Dr. Shormann’s interactive math curriculum checks off all
the boxes! Not to be confused with his Saxon DIVE/Compass tutorials, these math
courses are his own design. While incorporating many of the same elements as
Saxon Math, such as incremental development and continual review, Shormann
Math—available for Pre-Algebra through Calculus 2—has several features that
set it apart, including:
- Biblical and historical insight into math
concepts
- Video lessons (about 20 min each) that can be
paused and rewatched
- Interactive homework with auto grading and
recording
- 20 problems per lesson (compared to Saxon’s 30)
- Video solutions to explain missed problems
- ACT, PSAT, SAT, and AP/CLEP test prep built into
lessons
- Modern computer and technology topics woven in
- Optional printable PDFs of lessons, teacher
guide, and solutions manual
- Algebra 1 and 2 courses that also fulfill ½ of a
Geometry credit (compared to Saxon’s ¼ Geometry credit)
- Free question and answer service with Dr.
Shormann
I love the built-in flexibility! Courses are set up on a
30-week schedule (except Pre-Algebra, which has 36 weeks), leaving 6 flex weeks
for catch up or review. It’s recommended to work 4-5 days per week for a set
amount of time (typically at least an hour) and then stop, picking up where you
left off the next time. Students should read through each lesson before
watching the video lecture (whiteboard with voiceover) and taking notes. Then,
complete the practice set by working out each problem on paper and entering the
answer online for instant feedback. If help is needed, two clickable links
offer similar practice problems and the related video lecture to re-teach
concepts. After completing the assignment, access to step-by-step video
solutions with audio explanations are available to ensure understanding of
missed problems. Still confused? Questions can be submitted to Dr. Shormann
himself by filling out an online form. After every 4 lessons, a 4-question quiz
is given and after every 25 lessons is a quarterly exam. Students get 4 tries
to get a problem correct with a 25% penalty each time, though parents have
flexibility with resetting grades and lessons. Courses qualify for honors
credits if completed in one school year and using the honors grade scale but
can also be used for standard credit.
After purchasing access for one child in the family, deeply
discounted sibling subscriptions can be purchased directly from the company any
time after (time extensions on courses are also very reasonably priced!). If
you’re wanting a college prep program that allows your student to work
independently, this is a great option!
