Issue #11

I've oftened been asked will I create Test Prep Math level 4. The answer is that level 4 is the SAT.
Issue #11

This issue explains the important part of test prep - actually doing it correctly.

From the Editor
Issue #11 means business

The SAT is characterized by an average level of topical content presented within a framework of extremely challenging complexity. In other words, it's mostly all thinking. The standard approach to studying for the SAT is a list of things to remember and things to do; in other words, remove all of the thinking. What is wrong with this picture?

In this issue I'm going to present the conceptual approach we use to test prep. This approach involves a very small time commitment and a few problems each day. There is no free lunch here - the extrutiatingly torturous nature of this approach is that the child has to work hard, expend mental effort and rely on himself. Solutions are forbidden. It's walking out on a tight rope without a net.

3 comments:

  1. I have a question about your other blog, but I'm not sure you are still checking there. We are doing the 3/4 Math book that you wrote and he is doing okay through the first 30 except for the ones that say "twice as many as X." I let him flounder for days and nothing. I helped right before tears started. Then he proceeded to not be able to do the next "twice as many as X". I just have no idea how to help here. Any suggestions?

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  2. You found me! Except that covid derailed this blog as well. What you are describing is totally normal. I'm sure I have a dozen articles on the topic. I think we spent an entire month on "twice as many", probably at an inappropriate age, and don't get me started on 'X'. My son showed all the signs of needing to learn a trade instead of go to college when we did that insane book. He just finished 7th grade ready to take high school geometry, having passed the algebra exam. I told him not to and it's a waste of time before high school, but he's doing it anyway despite me. Just be support and demonstrate twice as much with your fingers, pennies, whatever.

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  3. Hello! I hope this is a good place to touch base. I managed to get my 2nd grade son into the schools gifted program and grade accelerated in math. He has a hefty case of ADHD and his writing is abysmal. Do you know if any good resources, exercises, workbooks, etc. that we can use over the summer to give him a boost? Thanks

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