Terry Middle School, Mesquite Independent School District Mesquite, TX
Grade(s): 6 - 8 Scenario: Computer Lab, Laptop Carts, Computers in Classroom Purpose: At-Risk Students Time Spent in ALEKS: 1 hour per week ALEKS Course: Middle School Math Course 2, Middle School Math Course 3
Carl Garner, Jr., Teacher
It is wonderful to be able to offer individualized instruction. ALEKS is an excellent program!
Scenario
What challenges did the class or school face in math prior to using ALEKS? Our school always seems to be close to not meeting state requirements for passing percentage.
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? 30 minutes.
Implementation
How do you implement ALEKS? I use ALEKS ideas and problem solving strategies with my classes.
Do you cover ALEKS concepts in a particular order? No. Students use assessments to see where to start and the program takes them through the curriculum.
How do you structure your class period with ALEKS? Monday and Wednesday of each week, I have accelerated classes where we work with ALEKS for 30 minutes.
How did you modify your regular teaching approach as a result of ALEKS? No modifications for my class.
How often are students required or encouraged to work on ALEKS at home? Frequently. Students are reminded that they can get farther in ALEKS if they work at home.
How do you cultivate parental involvement and support for ALEKS? I send out acceleration letters and offer students extra credit for showing parents their progress on ALEKS.
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? No.
How do you incorporate ALEKS into your grading system? It is more for progress checking of skill mastery than grading.
Do you require students to make regular amounts of progress in ALEKS? No. It is self-paced, but students are pushed if they progress too slowly.
Learning Outcomes
Since using ALEKS, please describe the learning outcomes or progress you have seen. I have just started using it, but have already seen the students light up when they see the progress they have made in their pie pieces.
