Advanced Algebra With Financial Applications: An Alternative 3rd or 4th Year Math Course for Struggling Students (Grades 10-12)

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Raising the ability and confidence level of your high school math students requires a re-thinking of the traditional math "one-size-fits-all" sequence of courses. Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications offers grades 10-12 students an alternative pathway and opportunity to view the world of finance through a mathematical lens. The course addresses mathematics topics from Algebra 2, statistics, probability, geometry, graphing, trigonometry and precalculus as they are used in Discretionary Expenses, Banking, Investing, Credit, Employment and Income Taxes, Automobile Ownership, Independent Living, and Household Budgeting. The mathematics topics contained in this course are introduced, developed, and applied assuming an Algebra 1 prerequisite only, in an as-needed format in the financial settings covered. In this seminar Robert Gerver, an award-winning, experienced math teacher, and co-author of a Financial Algebra textbook, will present practical, essential elements of a full-year mathematics course option well suited for students who struggle.

Join Rob for a dynamic, engaging, and enlightening day designed to help you create or enhance your own Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications program to help your struggling students succeed in mathematics!

My first-ever teaching assignment was four sections of a Math for Daily Living class designed for struggling students. Since then, I've had a passion for helping students who struggle with mathematics and have created several finance-related curricula designed specifically to meet their needs. Early in my career, I made a concerted effort to help them build confidence, stronger skills, and an increased appreciation for mathematics. I noticed that these students were keenly interested in the finances that would affect them as adults, and I used this interest to engage them. They knew that they needed to understand finance to make prudent decisions about their careers, spending and saving.

Over the years, as state curriculum mandates and graduation requirements increased, the finance course was revised to include a larger cross-section of math topics, and schools across the country implemented it as a course alternative for juniors and seniors. High school was a teacher's last chance to get struggling math students to appreciate the utility of mathematics, and actually enjoy a math class! To this end, the Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications course became a tremendous success. Many states are now enacting a finance course requirement for graduation, finally realizing that everyone needs to know this material!

As a frequent speaker at state, regional and national math conferences for many years, I have met countless teachers who adopted this finance program in their own classrooms and came back to my sessions excitedly in subsequent years to tell me about their successes. I also consult with school districts that offer a Financial Algebra course and do frequent teacher training sessions on the program.

Whether you are creating or enhancing an existing Financial Algebra course, it is my pleasure to share this curriculum's ideas and approaches with you to help you foster the success of your struggling high school math students. I am excited about the potential of Financial Algebra to significantly enhance your students' experience, enjoyment, and success with math.

P.S. Your students will enjoy taking a Financial Algebra course, and you will enjoy teaching it! Everyone will benefit from the wealth of relevant, useful information, and I look forward to sharing this course with you!

All Mathematics Teachers, Mathematics Chairs, Math Interventionists, and Administrators Working With Students in Grades 10-12

Extensive Financial Algebra Digital Resource Handbook You will receive an extensive digital resource handbook specifically designed for this seminar. The handbook includes:

For in-person seminars, registrants will also receive a printed copy of the resource handbook as long as their registration is received in the BER office at least 15 calendar days before the event.

Share Ideas This seminar provides a wonderful opportunity for participants to share ideas with other educators interested in creating or enhancing an Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications course.

Consultation Available Robert Gerver will be available for consultation regarding your questions and the unique needs of your own high school math program.

Semester Credit Option Up to four graduate level professional development credits are available with an additional fee and completion of follow-up practicum activities. Details for direct enrollment with University of Massachusetts Global, a nonprofit affiliate, will be available at this program.

Meet Inservice Requirements Participants of both the Live Online Seminar and those completing the Recorded Version online can receive a certificate of participation that may be used to verify five continuing education hours. State CEUs are available for both versions of the course. For specific details, visit www.ber.org/ceus.

What you'll learn

• An alternative, advanced algebra-based full-year course option for struggling students who may not be mathematically ready for Algebra 2 and/or precalculus
• Effective ways to incorporate algebra, geometry, trigonometry, graphing, probability, and statistics into units driven by financial concepts
• How to strengthen skills and self-confidence to increase the mathematical readiness, skill set, and mindset needed for tackling current and future math courses
• A comprehensive classroom-tested curriculum designed to motivate, engage, and raise the bar for struggling math students