SUCCESS STORIES
Learn how other
students and families
are using ALEKS!
ALEKS
T ABLE O F C ONTENTS
STUDENTS
Christine L., Irvine, California
4
Jonathan L., Denver, Colorado
5
Kenneth Dunham, Portland, Oregon
6
Scenario: Personal Tutor
Scenario: Personal Tutor
Scenario: Personal Tutor
Deborah Hansen, Santa Clarita, California
Scenario: Personal Supplement
7
PARENTS
Jacqueline Logan, Petaluma, California
8
Noreen Joyce, Suamico, Wisconsin
9
Judie Mengel, South Bend, Indiana
10
Page Lee, Charlotte, North Carolina
11
Scenario: Supplemental Tutor
Scenario: Supplemental Tutor
Scenario: Summer Supplement
Scenario: Summer Supplement
HOMESCHOOLING PARENTS
Laurie Becker, Woodland, California
12
Rachelle Ottosen, Olalla, Washington
13
Kathy Pease, Rockport, Maine
14
Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling
Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling
Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling
T ABLE O F C ONTENTS
Robin Wright, Apo, Armed Forces Pacific
15
Jana Miller, Rancho Santa Margarita, California
16
Michelle Nelson, Orange, California
17
Cynthia Wygant, Savannah, Georgia
18
Vanessa Everhart, Bennington, Kansas
19
Cheryl White, Ann Arbor, Michigan
20
Stacy Bilko, New Caanan, Connecticut
21
Lori Kephart, Arlington, Washington
22
Linda Bebb, Traverse City, Michigan
23
Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling
Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling
Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling
Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling
Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling
Scenario: Core Curriculum for Homeschooling
Scenario: Supplemental Curriculum for Homeschooling
Scenario: Supplemental Curriculum for Homeschooling
Scenario: Supplemental Curriculum for Homeschooling
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Christine L. - Student
Irvine, CA
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as personal tutor
Time Spent in ALEKS: 45 minutes a day, 6 days a week
ALEKS Course Product: Algebra 1
Overall Experience:
I started using ALEKS this summer to review my
Algebra 1 course. Prior to ALEKS, I thought I had
mastered Algebra 1, but after the initial assessment,
I saw that there were still more topics I needed to
learn. I have used ALEKS every day, and in less
than a month, I'm ready for the next course! I found
this program very interesting and effective. The
explanations for all course topics were clear and
concise, and I was able to learn them all in a very
short time. The results are outstanding and it
makes me want to work on ALEKS more and more!
What challenges did you face in math
prior to using ALEKS?
It was challenging to find a math practice book that suited me.
What were you looking for in an online math tool?
I was looking for a lot of practice with clear explanations to accompany each problem.
How was ALEKS implemented with other curriculum?
ALEKS improved my math skills by finding my weak points and then helped me to strengthen them.
What math progress have you experienced since using ALEKS?
Before ALEKS, I lost concentration easily and had to spend a lot of time on each question. Since starting
ALEKS, I found that I now work on problems more efficiently. I am very satisfied with my progress and
am looking forward to moving on to the next course! Because I now work faster, more efficiently, and
independently, I like math a lot more.
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Jonathan L. - Student
Denver, CO
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as personal tutor
Time Spent in ALEKS: 3 - 4 sessions per week
ALEKS Course Product: Principles of Accounting (Sole Proprietorship)
Overall Experience:
I found that I could easily understand ALEKS because it works
at my pace. Because ALEKS is able to teach me according
to my needs, I was able to quickly grasp concepts that I had
been struggling with in Accounting Principles. ALEKS
helped me to go from a 65% on my first test to an
88% on my second test. What else is there to say?
What challenges did you face in math
prior to using ALEKS?
My ability to understand and communicate the process
required to solve problems was static. With ALEKS, I was
forced to demonstrate the proper principles.
What were you looking for in an online math
tool?
I needed a tool to help me improve my accounting skills.
What math progress have you experienced since using ALEKS?
I improved from a 65% on my first test to an 88% on my second test. Before ALEKS, I went to tutors and
had no improvement, but with ALEKS, I completed the course with an 82%. I feel confident that I can be
successful in other classes by supplementing the core curriculum with ALEKS.
