View a selection of implementation strategies from educators who are successfully using ALEKS to achieve dramatic learning outcomes.
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Horseshoe Bend Elementary School, Horseshoe Bend School District
Horseshoe Bend, ID
Grade(s): K - 5
Scenario: Computers in Classroom
Purpose: Enrichment/Gifted and Talented
ALEKS Portion of Curriculum: 100%
Time Spent in ALEKS: 5.8 hours per week, 46.7 hours per term
ALEKS Course: Mathematics - LV 5 (with QuickTables)
Katy Bitton, Teacher
ALEKS has been a great opportunity for the higher-level students in my class to grow and learn at their own pace.
What challenges did the class or school face in math prior to using ALEKS?
There was not enough opportunity for gifted children to grow and learn at their own pace.
How many days per week is class time dedicated to ALEKS?
5 days per week
What is the average length of a class period when ALEKS is used?
How do you implement ALEKS?
I chose the students who needed a challenge and then had them start on the program.
Do you cover ALEKS concepts in a particular order?
No. The students can work on whatever they want to complete.
How do you structure your class period with ALEKS?
The students go right to their computers and begin working. They also print a worksheet at the end of each day for homework.
How did you modify your regular teaching approach as a result of ALEKS?
I didn't modify, except for providing a little help here and there when the students need it.
How often are students required or encouraged to work on ALEKS at home?
Four days per week.
How do you cultivate parental involvement and support for ALEKS?
We send home the pies and reports that are associated with the ALEKS program.
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?
ALEKS is part of their homework: it is four out of the five assignments.
How do you incorporate ALEKS into your grading system?
Participation in ALEKS and how much of their pie they have completed.
Do you require students to make regular amounts of progress in ALEKS?
Since using ALEKS, please describe the learning outcomes or progress you have seen.
I have seen my students go through at least two grade levels in the ALEKS program, and they all scored "Advanced" on their Idaho Standards Achievement Tests (ISAT). They like that they can see their pie, and how much they have completed. It drives them to fill up their pies and see what the next one will look like.
Are there any best practices you would like to share with other teachers implementing ALEKS?
Let the kids pick what they want to work on in the program. It will give them both responsibility and some flexibility.