The Key Elements to Algebra Success

Transcription

1 The Key Elements to Algebra Success SUCCESS Algebra 1 is the gatekeeper for all higher math and high school graduation (Moses and Cobb, 2001). Ninth grade serves as a bottleneck for many students who begin their freshman year only to find that their academic skills are insufficient for high school level work (Balfanz and Letgers, 2006). Academic success in ninth grade course work is highly predictive of eventual graduation; it is even more telling than demographic characteristics or prior academic achievement (Allensworth and Easton, 2007). FPO National Training Network

2 What are The Key Elements to Algebra Success? The combination of lessons and staff development has been designed to enhance student understanding of essential algebra concepts. Staff Development is provided for each Key Element through a three-day workshop and follow-up support of the lessons. Lessons are strategically embedded into the district s pacing. Lessons are designed to be used with the adopted textbook. Lessons make the connections between algebraic concepts and the skills necessary for higher level math. Components of Success Staff Development Teacher Materials Teacher Edition Lessons Quizzes Review Activities DVD of Demonstration Lessons Classroom Manipulative Kit Digital Version of the Teacher and Student Book Transparency Set Key Elements of Algebra Problem-Solving Paradigm Numeration Equations and Inequalities Rate of Change Linear Relationships Systems of Equations and Inequalities Polynomials Quadratic and Exponential Functions Data Analysis and Probability Geometric Figures in the Coordinate Plane Consumable Student Book

3 Conceptual Design Lessons are embedded into the district s adopted algebra textbook. These lessons are designed to: Engage students through guided discovery and use of manipulatives. Connect with real-life situations. Enhance students ability to retain concepts. Help students become responsible note-takers and independent learners with the use of graphic organizers. Motivate students to complete extra practice using engaging activities. Enable students to draw meaning and value from the adopted textbook. Multiple Representations Concrete or Pictorial Representation Graph Table SOLVE Problem Solving Paradigm Algebraic Formula Verbal Description Every lesson links multiple representations to help students make the critical connection needed to understand the mathematical concepts.

4 Lessons Problem Solving Paradigm Lesson 1 SOLVE Numeration Lesson 2 Adding Integers Lesson 3 Subtracting Integers Lesson 4 Multiplying Integers Lesson 5 Dividing Integers Lesson 46 Radicals Equations and Inequalities Lesson 6 Functions Lesson 7 One-Step Equations Lesson 8 Two-Step Equations Lesson 9 Multi-Step Equations Lesson 10 Inequalities Lesson 11 Absolute Value Equations and Inequalities Rate of Change Lesson 12 Rate of Change of a Linear Relationship Lesson 13 Finding Slope Linear Relationships Lesson 14 Discovering y = mx + b Lesson 15 Graphing Lines with y = mx + b Lesson 16 Graphing Lines in Standard Form Lesson 17 Graphing Lines Given a Point and Slope Lesson 18 Graphing Lines Given Two Points Lesson 19 Parallel and Perpendicular Lines Lesson 20 Effects of Changes in Slope and y-intercept Lesson 22 Graphing Linear Inequalities Systems of Equations and Inequalities Lesson 23 Solving Systems by Graphing Lesson 24 Solving Systems by Substitution Lesson 25 Solving Systems by Combination/ Elimination Lesson 26 Real-World Systems and Applications Lesson 27 Solving Systems of Inequalities Polynomials Lesson 28 Rules of Exponents Lesson 29 Polynomials Lesson 30 Multiplying Monomials and Polynomials Lesson 31 Multiplying Binomials Lesson 32 Multiplying Polynomials Lesson 33 Factoring Polynomials Lesson 34 Factoring Trinomials Lesson 35 Factoring Special Cases Quadratic and Exponential Functions Lesson 36 Graphing Quadratic Functions Lesson 37 Quadratic Functions Word Problems Lesson 38 Exponential Functions Data Analysis and Probability Lesson 21 Creating Scatter Plots Lesson 39 Matrices Lesson 40 Measures of Central Tendency and Variability Lesson 43 Organize, Display, and Interpret Data Lesson 44 Probability Lesson 45 Surveys and Data Collection Geometric Figures in the Coordinate Plane Lesson 41 Midpoint Lesson 42 Distance The strongest predictor of failure to learn algebra is not race or income; it is a lack of adequate academic preparation. The problem begins before students get to their first algebra class. Williamson M. Evers (Research Fellow), and Paul Clopton. NTN Methodology SOLVE is the cornerstone of success, enabling students to attack word problems. Manipulatives provide concrete learning experiences. Cooperative Learning increases student participation and learning. Graphic Organizers facilitate student organization and serve as a reference for students. Math Vocabulary establishes the link among vocabulary, notation, and symbols. Multiple-Choice Quizzes Multiple-Choice Quizzes for each lesson are available in the Teacher s Edition. Each quiz can be used as homework or preparation for state testing. Review Activities Review Activities are designed to engage students in the review of prerequisite skills and to extend concepts included in the lessons.

