Have you ever heard someone say, “They threw me in the deep end and told me to swim!”? While some students may find diving into new topics exhilarating, Algebra 1 demands a solid foundation to ensure success, and students approaching this level need to be well-prepared for their next mathematics deep dive.

Ensuring your student is ready for Algebra 1 is crucial. Pre-Algebra lays this groundwork, teaching essential skills like understanding math language and manipulating fractions. Beyond mathematical knowledge, Pre-Algebra fosters the patience and problem-solving techniques needed to perform well in Algebra 1 in the future, as well as the perseverance and focus required.

They may have completed their Pre-Algebra coursework, but how do you know if your student has the algebra readiness they need to move on to Algebra 1?

Before continuing to the next steps in your Algebra journey on autopilot, take some time to ensure your student is ready for more complex material. Here are some things to know as you prepare for the future.

What is Readiness?

It’s easy to assume that students are ready for the next subject when they’ve completed a level of curricula or are moving on to the next school year, but there’s more to readiness than turning the page on the next chapter of your mathematics textbook. Readiness is the measure of subject knowledge, behavioral patterns, and work habits that ensure a student is prepared to tackle the next level of learning.

Foundational Concepts for Algebra 1

There are many prerequisite skills needed to prepare for an Algebra 1 course. Here are just a few of the key concepts that need to be mastered:

Fractions

Write a fraction in its simplest form, write mixed numbers as improper fractions, and perform all operations on fractions.

Order of Operations

Simplify using order of operations, including expressions containing absolute value and exponents.

Solve Single Variable Equations

Use the solution to an equation to evaluate an expression, write a one-variable equation from a word problem and solve it, and solve an equation that has variables on both sides.

Inequalities

Solve one- and two-step inequalities and graph single-variable inequalities on a number line.

Geometry

Reference a formula sheet to find an unknown formula, apply formulas for area, perimeter, & volume, and label a solution with the correct units.

Number Relationships

Name all factors of a number, and use proportions to solve problems.

Coordinate Plane

Name each quadrant and axis of the coordinate plane, plot ordered pairs in any quadrant of the coordinate plane, and determine the horizontal or vertical distance between ordered pairs (points) on the coordinate plane.

A complete list of foundational skills can be found here. These concepts are like tools in a toolbox. In Algebra 1, students will learn to implement these tools to glean relevant information from word problems and when solving more complex equations.

Determining Your Student’s Skill Level

Once you are aware of the prerequisite concepts, the next step is assessing your student’s skill level. This can be done through a readiness check. A readiness check is not a test but rather an evaluative assessment that can help determine where your student is at in their algebra journey.

Demme Learning provides an Algebra 1 Readiness Check, which can be found here and in our Digital Toolbox. It is highly recommended that your student take this assessment before beginning Algebra 1.

If Your Student Needs a Boost

Every student can use extra support from time to time. If you’ve completed a Readiness Check and found gaps in your student’s understanding, here are a few things that may help.

Encourage a Growth Mindset

Your student can develop a solid working knowledge of Algebra. Help them feel confident in their ability to grow by reminding them that every concept can be acquired with enough focus and practice.

Take Time to Review

Extra practice can make all the difference when building math confidence. Don’t be afraid to spend some extra time reviewing troublesome skills before moving on to the next level.

Take Advantage of Demme Learning’s Bridge Materials

This free set of skills lessons has been created to aid in preparing students for Algebra. They cover some of the essential concepts and skills needed for success in an Algebra course that may have been forgotten or not covered in great depth in a student’s previous studies. You can find our Bridge Materials in the drop-down menu bar under Products once you log in to your digital Demme Learning Account. Here, you’ll find access to the Readiness Check assessment and other individually focused videos and concept lessons listed below. Concepts like the Order of Operations, Proportions, The Coordinate Plane, and many other crucial skills to Algebra 1 are reviewed and retaught.

Whether your student feels ready for the challenge of Algebra 1 or is a little unsure, there’s still time to lay a solid foundation for their future. With the right tools and preparation, your student can take on the next challenges with confidence.

Our Bridge Materials are available in the Digital Toolbox. Click here to register for your free account!