Synopsis "Courage To Core: Algebra (in English)"
Courage To Core Algebra is a real-world, guided math workbook designed for students to work with their parents, tutors, other students or their teacher to explore algebra deeply. It covers the essentials for success in a ninth grade algebra course, connecting concepts and procedures to abundant real world examples. A teaching guide for each section, a set of "cheat sheets" which neatly summarize ideas, and selected answers are included. Courage To Core has been used by thousands of students to develop a deeper understanding of algebra. It is leveled so that both students who are struggling, advanced students and everyone in between can find challenge and success. It is also designed so that a parent or tutor can follow the mathematics and work with the student. We all have an innate curiosity about how the world works. We are wired to experiment at the edges of our knowledge, to look for patterns and to draw conclusions. In a student-centered classroom, students collaborate to ask questions, gather data, interpret results and articulate understanding. Success at the edge of knowledge demands persistence and creativity. Courage To Core provides a context for students to work together with other students, their parents, tutors or teachers to become the agents of their success and the owners of their cognition. Courage To Core Algebra consists of 36 Common Core aligned sections which each typically require 1-3 class meetings to complete. The five topic areas are Number Sense from basic fractions to rationalizing denominators, Expressions and Equations including simplifying polynomials and solving linear equations, Linear Functions including systems, domain and range and inequalities, Data and Statistics including dot plots, box plots, bell curves and the normal distribution, and Exponential and Quadratic Functions including modeling and arithmetic and geometric sequences. Courage To Core was refined over 16 years of teaching at domestic and international high schools. Administrator Quote: "Chris is a gifted and masterful teacher whose genius is in his ability to trust and encourage kids to take ownership over their learning." Parent Quote: "Chris is a great source of motivation for my children. He gave them a positive experience and inspired them to grasp mathematics through truly enriching intellectual involvement." Student Quote: "You boosted my confidence with math and I seriously can't thank you enough!"
