Pre-Algebra

Math Placement Process

For registered students, please anticipate contact regarding placement evaluations from instructors by May 15th and throughout the summer. Students must be registered in a math course to receive a placement assessment. Math classes have a detailed and specific placement process.

Watch the math placement process video with our department chair, Dr. Fransell Riley, here.

The objective of a Pre-Algebra course is to serve as a transition from arithmetic to algebra. Students will build upon skills learned in arithmetic and learn beginning algebraic concepts. Students will build on their fluency in rational numbers and expand their knowledge to roots and irrational numbers. They will develop fluency in the laws of exponents, and solving complex multistep equations and inequalities. They will take their first steps towards understanding relations and functions, domain and range, and systems of equations. Expanding on their geometry foundation, students will learn the Pythagorean Theorem and its uses as well as transformations, congruence, and similarity of shapes. They will develop 21st-century skills in analyzing data. Students will develop and practice problem-solving skills by working on challenging problems, including competition-level problems. Students will delve into the history of Algebra and participate in philosophical discussions of the course content.

Placement: Please read about our new process above.

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed a robust Arithmetic curriculum.
Mathematical acumen is an important component of placement in this course, however, the student should also be prepared to exhibit a minimal level of executive functioning skills. Such skills would include the ability to focus during the class, avoid distracting behavior, take notes, monitor and submit assignments, navigate web-based technology including downloading, saving, and uploading files, respond to teacher feedback on graded assignments, communicate with the teacher when they do not understand, and participate in class activities.

High School Credit: This course is the equivalent of one high school credit in mathematics.

Time Commitment: The average student should plan to study mathematics for 60-90 minutes on each (of the two days) that we do not meet for classes. Additionally, they should spend 10-20 minutes on class days reviewing or summarizing their notes. The difficulty of mathematics varies with content, therefore, there may be times when less of more time is required to obtain mastery. This could include (sometimes) studying on Saturdays.

Parental Involvement: Parents expectations are simply to ensure that the student has all of the required materials needed for the course, a stable internet connection, a distraction free environment during class, and adequate time to study outside of class hours. Parent assistance with assignments is not expected and should not be required. However, if your student is accustomed to having your assistance with math, there will likely be a transition period as they build their level of tolerance and confidence in working math independently.

A Typical Class: A typical class opens with a brief review of previously covered content. This review connects the previous lesson to the current lesson. The premise of the current lesson is presented via a question or idea. The students now have a puzzle or idea that they want to delve deeper. As we delve deeper into answering the question at hand, we begin to discover the new mathematical concept. We are using our prior knowledge and intuition to uncover a new truth about mathematics. Once this truth has been uncovered, we begin to work examples; first as a class and then as individuals or in groups. As our understanding of the concept deepens, we extend our knowledge base to include specific cases or situations that lead to minor adjustments in the truth that we have uncovered – thus expanding the truth. A discussion takes place that reveals the relevance of this truth in our mathematical studies or our daily lives (real life application). Students continue to study the new truth and deepen their understanding of it via homework assignments. In subsequent classes, students will continue to study the concept and its relationship to new truths that will be revealed.

We use a variety of methods to uncover new truths. The most frequent method is a Socratic style discussion that the entire class participates in. Alternative methods are interactive computer activities, group assignments, class competitions and games.

A word from course instructor, Dr. Fransell Riley, on teaching math classically:
When teaching mathematics, my main goal is to infuse students with a passion and eagerness to excel in their study of math. I attempt to connect math to everyday applications, putting math into context with the world around them, taking their learning beyond simply memorizing steps and tricks. I focus on developing the ability to think algebraically. We discover the concepts and while uncovering truths about the concept, we discover the steps or patterns that become an algorithm for solving such problems. I encourage students to learn to embrace the challenge and frustration presented by mathematics. I believe that mathematics is suited perfectly for a classical teaching approach. It provides the perfect forum for the students to develop the virtues of patience and perseverance: patience in accepting the struggle that they encounter while learning a new concept, and perseverance to endure the mistakes and uncertainty that take place while mastering a concept. Mathematics also serves as a constant reminder that sloth and pride (represented by attempting to skip steps while working a problem, failing to work in a neat and orderly fashion, or failing to seek appropriate assistance when needed) will surely lead to failure. Algebra represents a precarious stage of their mathematics development as mathematics begins its transition from the concrete to the abstract. The foundation, upon which the remainder of their mathematics success will depend, is being laid. My passion is fueled by joining students in establishing this foundation during this precarious transition. When they leave my class, I hope that I have helped them to build the resilience, work ethic, algebraic thinking, problem solving skills, and confidence that they will need to face the challenges awaiting them in future.

Syllabi

Mrs. Maldonado’s Syllabus

Dr. Riley’s Syllabus

For each skill instructors have determined whether it is a prerequisite skill or a skill to be developed throughout the course. For lower school, instructors indicate where parent support is expected.

With Parent Support: Skills that most lower school students will need help with.
Developing: Skills that the instructor will help develop and emphasize throughout the year.
Mastered: Prerequisite skills that the instructor is expecting students to possess.