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Kenneth Dunham - Student
Portland, OR
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as personal tutor
Time Spent in ALEKS: Varies, from 1 - 2 hours/week to 4 hours/day
ALEKS Course Product: Intermediate Algebra
Overall Experience:
Being 18 years removed from intermediate algebra, I needed
something to bring me up to speed as quickly as possible so
I could succeed in College Algebra. ALEKS targeted the
areas I was weak in, and provided me with instant feedback.
I found the explanations easy to follow and I attribute ALEKS
with helping me get an A in College Algebra for engineering
and medical majors.
What challenges did you face in math
prior to using ALEKS?
I had never been gifted in math and I was 18 years removed
from my last formal Algebra course.
What were you looking for in an online math
tool?
I was looking for quick and accurate feedback. I needed easy to follow explanations and the ability to
target my weak spots without wasting time on areas I had already mastered.
What math progress have you
experienced since using ALEKS?
I received an A in College Algebra! I feel pleased
with my progress and only wish I had used ALEKS
sooner. Between my college instructor and ALEKS, I
feel more confident in my math skills.
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Deborah Hansen - Student
Santa Clarita, CA
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as a personal supplement
Time Spent in ALEKS: 2 hours per day, 6 days a week
ALEKS Course Product: College Algebra
Overall Experience:
I enrolled in this course because I am interested in leaving the education field. I have started work on
my second master’s degree in Professional Accounting with a concentration in Taxation. As a classroom
teacher for the last 12 years, I am easily turned-off by poor teaching methods. ALEKS, however, focuses
on the basic methods of instruction that classroom teachers use daily. It is amazing to be able to learn
material as I would present it in my classroom.
What challenges did you face in math prior to using ALEKS?
I used ALEKS in the areas where I faced a lack of confidence. I had not taken a college level math class
in over 15 years and I needed a little confidence booster.
What were you looking for in an online math tool?
I was looking for a method that would allow me to learn at a pace that I was academically ready for. It
was comforting when I found this math program. My expectations, objectives and goals were clearly laid
out for me. If I did well, ALEKS would advance me. If I had trouble, ALEKS would reteach me until I had
mastered the concept. Since ALEKS does not require a human tutor, learning, in this case, is easier.
The student can not feel dumb or embarrassed, and no one can get impatient or have negative emotions
toward the learner. This makes ALEKS a safe environment in which to learn. It was extremely comfortable
and reassuring to learn with this program.
What math progress have you experienced since using ALEKS?
As an educator, I am greatly impressed with this program. I recommend ALEKS to the parents of students
I know who need a little extra push. I believe this program has found all the right keys to help the student
that is lost during math time. It gives her an objective to work toward. The directions and explanations
are clear and precise, and ALEKS gives an adequate number of examples, opportunities and help. As a
student, I NEVER felt that the math in this program was too hard. When I did not understand a concept, I
was retaught and quizzed until I had a firm understanding of the concept. This is an amazing product
that I would recommend to all parents who have students with math anxiety or struggles!
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Jacqueline Logan – Parent
Petaluma, CA
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as supplemental tutor for 6th grade daughter
Time Spent in ALEKS: 3 - 4 sessions per week
ALEKS Course Product: Mathematics - LV 6
Overall Experience:
This program SAVED us this year! My daughter was
struggling in 6th grade math -- too many topics in every lesson
were preventing her from gaining clarity in anything. ALEKS
focuses on one specific skill at a time without the distraction of
too many topics being presented. My daughter loved her
‘personal pie’ that showed her progress. I loved the progress
emails from ALEKS. My daughter was testing below grade
level at the beginning of this year. Last week, she tested
at 8th grade with some skills at the high school level. We
look forward to using ALEKS in 7th grade!
What challenges did your student face in
math prior to using ALEKS?
My daughter struggled with distraction, focus and mastery.
What were you looking for in an online math tool?
We were looking for a tool that focused help on weak skills.
How was ALEKS implemented with other curriculum?
We used ALEKS on its own based on how my daughter tested in the initial assessment.
What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?
My daughter tested at an 8th grade level last week! On some topics, she tested well into high school!
We are so excited about her progress! She is so proud of herself and she's not afraid of math anymore.
She is more willing to ‘try’ the things that she thinks are hard.
