Summer Program, 2008
| wks | Dates | Class | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Fundamentals | 9 | June 16 - Aug 16 | 10:30 - 11:30 AM |
| Trigonometry | 9 | June 16 - Aug 16 | 9:15 - 10:15 AM |
Class size: Between 4 and 8.
Curriculum: Each course covers the material traditionally given in a full year of high-school work. For complete information on topics covered, see the Course Description page on this website.
Format: Each class meets Monday through Friday for 9 weeks. Classes meet for an hour each day.
Exams: Quizzes are given frequently. There will be two Mid-terms and a Final.
Textbooks: Obtainable via the internet.
Fee: 9 weeks courses: $1295 Due at the time of enrollment: $300 non-refundable retainer, applied to the fee. Full payment is due on the first day of class.
To enroll: Phone the director, Leslie Bryan, 510-841-0784, or 510-528-7405, for an interview.
Traditionally, math study begins with the mechanics of arithmetic then proceeds to algebra. Once the student knows the basic facts of addition and multiplication, it is much more satisfying to reverse the order: to learn the underlying principles of algebra first, then to look back at the mechanics of arithmetic,to truly understand what's going on, and to appreciate arithmetic as a series of convenient (but no longer arbitrary) short-cuts. In our experience, the student, once grounded this way, moves very fast through the high-school math curriculum, and is delighted by calculus.
The PDQ Math Series adopts this approach. It is a series of 6 forty-hour classes (well, geometry takes a little longer) beginning with a course called The Fundamentals, which gives the grounding mentioned above, and ending with Pre-Calculus. Each course is quite rigorous, but with their solid grounding the students delight in the rigor.
The series can be completed in less than two years by taking courses in the summer, or in three academic years otherwise. Upon completion of the series the student is prepared to do well in an AP Calculus course (ours, or someone else's).
The series begins only in summer and in the fall. Though it is possible (by talking to the director) to join the series at any level, it is strongly recommended that the student get that Fundamentals course. It really does give the basis for all that follows.
The courses are:
The Fundamentals
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Trigonometry
Pre-calculus
Class size is between 4 and 8, with a minimum of 4 required to offer the class.
Fee: $1295 per class
To enroll: phone for an interview 510 841-0784
See "course descriptions" for specific subject matter, and "schedule of classes" to see which classes are currently being offered.
Grades Six through AP Calculus
Our teacher preparation program is designed to give those who plan to be secondary school math teachers the subject-matter skills, learning theory skills, and teaching skills they need to be masters of their craft. Each techer has the opportunity to take a group of kids from Basics right through the AP Calculus Exam I.
It is always wise to be versed in your subject well beyond the level at which you plan to teach, so teachers of grades five through seven will find Year I to be useful, while teachers through Algebra I would take Years I & II. Those planning to teach Geometry and beyond will be delighted by the entire program.
Year I: Subject Matter & Theory
| 1st Term | 2nd Term | 3rd Term | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math Classes | The Fundamentals | Algebra I | Geometry |
| Supervision | Supervisor will often observe class, will meet with the teacher for half an hour each week | ||
Year II: Subject Matter & Practice Teaching
| 1st Term | 2nd Term | 3rd Term | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math Classes | Algebra II | Trigonometry | Pre-calculus |
| Student Teaching: Math for Free Program | Teach a 12-week Fundamentals Class. No more than six in the class. Class meets twice/wk. | Continue with same class, teaching them Algebra I. Class meets twice/wk. | Continue with the same class, teaching them Geometry. Class meets twice/wk. |
| Supervision | Supervisor will often observe class, will meet with the teacher for half an hour each week | ||
Year III: Subject Matter & Practice Teaching
| 1st Term | 2nd Term | 3rd Term | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math Classes | Calculus I (AB) | Calculus I (AB) | Calculus BC |
| Student Teaching: Math for Free Program | Continue with the same class, teaching them Algebra 2/Trig. Class meets twice/wk. | Continue with same class, teaching them AP Calculus AB. Class meets twice/wk. | Continue with the same class, prep them for the AP in May. Class meets until the AP test. |
| Supervision | Supervisor will often observe class, will meet with the teacher for half an hour each week | ||
Tuition: $5,000 per year.
Math for Free∗
Math for Free is a program which offers the highest quality math instruction to students, all of whom are on full-scholarship. The only requirements is attendance.
Material covered includes curriculum for grades 4 through 7, often referred to as "pre-algebra". Involved adults are encouraged to sit in, and are especially welcome to help.
Phone for an interview at (510) 841-0784, or (510) 528-7405 after hours. Class size is limited to eight, and we need at least six to offer the class.
Deadline for enrollment: August 15, 2007
Schedule for 2007-2008:
Sept 8 - June 7
Saurday mornings, 9 to 12
Then we'll know.
The Director's scholorship
Each year The Abelian Group solicits counselors at local public schools and youth groups to identify students, currently in the fifth grade, who would be most likely to make good use of private training in mathematics beginning in their sixth-grade year, and to encourage them to apply.
The Director's Scholarship provides funding for private instruction in mathematics at two hourly sessions per week for our PDQ Program, beginning with The Fundamentals. The scholarship is renewable clear through AP Calculus on a course-by-course basis.
The criteria for renewal are willingness to work hard, as demonstrated by on time completion of assigned work (telephone help is available if needed), and regular, punctual attendance. There is some flexibility in scheduling the appointments, and there is usually a way to work around the student's commitments to other activities such as family obligation, sports or jobs.
Applications are due by June 15 each year. Interviews are held over the summer, and the scholarship is awarded on August 1. Instruction commences when school starts in September.
Please speak to the Director, Leslie Bryan, 510-841-0784, for application form or for more details.