Trinity Charter School -- Nelson Campus, Trinity Charter Schools Denton, TX
Grade(s): K - 10 Scenario: Computers in Classroom Purpose: Intervention, Special Education ALEKS Portion of Curriculum: 25% Time Spent in ALEKS: Varies ALEKS Course: Mathematics - LV 5 (with QuickTables), Mathematics - MS/LV 6, Essential Mathematics (with QuickTables), Middle School Geometry, Middle School Math Course 1, Middle School Math Course 2, Middle School Math Course 3, Pre-Algebra, Foundations of High School Math, Algebra 1, High School Geometry, Algebra 2
Julie Bakke, Teacher
ALEKS has been great! Students are filling in their gaps with increased mathematics knowledge. The majority of students appear to be proud of themselves.
Scenario
What challenges did the class or school face in math prior to using ALEKS? Many students had huge gaps in their mathematics skills and were 2-3 grade levels below their current level.
How many days per week is class time dedicated to ALEKS? Varies.
What is the average length of a class period when ALEKS is used? Varies.
Implementation
How do you implement ALEKS? We implement ALEKS in a residential treatment facility as a support for students who are 2-3 grade levels behind, and as enrichment for students on or above grade level.
Do you cover ALEKS concepts in a particular order? We do not cover ALEKS topics in a particular order.
How do you structure your class period with ALEKS? Varies.
How did you modify your regular teaching approach as a result of ALEKS? My paraprofessional and I work together to help the students on ALEKS and those doing other assignments.
How often are students required or encouraged to work on ALEKS at home? Not at all. Students are living in a residential treatment facility, so they don't go home and do not have access to computers in the evening.
How do you cultivate parental involvement and support for ALEKS? We do not have contact with our students' parents.
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? We are not allowed to issue homework to our students.
How do you incorporate ALEKS into your grading system? Students earn a 25% participation grade.
Do you require students to make regular amounts of progress in ALEKS? No.
Learning Outcomes
Since using ALEKS, please describe the learning outcomes or progress you have seen. Students are filling in their gaps with increased mathematics knowledge. The majority of students appear to be proud of themselves.
Best Practices
Are there any best practices you would like to share with other teachers implementing ALEKS? Make a big deal of those students who complete portions of their pie.
