Algebra I and Algebra II (A.C.E.) PACE, DVD, or Interactive Media courses]

The curriculum includes diagnostic testing capabilities, with reviewers noting thorough and challenging diagnostic tests available online. The mastery-based format also implies ongoing assessment for progression.

Review praises 'thorough and challenging free diagnostic tests available on the ACE website' and mastery-based approach requires assessment before advancement

As a self-instructional curriculum designed for independent student use, teacher training materials appear minimal. This may limit instructional effectiveness for students who need additional support.

Curriculum is described as 'self-instructional' with emphasis on student independence rather than teacher guidance

The curriculum appears designed for independent student work rather than teacher-led explicit instruction. While this supports self-paced learning, it may not provide the direct instruction benefits research supports.

Review emphasizes 'the courses allow students to work independently' and describes it as 'self-instructional'

The curriculum uses a mastery-based sequencing with a deliberately slower scope and sequence than most other algebra programs. This allows for thorough coverage before progression but may impact preparation for subsequent courses.

Review states 'The scope and sequence of A.C.E.'s algebra courses is slightly slower than most others' and uses mastery-based format with ten PACEs per course

Reviews mention problem solving as part of the methodology but do not provide details about systematic word problem instruction or real-world application strategies.

Traditional methodology includes 'problem solving' but no specifics about word problem approaches are mentioned

No specific evidence about worked examples or step-by-step modeling is provided in the available reviews. The traditional methodology suggests some structured instruction, but details are lacking.

Reviews mention 'instruction and problem solving' following vocabulary but do not detail the instructional format

The mastery-based approach and PACE format suggest built-in review and practice, though specific retrieval practice strategies are not detailed in reviews.

Mastery-based format implies repeated practice until proficiency, and one review mentions 'lots of repetition in younger grades'

The reviews do not provide information about visual models, manipulatives, or concrete-representational-abstract progressions used in the curriculum.

No mention of visual representations or models in available reviews

The curriculum follows a traditional methodology emphasizing memorization of definitions and vocabulary followed by instruction and problem solving. This approach suggests a procedural focus, though the balance with conceptual understanding is unclear from available evidence.

Reviewer notes 'methodology is very traditional; for example, courses begin with definitions and vocabulary to be memorized, followed by instruction and problem solving'