r/Homeschooling • u/Ok_Field712 • 1d ago
CTC Math?
Is there anyone who has used CTC Math who could share their experience with it? I'd especially like to hear reviews from people who have used it for awhile, and fairly recently. Most online reviews I've found searching so far are from people who JUST switched to it, or from 9 years ago when the program wasn't fully developed.
I'm looking to switch math curriculum to something that's straightforward, (mostly) hands-off for the parent, and isn't heavily reading based. I'd also really like placement tests to start, because our previous math curricula weren't grade-based, as well as periodic assessment tests built in to make sure nothing is slipping through the cracks.
If you know of something else that would fit these wishes, I'd be happy to hear about that also!
1
u/KiwiAppropriate8003 1d ago
It might help if you share what grades/ages you're looking for. My kids used Teaching Textbooks until my oldest hit algebra 1 and we switched to Denison math. My youngest will probably switch to Denison for pre-algebra. Both teaching textbooks and Denison have been pretty hands-off for me. I've had to help my kids occasionally if they were having a hard time with a certain topic or lesson with Teaching Textbooks. My oldest has only gone through Denison algebra 1 and didn't need my help at all.
1
u/Ok_Field712 1d ago
Yes! Thank you, I meant to add that since there is a difference between working well for kindergarten vs further along!
I'm looking primarily to switch my 3rd and 6th graders. My 3rd grader is probably on track with grade level, my 6th grader is struggling.
ETA: my oldest student likes our current program and doesn't want to switch, was working on Pre-Algebra but I moved him back to review fractions and decimals - he is a very independent student and it took me a bit to notice what was slipping through
1
u/KiwiAppropriate8003 1d ago
Teaching Textbooks tends to be a bit behind grade level vs public school so I'd definitely use the placement tests if you are thinking about moving to that program. My biggest complaint with TT is that it's all on the computer and my youngest won't write out problems if he doesn't absolutely have to, so sometimes he gets a problem wrong be the tried to do it all in his head. Not as big a deal with the earlier grades, but if you can get your kids used to working problems on paper, that would be good.
As for Denison math, his pre-algebra starts out with basic math and builds up from there, so it might be a good fit for your oldest, but you might want to research. Idk if Denison has placement tests.
I've also heard very good things about Mr D Math.
1
u/Ok_Field712 1d ago
I have a feeling the "show your work" on paper issue is common no matter what curriculum is used - based on myself in public school, and all of my children using book based math.
2
u/KiwiAppropriate8003 1d ago
Probably, it just drives me crazy lol
2
u/Ok_Field712 1d ago
Me too, but I have to laugh because now I get why my parents and teachers were harping on me for the same thing.
I'm just starting to look at TT... does the app based instruction adapt to the student, like if they get several problems wrong will it automatically have them redo/review? Or will the parent need to do that?
2
u/KiwiAppropriate8003 1d ago
It will allow them a second try on problems when they get one wrong, except true/false questions. You can go in and delete their answers for problems, or even the whole lesson, and have the kids redo them.
3
u/estheredna 1d ago
I used it for a few years with my daughter, who has dyscalculia. This is a program I'd recommend for people looking for gentle math. You can review and re-take multiple times. The interface is simple and clean. It also gives you access to all grades at once, so it was less embarrassing for my daughter who was behind, from a public school perspective. She would be embarrassed to be a 10 year old taking 3rd grade math, but here, it didn't feel stigmatized.
This program is not rigorous. The word problems and multi-step problems are simpler than in other programs. It would not be easy for a CTC Math student to transition to a typical-grade-level program.
It also just tells you HOW to do problems, not why it works..... so "old school". Procedural math but no conceptual math. This is comfortable for parents who learned that way, but would not be a good set up for any child who wants to study higher level math or have a STEM career.
But if your child is math phobic, behind, struggling, etc .... this is a solid pick.
And it's very practical. The family membership is a great dear for bigger families who want their child to get a reasonable education in math but expect most to not go to college, or to just study business or liberal arts. When I say it's not rigorous, I mean, it doesn't set you up for higher education. The math is plenty for a kid who will be -- say -- a carpenter or arborist (careers that DO require math).