Mathematics

Fluent with Integer All Operations
Perform Operations on Signed Fractions, Mixed Numbers, and Decimals
Solve all Percent Problems
Identify Proportional Relationships and Solve Proportions
Add and Subtract Linear Expressions
Solve Two Step Equations and Inequalities
Determine Frequency of Simple Events
Calculate the Probability of Simple and Compound Events
Identify Biased and Unbiased Samples
Use properties of Vertical and Adjacent Angles
Use properties of Complementary and Supplementary Angles
Calculate Scale Factors on Drawings and Similar Figures
Area and Circumference of Circles and Composite Figures
Volume of Prisms, Pyramids, and Composite Figures
Surface Area of Prisms, Pyramids, and Composite Figures

Canvas

Mastered
- Be able to manage Canvas assignments and submissions (view assignments, check for teacher messages, submit homework as pdf file, submit revisions if necessary, set Canvas notifications for the class, view class notifications when posted, etc.).
- Be able to set notifications settings to alert the student of class announcements, homework assignments, due dates, instructor comments made on assignments, instructor comments made on individual student submissions, instructor comments made on graded items, etc.
- Be able to review notifications ongoing throughout the year; notifications which include: class announcements, homework assignments, due dates, instructor comments made on assignments, instructor comments made on individual student submissions, instructor comments made on graded items, etc.
- Be able to respectfully and wisely engage with other students and the instructor on Canvas discussion boards.
- Be able to respectfully, wisely and formally engage with instructor through private Canvas messaging.
- Be responsible for reviewing teacher feedback, suggestions and comments about student work and employing that feedback as necessary.

Writing

Developing
- Be able to employ the feedback of the instructor into future edits and submissions of the assignment.
- Be able to build a logical, well-reasoned argument through a written essay providing sound reasoning (i.e. true premises, valid arguments, sound conclusions).
Mastered
- Be able to hand-write answers in complete sentences.
- Be able to write sentences with basic sentence syntax (i.e. capitalization of first word in a sentence, punctuation at the end of each sentence, space between sentences, capitalization of proper nouns, each sentence having a subject and predicate, etc.).
- Be able to spell at grade level and employ course vocabulary cumulatively throughout the course.
- Be able to build well organized paragraphs which employ (among other skills) topic sentences, transition sentences, clear linear thinking throughout the essay.
- Be able to request a family or peer to edit submissions, but understands these requests should be for the purposes of raising important questions for the student to consider and suggesting minor edits. The student understands that family or peer editors should not be reworking of sentences, redefining terms, building new concepts, building arguments or writing passages for the student.
- Be able to self-edit written submissions for grammar and spelling mistakes.

Reading

Developing
- Be able to listen to the author’s argument and understand it even if the student disagrees with the conclusion reached or reasons given.
Mastered
- Be able to read material independently and identify the information which might be relevant to course discussions and objectives (even if the student doesn’t fully understand all of what’s being read).
- Be able to mark, underline or highlight important words, definitions or concepts within a text being read both while reading independently and reading corporately as a class.
- Be able to identify key terms in a passage, and follow the author’s argument.
- Be able to read material independently and identify questions which require clarification or further explanation from the instructor.

Typing

Developing
- Be able to employ basic MLA formatting skills (i.e. 1-inch margins, double spacing, heading on paper).
- Be able to employ MLA citations for (for quoted material and referenced material) through the use of footnotes or endnotes, bibliography, work-cited page. Student should have a concept of what plagiarism is and know how to avoid it.
Mastered
- Be able to type short answers in complete sentences.
- Be able to type paragraph essays (short essays, and 5 or more page essays).

In-Class

Developing
- Follow class discussions and seminar conversations to record notes without the instructor identifying specifics.
- Be prepared to generate thoughtful questions to enhance the class discussion, to identify areas needing clarification, and to make valuable connections with other course content.
- Follow along with instructor-led note-taking and record notes during class.
Mastered
- Follow along with instructor-led workbook completion and record answers during class.
- Be prepared to thoughtfully answer questions when called on in a group setting, during class.
- Be prepared to volunteer thoughtful comments, answers and ideas in a group setting, during class.

Study

Developing
- Understand the difference between assignments given by an instructor and the necessary and independently initiated need for private study of material.
- Be able to schedule and manage multiple projects from multiple instructors and courses.
- Be able to schedule time outside of class to complete independent review of materials.
- Be able to determine the best places and ways to study at home (i.e. quiet, undistracted, utilizing various methods of review (auditory, written, visual, practice tests, flashcards, etc.).
- Be responsible to study at home for quizzes, tests and other assessments.

*Required Materials:

For Class with Fransell Riley

Digital Textbook: Reveal Math Course 3 with ALEKS

- The instructor does not teach from the book but uses it for example problems, class work problems, student references, and structure. Notwithstanding, this book has a superb organization of content with less arithmetic review, and a superb presentation of linear functions.
- ALEKS delivers textbook practice problems to the students in a manner that promotes mastery and retention. Students work all problems on paper and turn them in for the instructor to review. Students are required to correct their work using ALEKS’ step-by-step solution; thus, they learn from their errors before trying another similar problem.
- Purchased via the instructor ($40) by 5/31. Info. will be sent via email in May.

