St. Andrews Episcopal School, Private Saratoga, CA
Grade(s): K - 8 Scenario: One-to-One Laptop Program Purpose: Supplement ALEKS Portion of Curriculum: 10-15% Time Spent in ALEKS: 1 hour per week ALEKS Course: Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1
Linda Sherburne, Teacher
ALEKS is excellent!
Scenario
What challenges did the class or school face in math prior to using ALEKS? Our classes consist of various student levels of understanding and achievement.
How many days per week is class time dedicated to ALEKS? 2 days per week.
What is the average length of a class period when ALEKS is used? 15 minutes.
Implementation
How do you implement ALEKS? I introduced ALEKS as a supplement to traditional textbook and classroom work.
Do you cover ALEKS concepts in a particular order? No.
How do you structure your class period with ALEKS? We have a 15 minute "warm-up" practice 2-3 times per week in class, then assign and/or encourage another 30-40 minutes of work per week at home.
How did you modify your regular teaching approach as a result of ALEKS? I have not modified yet.
How often are students required or encouraged to work on ALEKS at home? I encourage 30-40 minutes per week, in addition to as much time as they can find time for it.
How do you cultivate parental involvement and support for ALEKS? I don't at this time.
Grading
Is ALEKS assigned to your students as all or part of their homework responsibilities? If so, what part of the total homework load is it? ALEKS is only part of the homework at 30 percent.
How do you incorporate ALEKS into your grading system? ALEKS isn't graded at this point in time.
Do you require students to make regular amounts of progress in ALEKS? We do not require progress at this time.
Learning Outcomes
Since using ALEKS, please describe the learning outcomes or progress you have seen. My students have improved retention and now enjoy math more. ALEKS allows for better differentiation for both faster and slower learners. My students love ALEKS.
Best Practices
Are there any best practices you would like to share with other teachers implementing ALEKS? I recommend that students spend as much time as possible using the program. ALEKS is a fantastic tool.
