Dear Student,

 

You have chosen to be enrolled in algebra for the 2006-07 school year at Moshannon Valley High School. Successful completion of this course is critical to your future. Currently, algebra and some geometry are required for 75% of all jobs, with the more desirable jobs requiring even more mathematics. You can succeed in algebra. However, this success requires considerable effort and support. To support your mathematics learning, your school is using the Carnegie Learning algebra program, a computer assisted program using a cognitive tutor designed to help you learn and understand mathematics.

 

An important aspect of the Carnegie Learning program is students working together and supporting each other as they learn mathematics. Research shows that students are much more successful in mathematics when they study with other students than when they work alone. As a result, you will spend some time in class working in small groups. We also encourage you 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 students’ work are very different things. In addition, I will make myself as available as possible to help you after school or during study periods if necessary.

 

You will receive a Carnegie Learning textbook and an assignment book which are to be kept in the classroom.  You will be required to have a binder in which to keep your papers. New this year, you will receive a supplemental Homework Helper guide which is to be kept at home and used as a reference for you and your parents in completeing assignments. In class, you will be able to use rulers and calculators provided by the school. You may choose to purchase these items for use outside of class, though the purchase is not required, it is recommended. If you do purchase a calculator, our math department recommends a solar scientific calculator that does fractions (or the Texas Instruments TI-83 for students planning on taking higher math after high school).

 

You will be using a notebook computer to do the Cognitive Tutor section of the Carnegie Learning Program. This computer work will be done  two days a week to reinforce the classroom lessons and make the lessons more meaningful to everyday life problems. You will be permitted to proceed at your own pace for this section of the program so long as reasonable progress is made, and you will be given a grade based on your progress. The computer will keep track of your individual progress, your help requests, and your mistakes. Arrangements must be made for you to make up work on the computer  missed due to absence from class. This work will be done during your study periods or after school as possible. In addition, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO USE THE COMPUTER FOR INTERNET ACCESS OR OTHER UNRELATED PURPOSE DURING ALGEBRA CLASS without specific permission from me. If you use the computer inappropriately during algebra class you may lose your computer usage for the marking period and receive a ZERO for the computer portion of your grade for that marking period.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Mr. Thomas Boito