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Course Description and
Prerequisites:Algebra
I is a required year long course for advanced 8th graders.
This course is for students who have finished Pre-Algebra as
seventh graders. Algebra I prepares students for placement
into freshman geometry or regular geometry in high school.
Students will study integers, equations, inequalities,
problem solving, rational numbers, ratio, proportion,
percent, probability, statistics, polynomials, factoring
functions and graphs, graphing linear equations, systems of
open sentences, radical expressions, and quadratics. The
course is worth one high school credit.
Classroom
Methodology:To
establish meaning when studying new concepts, students will
use manipulatives. They will then receive direct instruction
and practice the use of appropriate algorithms, mathematical
procedures, and problem solving strategies. Daily
assignments will give the practice needed to master skills.
Strategies used to complete homework will be demonstrated by
students daily at the white board or on the overhead.
Following Direct Instruction Days, students, working
in groups, will be given problems (directly related to the
concepts and skills practiced in class) to solve. Group
"Problem Solving" will be called "Critical Thinking"
(analysis, synthesis, evaluation). When groups have solved
the problems, they will present, to the whole class, the
strategies used and the solutions. Presentations will be
called "Creative Thinking" (fluency, originality,
flexibility). Following Critical and Creative Thinking
Days, students will be assessed (tested) and complete a
journal write about their math growth during the
unit.
Parent
Involvement:The
following suggestions to
parentswill help students be
successful and have a positive experience in Algebra I.
* Encourage and support risk
taking and perseverance.
* Talk with your student on
a regular basis about the concepts he/she
is learning.
* Read and discuss your
student's journal entries on occasion.
* Create an atmosphere at
home where your student has a designated
study space and study
time.
* Be open to math groups
working together at homes in the evenings
and/or weekends.
*When
students are assigned to teach new concepts to parents,
be enthusiastic and
attentive.
* Offer help with homework
or make sure your student asks for help
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