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Noreen Joyce - Parent
Suamico, WI
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as supplemental tutor for 8th grade son
Time Spent in ALEKS: 40 minutes in class and 1 - 2 hours per evening
ALEKS Course Product: Algebra 1 and Algebra 2
Overall Experience:
In mathematics, my son is ahead of his classmates. When he was in the 8th grade, his teacher suggested
ALEKS to us as a way for our son to further his learning. As we looked into the program, we found that
our son would not only learn math, but would be kept on a track to continue excelling. ALEKS taught him,
tested him and challenged him to go further than he thought he could. I would recommend ALEKS to
every family that has a student from elementary school through college; it can teach where the teacher
and parents leave off. ALEKS provides my son with an excellent education and he is much further
along than we ever could have expected. Another advantage of ALEKS is that the teaching continues
after class is over. He can review ALEKS explanations if he struggles on a problem and can learn how to
do it on his own. ALEKS promotes a very independent teaching and learning atmosphere.
What challenges did your student face in math prior to using ALEKS?
My son has been ahead of his classmates since 5th grade. When entering middle school, scheduling
problems did not allow him to join upperclassman; he was on his own. He was sent to the library to teach
himself the lesson for the day and returned to class with 10 minutes left to ask any questions. At home my
husband could help him, but at school there wasn't enough help.
What were you looking for in an online math tool?
I wanted an online math tool that would teach my child that there are a few ways to solve a math problem.
ALEKS taught math completely and thoroughly, and my son was assessed frequently. ALEKS provides
online help, tests and retests, and provides a great learning environment. We wanted him to learn at his
own pace, but more importantly, we wanted to know what he was doing and how he was doing it.
How was ALEKS implemented with other curriculum?
ALEKS was our primary teaching method. He signed on at school and worked during class, as well as
at home. His teacher was given access to our master account so she could monitor his progress.
What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?
My son is ahead of his classmates. He will be entering high school this fall and will be in an honors
trigonometry class. He is very proud and independent. He can do just about anything he wants now in math.
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Judie Mengel - Parent
South Bend, IN
Scenario: Used ALEKS over the summer to supplement daughters’ math curriculum
Time Spent in ALEKS: 20 - 30 minutes per day, 6 to 7 days a week
ALEKS Course Product: Mathematics - LV 4 and Mathematics - LV 5
Overall Experience:
My triplet daughters all used ALEKS over the summer. All
three are at different levels of math competence so it was
nice that each girl could work at her own level without
feeling superior or inferior. I also loved that ALEKS was
available when we were available - no waiting for the
tutor, no crazed drives across town to meet someone
else’s schedule. All three girls gained enormous
confidence while using ALEKS and look forward to
resuming it over the summer. As a parent, I appreciated
being able to monitor their progress and show them how
they had improved in concrete ways. Lastly, the price was
right! (Always a concern when you have 4 children).
What challenges did your students face in
math prior to using ALEKS?
Maggie is a stellar math student and was able to do advanced math.
Rose had low confidence in math and struggled with math facts. Elizabeth
had low confidence and struggled with math facts and some comprehension.
What were you looking for in an online math tool?
I needed something that all three girls could do on their own time and at their own level, while also providing
flexibility, and all at a good price.
What math progress have the students experienced since using ALEKS?
Rose and Elizabeth had very low math confidence; since using ALEKS, each girl has shown an increase in
confidence. With ALEKS, they are all able to work at their own pace and no one has to see how many
times it took to get a problem right.
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Page Lee - Parent
Charlotte, NC
Scenario: Used ALEKS over the summer as a supplement for 6 year-old daughter
Time Spent in ALEKS: 4 days per week
ALEKS Course Product: Mathematics – LV 3
Overall Experience:
My 6 year-old daughter is mathematically gifted and was not
being challenged by the math instruction at school. We worked
together on ALEKS over the summer to increase her skill
level and to challenge her abilities. My daughter really
enjoyed ALEKS; she was able to move at lightning speed
through the areas that were easy for her, and concentrate
on the areas that were more difficult. We didn’t waste a
lot of time on unnecessary repetition. We began this school
year with a much clearer view of what she is capable of.
ALEKS is an excellent learning tool; we are likely to use
it again next summer.
What challenges did your student face in
math prior to using ALEKS?
We were faced with a low level of challenge.
What were you looking for in an online math tool?
We were looking for a tool to increase her challenge level.
What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?
My daughter jumped 1.5 grade levels in skill after a month of serious ALEKS usage.
