FAQ

Why is Algebra readiness so important?
According to the National Mathematics Council, Algebra is a demonstrable gateway to later achievement. The first year of Algebra is a prerequisite for all higher-level mathematics in high school: Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry, and Calculus. Moreover, research shows that completion of Algebra II correlates significantly with success in college and earnings from employment, so it’s critical to make sure our students are ready for this important gatekeeper course early on. Additionally, the Educational Testing Service says that “the skills essential to success in college are much the same as those it takes to get ahead in the workplace. Just as courses like Algebra II are the gatekeepers to higher education, we must now come to understand that they are gatekeepers to well-paying jobs, as well.1”
What role does Algebra play in my child’s college readiness?
Mathematics plays an especially important role in achieving college readiness. Colleges look for higher-level courses when reviewing high school transcripts, so early proficiency in Algebra can be seen as a gateway to success in high-school and for college readiness. In fact, students who complete Algebra II are more than twice as likely to graduate from college compared to students with less mathematical preparation.2 Conversely, many students with weaker math preparation in high school end up having to take remedial math courses in college, making getting a college degree a longer, more expensive process. According to a 2008 U.S. Department of Education report, 21 percent of all entering freshmen reported taking at least one remedial course.3 Another report from the National Center for Academic Transformation showed that at many community colleges, it takes students about 2½ tries to pass introductory math courses. The message is clear: It's easier to learn the math now than to relearn (and pay more for) it later!
How can Algebra help in the future?
The math-dependent employment fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are by far the fastest growing economic sectors producing new jobs in our country. Some estimates show they are outpacing overall job growth at a rate three times faster than other fields.4 However, the increased implementation of technology in all facets of life has increased the need for math in all fields, including car mechanic, nurse, dental technician, teacher, marketer, musician, movie director, race car driver and the list goes on. It’s clear that a student that is prepared in mathematics, and especially Algebra, will be better equipped in any career they choose to pursue.
When should my child take Algebra?
Students begin learning and building upon Algebra concepts from first grade, however, depending on the state or school district, students typically begin taking Algebra I in the eighth or ninth grade. Studies have found that students taking Algebra I by 9th grade and continuing on with Geometry in 10th grade had the highest chance of meeting the college and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) curricular requirements for entrance. Students who did not continue through the pipeline—did not take at least one upper-level mathematics class (in this case Geometry), or stalled along the pipeline and took Geometry by the 12th grade (as opposed to by 10th grade)—were, on average, half as likely to meet the requirements for entrance into a postsecondary institution.5
How do I know if my child is ready for Algebra?
Sylvan Learning, in partnership with Let’s Go Learn, is offering a free 21-question Algebra Readiness Check-up to help you determine if your child is ready for the rigors of Algebra. Skills in this Check-up were selected based on guidelines from the National Mathematics Advisory Panel as providing the critical foundation for Algebra. Skills children will encounter in the Check-up are:
  • Comparing and converting
  • Coordinate graphing
  • Decimal operations
  • Fraction operations
  • Geometry
  • Integer operations
  • Ratios and proportions
What will the results tell me about my child’s Algebra readiness?
The results of the Check-up will help you to determine your child’s strengths and weaknesses in seven key skill areas identified as a critical foundation for Algebra. The results page also points to resources that can help your child maintain, practice, or develop these key skills.
Can the Check-up results be shared with my child’s math teacher in order to address specific areas of weakness?
Absolutely! The results will show specific areas in which your child is strong and where they need skills strengthened. You can easily print the results and use this as a starting point for a conversation with your child’s teacher. Remember that this Check-up is a snapshot of your child’s ability at one moment in time on a very short set of questions. Your child’s teacher is likely to have more detailed information about their overall progress in mathematics.
What can I do to ensure that my Child does well in Algebra?
Understanding in Algebra builds on a variety of prerequisite skills. Being certain that your child has developed critical foundation skills prior to entering an Algebra course will help them to get off to a good start. When a child enters an Algebra course without a solid foundation, they are likely to develop a negative view of mathematics and their ability to solve the simplest of problems. Consider enrolling your child in a Pre-Algebra course until they have developed the needed skills.
How will I be able to evaluate and compare my child’s progress after the initial Check-up?
Once your child begins Algebra, continue to be an advocate for your child. Algebra requires practice to develop skills and understanding. Monitor the amount of time your child spends doing Algebra homework. Responses such as, “I don’t have any homework,” “I did it in class,” or “I’ll finish it on the bus tomorrow” may be signs that your child is beginning to struggle with abstract concepts and is avoiding doing assignments that she finds difficult. Ask to see the homework and have your child explain a few of the problems and solutions to you. Check in with your child’s teacher on a regular basis and seek help if you notice that your child is beginning to struggle.
Where can I go if I need additional help?
After your child finishes the Check-up, you will log back in to view their results. The results page will have links to various resources that will help you and your child. Student resources include links to video lessons for all the concepts in the Check-up provided by SylvanMathPrep.com, fun and engaging online math challenges, entertaining games, interactive concept tutorials and links to 10,000 math questions with answers provided by MathForum.com. Parent resources include links to tips on ways you can help your child succeed in math, links to fun and educational Algebra apps for your smart phones and information about how to find personalized help for your child. If you’re looking to help your child get strong in Algebra, Sylvan Learning has been helping students unlock their potential since 1979. Our customized approach embraces your child’s individuality, creating a learning experience unlike any other. At Sylvan, your child’s program is custom-tailored to meet his or her academic goals and needs. We have proprietary suite of assessments that provide valuable insight into your child’s academic needs. Then, we create a custom learning plan to address those specific needs. We have dedicated teachers to keep your child engaged and motivated to learn and our ongoing evaluations and program updates ensure learning is kept challenging yet never frustrating. Click here to learn more.




1. Educational Testing Service, “The Economic Roots of K-16 Reform”, 2003
2. National Mathematics Council, pg. 13
3. National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, July 2008
4. National Science Board, 2008
5. Study of student course taking records conducted as part of the American Institutes for Research’s evaluation of the well-known district-wide reform initiative, Equity 2000