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What’s the Difference between Algebra 1: Principles of Secondary Mathematics and Algebra 1: Legacy Edition?

We’ve put together this chart highlighting the key features of both Algebra 1 courses for a clear side-by-side comparison.

Legacy EditionPrinciples of Secondary Mathematics
LESSON STRUCTURE
35 lessons and videos with a recognizable, familiar structure from lower level math.
  • Lesson video
  • Practice pages A–E
  • Systematic Review embedded in Practice pages C–E
  • Lesson Test
30 lessons, each with Part A and Part B.
  • Warm Up (A and B)
  • Explore (A and B): topic videos, guided notes and examples, Checkpoints Practice 1 (A and B)
  • Mastery Check (A and B)
  • Practice 2, as needed (A and B)
  • Lesson Test
  • Targeted Review
  • More to Explore, as needed
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO
  • One video per lesson that covers all topics in the lesson
  • Familiar teacher from lower level math
  • Familiar style of teaching from lower level math (white board with instructor on camera, live audience)
  • Video script plus additional content not covered in videos provided in Instructor Manual
  • Multiple videos per lesson, broken up by topics
  • Animated clips woven into videos to help students visualize complex subjects
  • Different teacher than lower level math
  • Off-screen teacher completes digitized Student Worktext pages while walking students through content
  • Students fill in guided notes and examples in Student Worktext as they follow video instructions
NOTE TAKING
  • Student determines if they take notes while watching the video
  • Student can use the Instructor Manual for a study guide
  • Guided notes and examples in Student Worktext to be completed by the student as they watch videos
  • Results in comprehensive study guide for students
  • Teaches students how to take notes
PRACTICE
  • Practice pages A–E, plus H (6 total)
  • Systematic Review on pages C–E
  • No Worksheet Generator

Practice philosophy:

  • Students work through worksheets until mastery is observed
  • Students are encouraged to rewatch videos, correct practice problems, teach back, then go to the next worksheet for more practice
  • Repeat the process as necessary
  • Two practice pages each, Part A and B (4 total)
  • Mastery Check with Rubric for both Part A and Part B (2 total) 
  • Targeted Review with reference to lesson of origin where content was initially learned
  • No Worksheet Generator

Practice philosophy:

  • Students are expected to complete Practice 1
  • If ready, complete the Mastery Check
  • If students have not achieved mastery, they are encouraged to do all or any of these before rechecking for mastery:
    • Re-work, review, discuss, and teach back problems from Practice 1
    • Complete Practice 2
    • Re-work, review, discuss, and teach back problems from Practice 2
    • Review guided notes, examples, videos
TESTS
  • Tests provided in Tests book with Answer Keys provided in Instructor Manual
  • Lesson Tests:
    • Multiple choice
    • Covers content from previous lessons
  • Unit Tests:
    • Not multiple choice
    • Covers Midterm Exam
  • Final Exam
  • Tests and test Answer Keys are provided in Tests book
  • Tests are removed from book and given to students as they are ready
  • Lesson Tests:
    • Not multiple choice
    • Covers only content covered in the lesson
  • Unit Tests:
    • Includes some multiple choice with distractor rationale (in the Instructor Handbook)
    • Covers several lessons
  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Exam
SCOPE AND SEQUENCE
INSTRUCTOR HANDBOOK
  • Instructor Manual provides content in paragraph form, not all of which is covered in lesson videos
  • Students need content found in Instructor Manual
  • Worked solutions for the Student Handbook provided in the back of the Instructor Manual
  • Instructor Handbook is a mirror image of Student Worktext and provides solutions, teaching notes, and additional questions and answers to help “unstick” students where they need help
  • Students do not need content found in Instructor Handbook
  • Worked solutions provided online
RESOURCES
  • Recommend that students do not use calculators
  • Integer Block Kit or virtual manipulatives required
  • Students are encouraged to use calculators where appropriate
  • Provided links to online graphing tools
  • Integer Block Kit not required, virtual manipulatives recommended
  • Formula Sheet provided and use is encouraged

Things to keep in mind as you decide which Algebra 1 would work best for you:

  • Math is best learned sequentially. Therefore, there are some concepts that your student should master prior to entering into any algebra course.
  • Algebra is often the level that exposes gaps in mastery. These should be addressed to avoid frustration for both students and instructors.
  • Students have had success with Algebra 1: Legacy Edition for many years, and students that have participated in our pilot program have had success with Algebra 1: Principles of Secondary Mathematics.
  • Both algebra options incorporate the principles of Math-U-See that instructors and students have appreciated for years.

We assure you that you do not need to be an algebra expert in order for you and your student to find success.

How to Choose the Best Fit

To help guide you in your decision, here are some suggested actions:

  • Look at the key differences comparison chart above.
  • Review the sample materials on each product page linked below.
  • Review the scope and sequence on each product page linked below.

Check out the product pages for Algebra 1: Principles of Secondary Mathematics and Algebra 1: Legacy Edition.

Related articles

Bridge Materials: Pre-Algebra to Algebra 1: Principles of Secondary Mathematics

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