Your child is enrolled in Algebra 1 for this school year at Clawson High School. Successful completion of this course is critical to his or her future. Currently, Algebra and some geometry are required for 75% of all jobs, with the most desirable jobs requiring even more mathematics. All students can succeed in Algebra. However, this success requires considerable effort and support. To support students’ mathematics learning, we are using the Carnegie Learning mathematics program to help students learn and understand mathematics.
The Carnegie approach is different from a traditional math class. During the year, students will explore Algebra concepts through individual and collaborative work. There is less of a direct instruction approach (teacher in front of class explaining the concepts), and more of the students making mathematical meaning and discoveries with peers and with my guidance . I will act as a facilitator by using a method of guided questioning to help students make these mathematical discoveries.
An important aspect of the Carnegie Learning program is encouraging students to support each other and work together as they learn mathematics. Students are much more successful in mathematics when they study with other students than when they work alone. As a result, students will spend some time in class working in pairs or groups. I also encourage them to work with other students outside of class by participating in homework study groups and telephone networks. However, it is important to remember that working together and copying another student’s work are very different things.
Within the Carnegie textbook, students will encounter many lessons. In any given lesson students will build new knowledge based upon their prior knowledge. They will apply math to real-world situations so they can see why it is meaningful. The textbook that your child received is consumable. He/she can highlight, underline, take notes in the margins, and answer directly in the book. Students will NOT be bringing home the entire book at once, but they are asked to tear out each chapter and keep it in their binder. The books are stored in the classroom, and the binders are what will travel to and from school with your child. It is very important that binders come to class each and every day.
If you have any questions regarding Carnegie Learning, please do not hesitate to contact me: [email protected]
The Carnegie approach is different from a traditional math class. During the year, students will explore Algebra concepts through individual and collaborative work. There is less of a direct instruction approach (teacher in front of class explaining the concepts), and more of the students making mathematical meaning and discoveries with peers and with my guidance . I will act as a facilitator by using a method of guided questioning to help students make these mathematical discoveries.
An important aspect of the Carnegie Learning program is encouraging students to support each other and work together as they learn mathematics. Students are much more successful in mathematics when they study with other students than when they work alone. As a result, students will spend some time in class working in pairs or groups. I also encourage them to work with other students outside of class by participating in homework study groups and telephone networks. However, it is important to remember that working together and copying another student’s work are very different things.
Within the Carnegie textbook, students will encounter many lessons. In any given lesson students will build new knowledge based upon their prior knowledge. They will apply math to real-world situations so they can see why it is meaningful. The textbook that your child received is consumable. He/she can highlight, underline, take notes in the margins, and answer directly in the book. Students will NOT be bringing home the entire book at once, but they are asked to tear out each chapter and keep it in their binder. The books are stored in the classroom, and the binders are what will travel to and from school with your child. It is very important that binders come to class each and every day.
If you have any questions regarding Carnegie Learning, please do not hesitate to contact me: [email protected]