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Laurie Becker - Homeschooling Parent
Woodland, CA
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool son
Time Spent in ALEKS: 3 sessions per week
ALEKS Course Product: Mathematics – LV 6
Overall Experience:
We have used ALEKS for my son, now 9, over the past 2 years. He loves math, and ALEKS has kept
that love alive by letting him move ahead at his own pace. It presents the right amount of work at the
right level, every time.
What challenges did your student face in math prior to using ALEKS?
My son had difficulty staying on task long enough to finish a page of problems in a traditional math book.
He resented having to do the same kinds of problems over and over before he could get to "the fun stuff".
What were you looking for in an online math tool?
I wanted something that would allow my son to work at his ability level that would be motivating but not
over-stimulating. I wanted something I could afford, and that would be a full curriculum, not just a "game"
or a supplemental resource.
What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?
My son is motivated to earn his "pieces of pie" on his own. He takes pride in his ability to figure
problems out and loves telling us how much pie he has earned each day. I don't have to stand over
him to get him to complete his work. My son
never complains that ALEKS is "boring" or
"too hard". It is always just the right amount
of work and the right amount of challenge
for him.
He is thrilled to be learning concepts that
he wouldn't normally see for another three
years in a traditional classroom. My son is
very confident in his ability to learn math;
he says, ‘If everyone could use ALEKS,
nobody would be afraid of Algebra’.
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Rachelle Ottosen - Homeschooling Parent
Olalla, WA
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool son
Time Spent in ALEKS: Varies, between 1 and 4 hours per week
ALEKS Course Product: Middle School Math Course 3
Overall Experience:
This past year was our first year of homeschooling. I loved the idea of homeschooling but did not do it
for years for fear of WWIII in our home. WWIII is exactly what ended up happening with the textbook
math course we chose (even though it came highly recommended). Then, a friend recommended
ALEKS and the tensions came to an abrupt halt! My son didn't have anyone to fight with and blame;
he just did his math. ALEKS is probably the saving factor in our homeschool venture.
What challenges did your student face in math prior to using ALEKS?
My son had problems sticking with the lessons. He had to be hounded in order to complete his math,
and even then I still didn't know whether he turned it in or not. When he was turning his homework in,
he would get A's. Left on his own, he would get C's and D's. When we started homeschooling with the
textbook, it was awful. He just about hated me every day when it was time for math. He wouId cry and
refuse to do the work and I would become the Wicked Witch of the West. With ALEKS, math is his
responsibility and I can see his progress instantly.
What were you looking
for in an online math
tool?
I was looking for conflict reduction;
more peace in my home. Mission
accomplished!
What math progress has
the student experienced
since using ALEKS?
I feel confident that my son has
progressed in math, but more
importantly, my relationship with
my son is no longer being strained.
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Kathy Pease - Homeschooling Parent
Rockport, ME
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool high school son
Time Spent in ALEKS: 5 - 7.5 hours per week
ALEKS Course Product: Algebra 1 and High School Geometry
Overall Experience:
Overall we have had an excellent experience with ALEKS.
The unique format allows my son to work at his own pace
which is faster than what he would have been able to
do in high school. He was able to gain a thorough
understanding of both Algebra 1 and Geometry in
one year. I liked the learning-based tests because
ALEKS highlights the weak areas to make sure they
are understood before allowing my son to move on.
Also, we came to realize that these high school subjects
are more thorough than the same courses offered in our
local high school. Often this son was working on the same
concepts that our older son was learning in a higher level
course in the public high school.
What challenges did your student face in
math prior to using ALEKS?
Math class was either not challenging enough, or had too many concepts
that were offered too quickly without enough time to master any of them.
What were you looking for in an online math tool?
We were looking for a program that would allow our son to set his own pace while also providing the
proper instruction to learn new concepts. My son’s goal was to qualify for entrance into a prestigious
math and science oriented high school, and ALEKS helped him get two full years of high school math in
one year in order to get in to the school. (He did get in!)
What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?
My son was very happy to see the words ‘There is nothing left to learn,’ at the end of each subject. I
was able to “promote” him to the next ALEKS course at no extra charge!
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Robin Wright - Homeschooling Parent
Apo, Armed Forces Pacific
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool 10 year-old son
Time Spent in ALEKS: 1 hour every day
ALEKS Course Product: Mathematics - LV 5
Overall Experience:
I tried ALEKS for a month and loved it. My son is able to work
at his own pace and I am free to work with my other children.
