Algebra 1 and 2, Third Editions (BJU Press)

MathGrades 9–11

About This Curriculum

<cite index="7-18,7-19">Algebra 1 equips students and teachers with tools and strategies for using and developing algebraic models to solve real-world problems within the context of a biblical worldview. Students will write algebraic expressions, describe quantitative relationships, solve real-world problems using linear equations, and understand God's design as foundational to reasoning, modeling, and ethics in mathematics.</cite> <cite index="5-6,5-7,5-8">Algebra 2 covers concepts such as linear, quadratic, polynomial, radical, and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and probability and statistics. Complex numbers are also covered throughout the text. Two new chapters cover matrix features and sequencing and series.</cite>

What makes it unique: <cite index="7-18,7-19">Biblical worldview integration with tools and strategies for using algebraic models to solve real-world problems, emphasizing how mathematics helps Christians serve others and glorify God</cite>

Algebra 1 and 2, Third Editions (BJU Press): Traditional Christian Algebra

BJU Press's Algebra 1 and 2 are traditional textbook-based courses that integrate biblical worldview with comprehensive algebra instruction. The third editions feature differentiated problem sets, built-in cumulative review, and three scheduling options to accommodate different student needs.

Best for

Homeschooling families seeking traditional, comprehensive algebra instruction with Christian worldview integration and flexible pacing options for grades 9-11

Evaluation Criteria

8 strengths · 1 insufficient evidence

Word ProblemsStrength

Systematic approach to real-world applications through Dominion Modeling sections and integrated life applications.

Dominion Modeling problems 'build upon one another' with connected real-life scenarios like ROI calculations, and 'word problems that include life applications appear elsewhere in the exercises'

Worked ExamplesStrength

Student text explanations are described as thorough enough for independent study, suggesting clear modeling.

Cathy Duffy notes 'explanations in students' texts are often thorough enough for students to do much study independently' and teacher editions provide 'detailed solutions for problems'

Teacher TrainingStrength

Comprehensive teacher support through detailed teacher editions and instructional guidance.

Teacher editions include 'motivational ideas, strategies for presentation, tips for difficult problems' and provide 'valuable instructional and presentation information that should be used'

Direct InstructionStrength

Designed for teacher-led instruction with comprehensive support materials for explicit teaching.

Lessons are 'designed to be taught' and teacher editions provide 'instructional and presentation information,' 'strategies for presentation,' and 'tips for difficult problems'

Retrieval PracticeStrength

Strong emphasis on cumulative review and spaced practice built into the curriculum structure.

'Cumulative review is built into every lesson' and the curriculum 'does extensive review' of previous material, with additional practice problems available

Sequencing ApproachStrength

Uses a spiral approach with mastery elements, spending full chapters on topics while building in extensive cumulative review.

One reviewer notes BJU 'spends a full chapter on each topic before moving to new concepts' and 'does a lot of review of previous years material,' while cumulative review is built into every lesson

Assessment DiagnosticStrength

Regular assessment through chapter tests and multiple quizzes, with differentiated scheduling based on student needs.

Each course has 'test packet with chapter tests and several quizzes per chapter' and three scheduling options (minimum, standard, extended) suggest diagnostic-based differentiation

Conceptual Procedural BalanceStrength

The curriculum appears to balance conceptual understanding with procedural practice through real-world applications and differentiated problem sets.

Dominion Modeling problems in each lesson build real-life applications, and problems are organized in sections A, B, and C with increasing challenge levels, suggesting both conceptual depth and procedural practice

Visual RepresentationsInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence of visual models or manipulatives in the curriculum materials.

Reviews focus on textbook explanations, problem sets, and technology use but do not mention visual representations, manipulatives, or graphical models

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, 4onemore.com