I still have my first high school math test (see below). It was an Algebra 1 test. I earned a 52%. This might surprise people who know me today. I’ve spent more than three decades teaching math to middle and high school students and guiding future STEM teachers at Northwestern University.
Back in high school, I had a freshman math teacher (Mr. Roberts) who didn’t write me off. He told me I could succeed in his class, but I’d have to work for it. Looking back, he was asking me to embrace what we now call a growth mindset. Most importantly, he promised he’d continue to challenge and support me. And he did.
All these years later, I’ve had the privilege of helping create a resource that delivers the same kind of rigor and encouragement to students. This workbook is designed to build and reinforce algebra skills through traditional paper-and-pencil practice, but with a modern twist: each page includes QR codes that link to short video explanations, videos I created.
Whether a student is stuck on a concept or just needs to know “You can do this,” the videos are there. Additionally, students are invited to reach out with questions or to request extra practice. This is a workbook for all learners. And it’s for the parent, teacher, or tutor who wants to give a student a tool that combines more difficult problems along with focused practice. It is truly the “Algebra 1 Workbook That Works With You.”
I believed Mr. Roberts when he told me I could do it. My contribution to this workbook is my way of passing that message along. Because every young person deserves to know they can learn algebra, learn it well and use those skills to move onto advanced math courses and the career of their choosing, including STEM careers. And all of us at Engaged Math will be here to support them along the way.