Pre-Algebra

Course Description: Pre-Algebra is a two-semester course that provides the foundation for students to continue mathematics at the algebraic level. Course content includes properties and operations of real numbers, graphs, number sets, measurements, factors and multiples, expressions, and equations. Students are also introduced to algebraic and geometric concepts as well as probability and statistics. By successfully completing this course,  students will be prepared to take Algebra 1.

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

Student qualifications: Online learning requires a greater degree of 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 course.

Course enrollment: Any qualified 7-8th grade student is welcome to enroll in the course, as long as seats are available. Seats will be filled on a first-registered, first-enrolled policy. The course will have a minimum enrollment of 4 students and a maximum of 15 students.

Tuition & Fees: There is a $45 non-refundable registration fee 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 all other students.)

Course registration: Follow the Registration Process directions available 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 Pre-Algebra students from a particular school will 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 if 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 Geometry.

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: Saxon Math Course 3 Student Edition by Stephen Hake, ISBN # 1-5914-1884-4

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 the student wants to do daily practice digitally)

• Headphones/microphone

Course proctor: Each participating school must assign a course proctor for the student(s) at the school taking 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 a Pre-Algebra 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.