My son is able to go through the math course and concentrate
on concepts that challenge him. I love ALEKS and signed up
for the next grade!
What challenges did your student face in
math prior to using ALEKS?
My son’s major challenge with math was finding time for me to
explain each concept to him.
What were you looking for in an online math tool?
I was looking for something that would explain
concepts, check work, and monitor my son’s
progress. My son also needs instant feedback;
ALEKS provides this and it has really helped to
boost his confidence level. I love the pie chart
which helps him to see what he has learned.
What math progress has the student
experienced since using ALEKS?
He has gained about half a year’s worth of
progress in about a month. My son loves ALEKS;
he can see how much he has learned from the pie
chart and he loves to brag about his pie. He is more
confident and I never have to remind him to do his
math anymore; he just gets it done and then calls
me to look at his chart or to show me a new concept
he has learned. He loves it.
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Jana Miller - Homeschooling Parent
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool two sons
Time Spent in ALEKS: 30 minutes a day, 4 - 5 days a week
ALEKS Course Product: Essential Mathematics and High School Geometry
Overall Experience:
Fantastic! Both of my sons have used ALEKS. My youngest son is
being homeschooled. My oldest is in geometry at Pacific Coast
High School. First semester, he used a textbook and received an
A-/B+ on the midterm. He switched to ALEKS at the quarter and
got 100% on his final; this is a child who has never done well
with small details. My other son started ALEKS in 7th grade for
Essential Mathematics. He finished that early and is now using
Pre-Algebra. I have assigned him one new concept per day; he
does assessments and review as they pop-up. He used ALEKS
completely independently this summer. I love ALEKS!
What challenges did your students face in
math prior to using ALEKS?
My son got burned out on math early. We started homeschooling in
3rd grade and I saw that he was very good in math so I pushed him. I
backed off during his 6th grade year, but then he was behind. With ALEKS,
he caught up and is ahead without the frustration of having to do so many
problems. We tried so many other programs: Mathusee, Singapore, Horizons,
Saxon . . . none of them work like ALEKS.
What were you looking for in an online math tool?
I wasn't looking and I dismissed it when I first heard it mentioned because I wanted the pencil in his hand.
I'm a huge math-lover, it always was my favorite subject. My first impression was "no way, you can't do
math online and I'm not going to dumb down to multiple choice questions." Of course, that was before I
really looked at ALEKS. ALEKS uses minimal multiple choice problems; students must enter their answers.
What math progress have the students experienced since using ALEKS?
My sons went from being behind to being ahead in math!
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Michelle Nelson - Homeschooling Parent
Orange, CA
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool 6th grade son
Time Spent in ALEKS: 5 hours a week
ALEKS Course Product: Mathematics – LV 6
Overall Experience:
We have been very pleased with ALEKS. The program
allows the student to move at his or her own pace. The
initial assessment is wonderful, as the student doesn't
waste valuable lesson time repeating concepts they have
already learned. The learning progress reports are well
organized and I especially like that if the student is unable
to demonstrate ability on a concept during an assessment,
they must go back and review it. This insures that the
student understands before he moves on. ALEKS is a
brilliant approach and our test scores prove it.
What challenges did your student face in
math prior to using ALEKS?
We were wasting time repeating the early chapter reviews each year and
frustrated by conveyor belt math that moves at one speed. If you missed a
concept, you’re out of luck; or if something is easy you’re often stuck doing 40 problems of it. ALEKS is
more effective in holding my son's attention.
What were you looking for in an online math tool?
We were looking for something that would allow my son to progress at his own speed.
What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?
My son tested at the top tier of his standardized testing, ADVANCED. In addition, he is quite confident
with his math skills.
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Cynthia Wygant - Homeschooling Parent
Savannah, GA
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool two sons
Time Spent in ALEKS: Everyday use
ALEKS Course Product: Mathematics – LV 3, Mathematics – LV 4, and Mathematics LV – 5
Overall Experience:
My youngest son has just completed 2nd grade and is a math whiz, and my oldest son has just completed
4th grade and tends to struggle in math. I have used at least 5 different math programs during my 5
years of homeschooling and did not find the right fit for both of my children until I found ALEKS.
