Algebra 1

Course Description: Algebra 1 is a two-semester course for students who have demonstrated mastery of skills found in practical math and pre-algebra. It is designed to further develop basic algebraic problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning in the student. This course provides a basis for the study of exponents, linear equations and functions (including graphing), quadratics, polynomials, as well as other skills necessary for success in geometry and advanced algebra.

Course Level: The AGVA Algebra 1 course will cover the same content in the same amount of time as typically done in a traditional high school Algebra 1 course. (See course syllabus.)

Student qualifications: Only academically capable students, ready for high school Algebra, should be allowed to enroll in the course. (AGVA has a math placement test available for those schools that would like to use it. Contact AGVA principal Dave Rust at david.rust@amazinggraceva.org for more information.) Also, online learning requires more student self-motivation and diligence to keep up with class assignments compared to a traditional classroom. It is up to each participating school to carefully pre-screen its students before allowing them to enroll in an online Algebra I course. 

Course enrollment: Any qualified 7-8th-grade student is welcome to enroll if student seats are available. Seats will be filled on a first-registered, first-enrolled policy. The course will have a minimum enrollment of 5 students and a maximum of 40 students, separated into two sections. 

Tuition & Fees: A $45 non-refundable registration fee is due during registration. (Registration fee increases to $60 after Aug. 5.) The tuition for 7-8th-grade students is $260 per semester. This is a discount of $40 off the high school rate. (The tuition costs remain $300 per semester for other students.)

Course registration: See the Registration Process page on the AmazingGraceVA.org website.

Method of Instruction: The courses will be taught in an asynchronous online format, which means students and the instructor do not need to be logged into the course site simultaneously. Moodle will be used as the Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate the course. Moodle is accessed through a website and does not require any installation on the user side. Students will receive a unique username and password to access the course site.

Students are expected to log in each day, Monday-Friday, at a time that is convenient for them. Schools must build time into the regular school day, just like a regular course, when all Algebra students from a particular school work on the course simultaneously. Some students might need additional time at home to keep up with the rest of the class.

• Students must write out detailed work for each problem assigned, not just provide the answer.

• Scheduled assignments will be due even if the student's school has a day off or students are gone on a field trip.

• Students will need to be cooperative partners in their learning and be committed to fulfilling all coursework and requirements.

• Students that are diligent in following directions, showing work, and practicing good time management, are usually successful in their understanding of Algebra.

Time Commitment: The amount of time needed to be successful in the course can vary widely from one student to the next. A general expectation is 45 minutes per day, 5 days per week. Some days may take more or less time based on the assigned tasks.

Textbook: Algebra I, Pearson/Prentice Hall © 2011 Common Core. Authors: Randall I. Charles, Dan Kennedy, and Basia Hall ISBN-13: 978-0-13-3185485    ISBN-10: 0-13-3185486

Purchasing student textbooks is the responsibility of the school or parent.  Additional course materials and resources will be available to students via the Moodle course website at no additional cost.

Technology: Each student needs a computer with reliable high-speed internet access. Since the course utilizes audio/video files, a microphone and headphones are needed.

• Computer with high-speed internet access

• Scanner or camera for uploading images of daily practice (or digital writing device if a student wants to do daily practice digitally)

• Headphones/microphone

• Scientific calculator (for some tasks) example: TI-30

Course proctor: Each participating school must assign a course proctor for the student(s) at the school enrolled in the course. The regular classroom teacher may serve as the proctor. The course proctor will:

• Need to help, especially at the beginning of the semester, get students acclimated to following directions, showing work, and submitting assignments on time.

• Serve as the primary contact person between the course instructor and the school. Typical communication might include days off school, absent students, missing assignments, student progress, etc.

• Arrange for local support, guidance, and technical assistance for students, as needed.

• Arrange for proctoring of tests. (The course instructor will provide specific instructions to the proctor concerning tests and the proctor's role in test administration.)

• Teachers are encouraged to contact the Proctor and parents for such issues as consistently late, sloppy, or missing work, plagiarism, etc., so everyone can work together to encourage the student to do his or her best work.

High School credit: It is up to each high school to determine if a student taking an Algebra 1 course in 7th or 8th grade will also receive high school credit. Some high schools have placement tests that students need to take to determine a student's knowledge. Check with your local high school for information on their policy.