View a selection of implementation strategies from educators who are successfully using ALEKS to achieve dramatic learning outcomes.
Santa Clara High School, Santa Clara Unified School District
Santa Clara, CA
Grade(s): 9 - 12
Scenario: Laptop Carts, Home Access
Purpose: Intervention, At-Risk Students, Supplement
ALEKS Portion of Curriculum: 20%
Time Spent in ALEKS: 3 hours per week
ALEKS Course: Algebra 1
Rupali Satija, Teacher
My experience with ALEKS has been good and very productive. I have a ninth grade Algebra 1 class, but most of my students have fourth grade math skills. I am happy with the individualized learning ALEKS provides for each student.
What challenges did the class or school face in math prior to using ALEKS?
We struggled with teaching basic math in the Algebra 1 class.
How many days per week is class time dedicated to ALEKS?
2-3 days per week.
What is the average length of a class period when ALEKS is used?
How do you implement ALEKS?
I use ALEKS during block days as a review of basic topics, since most of my students are on basic math topics.
Do you cover ALEKS concepts in a particular order?
How do you structure your class period with ALEKS?
I keep worksheets ready in case any students can't stay on ALEKS. I then announce how many topics students have finished. Finally, I put grades in my gradebook the same day, so students see that doing ALEKS is part of the class grading system.
How did you modify your regular teaching approach as a result of ALEKS?
I do not modify my pacing of the school year, but I sometimes use ALEKS to give quizzes on certain topics.
How often are students required or encouraged to work on ALEKS at home?
I give students extra credit if they work on ALEKS at home.
How do you cultivate parental involvement and support for ALEKS?
I request parents to let students work on ALEKS, even if they have banned Internet access. This makes my students happy.
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, but it is worth extra credit.
How do you incorporate ALEKS into your grading system?
I make ALEKS 15 percent of my students' grade. I ask them to cover a fixed number of topics and if they finish, I give them full credit. If they do more topics, I count them as extra credit.
Do you require students to make regular amounts of progress in ALEKS?
Yes, by number of topics completed.
Since using ALEKS, please describe the learning outcomes or progress you have seen.
I have a ninth grade Algebra 1 class, but most of my students have fourth grade math skills. I am happy with the individualized learning ALEKS provides for each student.
Are there any best practices you would like to share with other teachers implementing ALEKS?
Walk around the class a lot. Sometimes help your students select topics and give them a reward for finishing new topics. Also, let them listen to music while working on the program.