It is the perfect combination of practice and mastery. ALEKS does not require students to do endless
hours of practice once they have mastered a topic but it does continually assess students, and if a topic is
forgotten, ALEKS will bring it back for review only when necessary. I love the order in which ALEKS
presents new topics. Unlike a textbook that is unaware of the student’s actual mastery of previous material,
ALEKS does not present new topics to a student unless he has mastered the preliminary topics needed to
be successful at the new material.
What challenges did your students face in math prior to using ALEKS?
My sons struggled with the endless practice that workbooks tend to require. They also experienced an
inability to focus on the current problem when an overwhelming amount of information was presented
on each page.
What math progress have the
students experienced since
using ALEKS?
ALEKS works perfectly for both of my sons.
For my son who is the math whiz, ALEKS
allows him to work ahead and move forward
at his own pace; he just finished Mathematics
LV5 at the end of second grade. For my older
son who tends to struggle in math, ALEKS’
presentation of single problems with immediate
feedback gives him the confidence to continue
working without fear of doing a whole page
incorrectly. Needless to say, I love ALEKS
and would recommend it to anyone!
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Vanessa Everhart - Homeschooling Parent
Bennington, KS
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool 3rd grade son and 9th grade daughter
Time Spent in ALEKS: 7 - 10 hours a week per child
ALEKS Course Product: Mathematics – LV 3 and High School Geometry
Overall Experience:
My children didn't understand certain concepts in math – now,
with ALEKS, they can't wait to do their Math. I am not kidding!
When my daughter first started ALEKS she didn't like it
because it frustrated her, and now she wants to do her
math. I can't get her to NOT do it. My 3rd grader is the
same. At first math was a chore, and now he LOVES to
see his progress and watch his pie fill up.
What challenges did your student face
in math prior to using ALEKS?
The biggest challenge was just “not getting it”.
What math progress has the student
experienced since using ALEKS?
GREAT PROGRESS!!! My daughter went from a basic 8th grade
math level when we started to 10th grade Geometry in ONE YEAR.
Where do you get those types of results?! We just started with our 3rd
grader, but he is off to a great start.
My children love it! It gives them the feedback and incentive they need to keep going. I will be honest:
at first it was a struggle. My daughter would gain so many points, then take an assessment and slide
back. She got to where she hated that. We told her that is how you learn, by doing something over and
over until you get the concept down pat. She still didn’t care for it, but when those pieces of pie filled up,
it was wonderful to hear her cheer in victory! Since starting 10th grade Geometry, her self esteem has
drastically improved. I have never ever seen her WANT to do math before. I don't have to tell her to do
it. In fact, it's kind of a hindrance because her chores are neglected so she can do math.
Our 3rd grader is still a bit wary, but he enjoys seeing the points go up and the pie pieces fill up. We
reward him for so many points a week which is a great incentive. In fact, we told him when he fills a
piece of pie, we'll make him a pie. He's working on it! I LOVE this program and hope ALEKS comes
out with one for spelling and English and Science and. . . ;)
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Cheryl White - Homeschooling Parent
Ann Arbor, MI
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as core curriculum to homeschool son
Time Spent in ALEKS: 1 hour a day, 2 days per week
ALEKS Course Product: Algebra 1, High School Geometry, Algebra 2, and PreCalculus
Overall Experience:
ALEKS has allowed my son to be successful in math. He goes at his
own pace, gets credit for what he already knows, and learns new
material very quickly. The ALEKS format is perfect for him!
What challenges did your student face in
math prior to using ALEKS?
My son is twice-exceptional. He was frustrated with the
slow pace of teaching in public school, yet his learning
disabilities caused him to get failing grades even though
he knew the material.
What were you looking for in an online
math tool?
I was looking for a tool that presented the information in a
way that a visual-spatial learner could use. ALEKS provides
clear reporting of what he knows, what he is learning now
and what he needs to learn to complete the course; it’s icing
on the cake!
What math progress has the student
experienced since using ALEKS?
My son always completes a course with a 100% score. He won't accept
anything less. He has taken charge of his own learning in math and has become
very confident of his abilities.
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Stacy Bilko - Homeschooling Parent
New Caanan, CT
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as supplemental curriculum to homeschool 3 children
Time Spent in ALEKS: Approximate use: 2.5 - 10 hours per week. Minimum = 30 minutes per
day, but this increased since students like it so much. Usage also increases as tests approach.
