• Algebra I

    The main purpose of Algebra I is to develop students' fluency with linear, exponential, and quadratic function. The course formalizes and extends the mathematics learned in middle grades. This student-centered and standards-based course uses the CME Project Algebra I textbook. Within each chapter are several investigations (which are clusters of related lessons), section reflections, and embedded mid-chapter and end-of-chapter assessments. The text takes an investigative approach, encouraging students to develop strategies to solve various types of challenging problems. Students will investigate, conjecture, validate, generalize, extend, connect, communicate and reflect upon mathematical ideas. Implementing the "Habits of Mind" is prevalent throughout the book, thus focusing on the students' use of the Mathematical Practices.

    In Algebra I, instruction should focus on four critical areas: (1) deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships; (2) contrast linear and exponential relationships with each other and engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions; (3) extend the laws of exponents to square and cube roots; and (4) apply linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend. Some of the overarching ideas in the Algebra I course include: the notion of function, solving equations, rates of change and growth patterns, graphs as representations of functions, and modeling.

    Students will develop a strong grasp of the Mathematical Practices/"Habits of Mind": 1. Make Sense of problems and persevere in solving them. 2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively. 3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. 4. Model with mathematics. 5. Use appropriate tools strategically. 6. Attend to precision. 7. Look for and make use of structure. 8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

    The Standards for Mathematical Practice complement the content standards so that students increasingly engage with the subject matter as they grow in mathematical maturity and expertise throughout their years at the secondary level.

    Units of Study:

    Semester 1:

    Unit 1: Welcome to Algebra I Inspiring Math Week - Stanford’s YouCubed and Mathematical Practices and Expectations
    Unit 2: Expressions & Equations
    Unit 3: Graphs and Understanding Functions
    Unit 4: Lines - Linear Functions and Systems

    Semester 2

    Unit 5: Functions
    Unit 6: Exponents & Radicals
    Unit 7: Polynomial Expressions and Functions
    Unit 8: Quadratic Equations and Functions