5 Seven Levels of Staff Development Support LEVEL 1: Three-Day Summer Workshop The three-day eighteen-hour workshop prepares teachers to teach The Key Elements to Algebra Success. The workshop is an intensive training in the methodology and delivery of all the key lessons. LEVEL 2: Facilitator A facilitator will visit each school to support the teachers with proper implementation and methodology. During these visits, the facilitator will model lessons, team teach, plan, observe, give feedback, answer questions, and troubleshoot where needed. LEVEL 3: Monthly E-Communication Each month, every teacher receives an e-communication containing up-to-date information regarding the lessons and any news the teacher might need. In addition teachers are provided with specific notes on the lessons scheduled to be taught based upon the pacing guide created and approved by the district. LEVEL 4: Website Teachers have access to lessons and notes regarding updates and ideas, video clips with demonstrations of all major concepts, exactly as they were presented in training, as well as a downloadable version of each homework assignment. This site is also available to parents and students. LEVEL 5: Professional Learning Communities Professional Learning Communities are continuing professional development sessions that are held throughout the school year and are open to everyone involved with the implementation of The Key Elements to Algebra Success, including teachers, classroom assistants, math department chairs, principals, district personnel, etc. LEVEL 6: Demonstration Lessons DVD Each teacher receives a set of instructional DVDs that contain short clips of each lesson in The Key Elements to Algebra Success. These video clips can be used by teachers in their classrooms to introduce lessons, as well as by students following an absence from class or in need of additional assistance. LEVEL 7: Training of Trainers Additional training will be provided to the district s selected teachers who will be trained to conduct the three-day workshop with new teachers entering the district. This level of staff development is designed to build the capacity of the district to support ongoing implementation of the program.

6 Teacher Manipulative Kit Wallsize Four Quadrant Grid 1 per kit Overhead Two-Color Counters 100 per kit Two-Color Counters 600 per kit Overhead Algebra Tiles (Teacher) Paper Algebra Tiles (Student) Gridded Index Cards 200 per kit 3-oz. Plastic Cups 100 per kit SOLVE Posters Plastic Storage Bin References Allensworth, E. and J. Easton What Matters for Staying On-Track and Graduating in Chicago Public High Schools: A Close Look at Course Grades. Failures and Attendance in the Freshman Year. Chicago, IL: Consortium on Chicago School Research at the University of Chicago, University Publications Office. Balfanz, Robert and Nettie Letgers Closing Dropout Factories : The Graduation Rate Crisis We Know and What Can Be Done About It. Commentary in Education Week 25, no 42. Cobb, C. Jr., and Moses, R Radical Equations: Math literacy and civil rights. Boston, MA: Beacon Press. Evers, W.M., & Clopton P. (2003, October 6). California Algebra Crisis. The Daily Report. SUCCESS Contact us for more information: information@algebrakeyelements.com Post Office Box 36 Summerfield, NC National Training Network