ALEKS Course Product: Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and PreCalculus
Overall Experience:
I have three home schooled children currently using ALEKS. All three have traditional math textbooks
and use ALEKS as a supplement. However, much of the time, they prefer the way ALEKS teaches over
the textbook. They all love the way that ALEKS does not make them do the same problem over and
over, or continually test them on material that they have mastered. In some cases, a more complete
explanation and examples of a certain topic may be found in the textbook. . . other times though, ALEKS
provides material that isn't even in their textbooks (e.g. probability). The net result is a much more
thorough understanding of their math courses.
I have one daughter taking the math SAT IIC tomorrow morning. She is currently working on ALEKS to
prepare for it.
What challenges did your students face in math prior to using ALEKS?
My son didn't always understand his textbook’s explanations. I often became exasperated at what I saw
as an easy concept. My daughter's Algebra 2 courses did not cover enough material. ALEKS has now
prepared her to embark on PreCalculus.
What were you looking for in an online math tool?
I was looking for a simple math site to reinforce concepts and provide practice, while also being enjoyable
for my students.
How was ALEKS implemented with other curriculum?
For my son, the time spent on ALEKS was in addition to daily time spent on textbook math. My daughters
found, however, that they could learn more material in less time by using ALEKS alone.
What math progress have the students experienced since using ALEKS?
All three kids have a more complete understanding of their math studies and love this program. They
enjoy seeing evidence of their progress. The pie is inspiring; the children want to see a slice “filled in”.
ALEKS generates math confidence in its students. The best example I can provide is of my two
daughters tossing their textbooks aside in order to learn solely from ALEKS. Also, the eldest, who has the
SAT II Mathematics Level 2 tomorrow, won't leave the computer at all today! That shows the confidence
she has in ALEKS as a capable and thorough teacher.
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Lori Kephart - Homeschool Supplement
Arlington, WA
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as a supplement to homeschool 12 year-old son
Time Spent in ALEKS: 2 - 4 hours per week
ALEKS Course Product: Algebra 1
Overall Experience:
We had the opportunity to use the
free month trial from ALEKS with my
oldest son who is 12. He was able to
test in several levels before deciding
to work on Algebra 1. He enjoyed
the program and felt that it was easy
to comprehend. He particularly
liked watching the pie graph fill as
he mastered more and more skills.
What challenges did your
student face in math prior
to using ALEKS?
None really, my son enjoys math in
general.
What were you looking for in an online math tool?
As a supplemental tool, we need something that is engaging enough that my son would be willing to
do the extra work. We wanted a program with good, clear instructions for the student, that didn't
create more work for the teacher in the way of explanations and grading.
What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?
He demonstrated increased confidence in math. My son had worked ahead of his main text in several
areas so when we hit them now, they are easier since it's no longer new material. He feels very good
about his progress. He particularly likes the pie chart showing what areas are mastered or in progress.
ALEKS
S UCCESS S TORIES
Linda Bebb - Homeschooling Parent
Traverse City, MI
Scenario: Uses ALEKS as supplemental curriculum to homeschool son
Time Spent in ALEKS: 3 sessions per week
ALEKS Course Product: Mathematics - LV Course Products
Overall Experience:
ALEKS is a great program for my son. We find it to be
extremely easy to use, and are very pleased with his
success. The content is awesome! ALEKS allows him
to work at his own pace in a very positive manner - no
negative feedback which is always so disheartening for a
child. As a parent I liked the fact that the concepts are
continually reinforced and that I am able to receive
current reports on my child’s progress.
What challenges did your student face
in math prior to using ALEKS?
The biggest challenges my son faced was retaining the
concepts he learned and creating visual pictures of math
concepts.
What were you looking for in an online
math tool?
I was looking for an online tool that provides a clear, concise explanation of important math concepts. We
wanted a program that would be easy to understand but also reinforced the topics that have been learned.
How was ALEKS implemented with other curriculum?
We used ALEKS for homework assignments.
What math progress has the student experienced since using ALEKS?
I find that my son has a much clearer understanding of math. My son feels good about his progress and
really grasps the concepts being taught. ALEKS has helped my son to overcome his dislike of math; it
opened the door of understanding and closed the door on avoidance of a subject he didn't like.