I love math, but my children have not always felt the same. I have used this course for a couple of years, and both children really like it. We like: it is tailored for each child; you cover what you need to as long as you need; you do not have to continue to study a concept once you have it but it will be brought up again for review; you work at the speed you can handle; the kids never feel like failures; the teaching is easy to understand. I like it for the independence it fosters--I help when needed but don't have to be involved if the kids don't need/want me to be.
Grade levels used
9
10
11
12
Pros
Completely online, thorough, tailored to each student
Good computerized math curriculum that keeps track of how your child is doing and where they need to be. No arguing with mom over what they need to do. No need to even check up after them - ALEKS sends you a weekly email to update you on their progress. You can get daily updates, too, if you choose. The only thing I didn't like was some of the explanations. I"m not a math person and neither is my daughter, so sometimes we needed extra help. Also - this is from a UK publisher, so sometimes the terminology is a little confusing for an American.
Overall, I like it. I love that if she forgets a solution, it will have my daughter repeat the lesson. Some of their explanations though are not very clear
I liked this curriculum the first year my son used it. But as we went along, we kept finding mistakes either in the computation or the answers. Sometimes my son felt like the information wasn't thorough enough. I think the content gets less and less comprehensive the higher in math you go. But for the younger grades, I think it is a fine curriculum.
Grade levels used
5
6
7
Pros
easy to track progress
Cons
mistakes throughout (either in questions or the answer)
ALEKS is perfect for our family. I love not having to track grades. My daughter likes the independence but can ask for help if she doesn't get the written explanations which doesn't happen often. Well worth the price.
Grade levels used
3
4
5
6
Pros
Easy to use. Keeps track of progress for you.
Cons
Not much one on one interaction with your child unless they need extra help on a skill.