


Lori Kephart - Homeschool SupplementArlington, WAScenario: Uses ALEKS as a supplement to homeschool 12 year-old sonTime Spent in ALEKS: 2 - 4 hours per weekALEKS Course Product: Algebra 1

Overall Experience:We had the opportunity to use the free month trial from ALEKS with my oldest son who is 12. He was able totest in several levels before deciding to work on Algebra 1. He enjoyed the program and felt that it was easy to comprehend. He particularly liked watching the pie graph fill as he mastered more and more skills.

What challenges did your student face in math prior to using ALEKS?None really, my son enjoys math in general.

What were you looking for in an online math tool?As a supplemental tool, we need something that is engaging enough that my son would be willing to do the extra work. We wanted a program with good, clear instructions for the student, that didn't create more work for the teacher in the way of explanations and grading.

What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?He demonstrated increased confidence in math. My son had worked ahead of his main text in several areas so when we hit them now, they are easier since it's no longer new material. He feels very good about his progress. He particularly likes the pie chart showing what areas are mastered or in progress.


Linda Bebb - Homeschooling ParentTraverse City, MIScenario: Uses ALEKS as supplemental curriculum to homeschool sonTime Spent in ALEKS: 3 sessions per weekALEKS Course Product: Mathematics - LV Course Products

Overall Experience:ALEKS is a great program for my son. We find it to be extremely easy to use, and are very pleased with his success. The content is awesome! ALEKS allows him to work at his own pace in a very positive manner - no negative feedback which is always so disheartening for a child. As a parent I liked the fact that the concepts are continually reinforced and that I am able to receive current reports on my child’s progress.

What challenges did your student face in math prior to using ALEKS?The biggest challenges my son faced was retaining the concepts he learned and creating visual pictures of math concepts.

What were you looking for in an online math tool? I was looking for an online tool that provides a clear, concise explanation of important math concepts. We wanted a program that would be easy to understand but also reinforced the topics that have been learned.

How was ALEKS implemented with other curriculum?We used ALEKS for homework assignments.

What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?I find that my son has a much clearer understanding of math. My son feels good about his progress and really grasps the concepts being taught. ALEKS has helped my son to overcome his dislike of math; it opened the door of understanding and closed the door on avoidance of a subject he didn't like.

success stories - aleks success stories christine l. - student irvine, ca scenario: uses aleks as...

Documents