Algebra 1-2
Welcome!
Welcome to Algebra 1-2 in 8th grade! We are very fortunate to be offering high school credit for this math class that will transfer to any AZ high school.
Below you will find information about the curriculum and the class.
Mathematics Philosophy
Mathematics is a beautiful and creative language that everyone can learn. Studying mathematics is really the study of patterns and relationships and relies on logic to communicate those patterns with others. Mathematics is highly visual. In fact, studies have shown that the visual centers of the brain are active when doing basic arithmetic (Boaler, 2016).
Everyone is born with the ability to be successful in mathematics. Brain imaging has shown that everyone is born with numerosity: the ability to count, compare quantities, and perform basic arithmetic (Sousa, 2009). As we mature, we learn different strategies to do perform more complex mathematical tasks. We begin to create mental models to help us multiply, divide, work with different types of numbers like decimals and fractions, and solve equations.
Making mistakes can be one of the most powerful learning tools in mathematics. Brain research has shown that when we make a mistake, a synapse fires in the brain regardless of whether or not we know a mistake has been made (Boaler, 2016). In other words, mistakes actually help the brain to grow. While it does not often feel good to make mistakes, recognizing the learning opportunity they provide is valuable.
References
Boaler, J. (2016) Mathematical mindsets: Unleashing student potential through creative math, inspiring messages, and innovative teaching. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Sousa, D. (2015). How the brain learns mathematics (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Curriculum
Class
Class Information
Students can access their course at http://ischool.agilixbuzz.org or dysart.org/ischool by logging in with their Dysart credentials.
Parents, you can view your student's progress by logging into ischool.agilixbuzz.com and entering in the same credentials as Parent Portal.
Dropping the Class
If you decide you need to drop your class, please notify the instructor or call or email the iSchool office. Drops within the first 10 days of the session will report as a no mark.
Any student who withdraws from a class after the first 10 days of the session, but before the 15th week, will receive a grade of “WP” (Withdraw Pass) or “WF” (Withdraw Fail). Requests for class withdrawals will not be processed after the 15th week of the session.
Lack of Progress: A student who does not maintain class activity for a period of 10 days may be dropped. Each course must be completed by the time limits set or the student will/may be dropped.
Misconduct/Disrespect: A student who engages in inappropriate behavior will be dropped
Materials and Resources
Materials:
- Pencil/pen
- Notebook (spiral or composition)
- Headphones
- Calculator (optional, TI-30 preferred)
Resources:
Class Structure
Classwork/Homework
- Module Lessons
- Practice Assignments
- 10% of final grade
Projects
- Discussion Based Assessments
- 20% of final grade
Assessments
- Module Quizzes
- Module Tests
- 60% of final grade
Final Exams
- One each semester
- 10% of final grade
What is Blended Learning?
Blended learning is an instructional model that combines a traditional teacher directed classroom with online instruction. While each blended learning classroom may look different from each other, there are several key elements all blended classrooms have in common: teacher support, technology integration, and personalized learning.
Teacher Support
The teacher's role in a blended learning environment is multi-faceted. The teacher will facilitate whole group instruction, pull small groups of students to work on specific learning targets, and monitor student success via online modules the student completes. The benefits of a blended learning environment versus an online only environment is that the instructor is available for face to face communication.
Technology Integration
All blended learning classrooms have a technology component. The majority of instruction in a blended learning classroom is done through an online platform. Students may read, write, and submit assignments through that online platform for the teacher to grade.
Personalized Learning
Blended learning environments offer the best opportunity for personalized learning. Students have freedom to complete assignments at their own pace and receive the right amount of support they need. Students can often choose the order in which they complete assignments as well as when and where they complete these assignments.