It is likely we will be replacing Accelerated Math with a newer program called IReady. If that is the case, I will be sending home some information on it in the future and update this part of the website. However, the IReady program is another company's attempt to satisfy the same needs as Accelerated Math and we will be using it in a similar way and it should help the students in a similar way.
Please note that we are looking at a replacement program for the "old" Accelerated Math. One program being looked at is the newer version of Accelerated Math which includes an online version the students can work on from home. We are also looking at another program called IReady.
The newer version of Accelerated Math and IReady are designed to allow the students to work on things at their optimal level, whether that is a grade level, above grade level, or below grade level. Once the District Office decides on a program we will implement it as quickly as possible. The following is a description of the older version and can/should be referenced as a description of the things we hope the newer replacement has and the reasons it is important.
Accelerated Math is a computer software program that allows us to totally individualize part of our math curriculum to every single student. It is a great program that, with extra work from the student and teacher, allows each student to work at their pace, spending time on the concepts they need the most work on.
How it works:
At the beginning of the year. I look at previous years' test scores, grades, and teaching evaluations, along with an initial 6th Grade assessment (7th for upper grades) and place your student in one of four different levels for Accelerated Math. This level is, ideally, at a place where most of the initial work will be reviewing concepts a little bit behind your student's current math level. This will allow most of the initial problems to be completed independently.
From the very first assignment each student has a unique set of problems. Even if they are at the same level as a friend and beginning at the same objective, their problems are unique. In previous years students who were stuck on a difficult problem would simply ask another student who was good at math. "What did you get for problem number 7?" The student who was good at math felt good sharing her answers with those who asked because it made her feel good to be helpful and smart. With Accelerated Math, every students' problem number 7 is different. Now the students who are asked for help, quickly realize the other students will keep coming back for every problem like that They still want the feeling of helping others and sharing their knowledge, but now instead of giving the other student the answer they will say, "Let me show you how to do these." Helping each other in my class is encouraged. As a class, this makes us extremely efficient in our learning.
Please note that we are looking at a replacement program for the "old" Accelerated Math. One program being looked at is the newer version of Accelerated Math which includes an online version the students can work on from home. We are also looking at another program called IReady.
The newer version of Accelerated Math and IReady are designed to allow the students to work on things at their optimal level, whether that is a grade level, above grade level, or below grade level. Once the District Office decides on a program we will implement it as quickly as possible. The following is a description of the older version and can/should be referenced as a description of the things we hope the newer replacement has and the reasons it is important.
Accelerated Math is a computer software program that allows us to totally individualize part of our math curriculum to every single student. It is a great program that, with extra work from the student and teacher, allows each student to work at their pace, spending time on the concepts they need the most work on.
How it works:
At the beginning of the year. I look at previous years' test scores, grades, and teaching evaluations, along with an initial 6th Grade assessment (7th for upper grades) and place your student in one of four different levels for Accelerated Math. This level is, ideally, at a place where most of the initial work will be reviewing concepts a little bit behind your student's current math level. This will allow most of the initial problems to be completed independently.
From the very first assignment each student has a unique set of problems. Even if they are at the same level as a friend and beginning at the same objective, their problems are unique. In previous years students who were stuck on a difficult problem would simply ask another student who was good at math. "What did you get for problem number 7?" The student who was good at math felt good sharing her answers with those who asked because it made her feel good to be helpful and smart. With Accelerated Math, every students' problem number 7 is different. Now the students who are asked for help, quickly realize the other students will keep coming back for every problem like that They still want the feeling of helping others and sharing their knowledge, but now instead of giving the other student the answer they will say, "Let me show you how to do these." Helping each other in my class is encouraged. As a class, this makes us extremely efficient in our learning.