Implementation Strategies

What challenges did the class or school face in math prior to using ALEKS?
We had teachers teach classes over the summer for remediation and acceleration which meant teaching classes of only 2-5 students at times.

How do you implement ALEKS?
It isn't part of our normal curriculum.

How do you structure your class period with ALEKS?
I don't. Students only use ALEKS at home if they are making up credit or moving into a higher level math class.

How did you modify your regular teaching approach as a result of ALEKS?
I don't.

How often are students required or encouraged to work on ALEKS at home?
Usually an hour a day during the school year if they are making up a class. If it is during the summer, we set a 1-2 month time limit to finish a class.

How do you cultivate parental involvement and support for ALEKS?
Teachers communicate directly with parents about student progress or if the student looks like they are falling behind.

How do you incorporate ALEKS into your grading system?
I don't. The administration has the details about how it assigns credit for ALEKS courses.

Do you require students to make regular amounts of progress in ALEKS?
Typically we require that students complete 85 percent of the curriculum in assessment mode.

Since using ALEKS, please describe the learning outcomes or progress you have seen.
Some students have made progress very quickly in ALEKS while others take considerably longer. Some students enjoy using the program because it is self-paced, but other students need interaction with a teacher and/or their peers.

Are there any best practices you would like to share with other teachers implementing ALEKS?
I feel we are just beginning to use ALEKS more efficiently. I've done this by modifying the curriculum from the ALEKS classes to fit our curriculum.