WELCOME TO algebra 1
Dear Parent,
As your child’s Algebra 1 teacher for 2015-2016, I wanted to present you with some information that could be helpful to you and your student as we go through the school year. Although regulations by the state do have a tendency to change, here is the information that we currently have.
The Keystone Exams are going to be a graduation requirement for your child. Therefore, in May, your child will be given the Algebra 1 Keystone Exam. The district has been successful and will continue to adjust curriculum to better prepare students for Keystone exams. As 8th graders in the advanced mathematics track, should your child not receive proficient or advanced status on the Keystone exam, they will retake Algebra 1 in 9th grade. For those that are proficient or advanced on the Keystone Exam, they will advance in the mathematics curriculum as Greenwood has set forth. Eighth grade students will also still be responsible for taking PSSA tests as they have in the past, and we will be preparing them for this assessment as well. They have changed the PSSA to align with the Common Core Standards, so we have adjusted the curriculum to make sure all students are prepared for this new criteria. The Algebra 1 book given to your student has some great resources that you can use at home for additional assistance if needed. The PowerAlgebra.com has some great resources and some of those features are highlighted on pg viii of your child’s Algebra 1 book.
It is vital in any math class that students stay up to date and get assistance immediately if they feel they are falling behind or do not understand a concept. I will provide any assistance that I can during class time or any free time that I may have. If you feel extra help would be beneficial, we can also help find a student tutor. Let me know if this is necessary, and I will work together with the School Counselor to find an available student tutor.
Throughout nearly all of Algebra 1, your student will have the opportunity to use a scientific calculator. If possible, it would benefit your child to purchase a scientific calculator so that we can teach them to use it as we go through the year. When any testing does arise, your child will then be proficient with using their personal calculator. The calculators that I have found to be the most user-friendly are the TI-30X-IIS or the TI 30-XS, though any scientific calculator will work. I have found that the TI 30-XS MultiView Calculator provides the most benefits to your child where the Keystone Exam is concerned. I put a link to Walmart.com below where you can find it, but it can be purchased nearly anywhere. If you cannot purchase a calculator, there are some available in the classroom for students to use. If you have questions, feel free to contact me before you make a purchase.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email or call me. I look forward to a fun and exciting year in Algebra 1!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Heather Brummer
(717) 589-3116, ext. 1014