For Class with Christa Maldonado

Mathematics for the Nonmathematician (used print or digital will work)
- This text will be used to learn some of the related history and philosophy of the concepts covered. It provides students with interesting and challenging problems.
Digital tablet. Choose from: Wacom Intuos, Huion, XP-Pen, or other.
Dedicated 3-ring notebook with five dividers or 5-subject spiral notebook
Binder Pencil Pouch with multiple sharpened pencils, erasers, protractor
Scientific Calculator Examples: TI, Sharp, other
Notebook Paper and Graph paper
Free web accounts: student.desmos.com, ziteboard.com, desmos.calculator,
- Ziteboard is used often as a virtual classroom chalkboard, the others are used sparingly

In addition, the instructor will provide pdf files or problems from various sources.

Optional Materials:

Paper versions of the digital textbook (this would be in addition to the digital text, not instead of): Textbook Volume 1 and Textbook Volume 2. Order 6-weeks early. Alternatively, you can order from Amazon for quicker shipping: Textbook1 and Textbook2.

*Required materials are not included in the purchase of the course.

Dr. Fransell Riley spent most of her career working as a quantitative analyst. She earned her PhD in mathematics from the University of Texas at Arlington with every intention of remaining in corporate America. Though she enjoyed her work, she ultimately responded to an internal call to pursue a passion for educating students, including her own children. Fransell has taught math and science to students of all ages from elementary school to college. While teaching, she noticed that her natural teaching style aligned almost perfectly with the concepts of classical education. She takes a holistic approach to teaching and involves her students in discussions aimed at developing a deeper understanding of the concept being taught with the desire that student learning extend beyond memorizing algorithms. Fransell has a passion for mathematics and seeks to share that passion with the next generation. Beyond math, Fransell enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons. They are all athletes and nature lovers; they enjoy participating in sports, hiking, exploring nature, and traveling. When they aren’t enjoying God’s creation, you can find them indoors reading or watching reruns from the Star Trek series. friley.scholeacademy@gmail.com

Christa Maldonado has a love for learning and a deep enjoyment of puzzles and patterns. She enjoys identifying the patterns in nature, mathematics, and language that can lead the restful mind to contemplate the good and the beautiful. She has a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences from Excelsior College and a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Western Governor University. She is currently enrolled in a Master of Science in Instructional Design from Western Governor University. Although she has a great love for the patterns found in courses that give foundational structure, such as grammar and mathematics, she also enjoys learning more about the arts and sciences.

Christa is married and has three children. Her family enjoys discovering nature through hiking and camping. They live a restful life, full of good books and good food. Christa loves to read, sew, and bake. She has tutoring professionally since 2017. Christa is excited to help facilitate your child’s learning about to goodness, beauty, and truth. c.maldonado.scholeacademy@gmail.com

Computer: You will need a stable, reliable computer, running with a processor with a speed of 1 GHz or better on one of the following operating systems: Mac OS X with Mac OS 10.7 or later; Windows 8, 7, Vista (with SP1 or later), or XP (with SP3 or later). We do not recommend using an iPad or other tablet for joining classes. An inexpensive laptop or netbook would be much better solutions, as they enable you to plug an Ethernet cable directly into your computer. Please note that Chromebooks are allowed but not preferred, as they do not support certain features of the Zoom video conference software such as breakout sessions and annotation, which may be used by our teachers for class activities.

High-Speed Internet Connection: You will also need access to high-speed Internet, preferably accessible via Ethernet cable right into your computer. Using Wi-Fi may work, but will not guarantee you the optimal use of your bandwidth. The faster your Internet, the better. We recommend using a connection with a download/upload speed of 5/1 Mbps or better. You can test your Internet connection here.

Webcam: You may use an external webcam or one that is built in to the computer. Webcam Recommendations: Good (PC only) | Best (Mac and PC)

Headset: We recommend using a headset rather than a built-in microphone and speakers. Using a headset reduces the level of background noise heard by the entire class. Headset Recommendations: USB | 3.5mm

Zoom: We use a web conferencing software called Zoom for our classes, which enables students and teachers to gather from around the globe face to face in real time. Zoom is free to download and easy to use. To download Zoom:

Visit zoom.us/download.
Click to download the first option listed, Zoom Client for Meetings.
Open and run the installer on your computer.
In August, students will be provided with instructions and a link for joining their particular class.

Digital Tablet: Using a digital tablet in class allows students to more fully engage the course content by working out math problems on the digital whiteboard. We recommend using a Wacom Intuos tablet like this one, though similar products may be used.

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First, read the available course descriptions, noting prerequisites, target grades, and course objectives. If you think your student is prepared for the course, go ahead and register. After registration, a placement assessment may be provided to students, depending on the course and the student’s previous enrollment with Scholé Academy. Registration is finalized when the student’s placement assessment has been returned by the course instructor with placement confirmation.

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Please take careful note of our teaching philosophy, our technology requirements, our school policies, the parent agreement, and the distinctions between our grade levels.

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Make sure they don't conflict with other activities in your schedule or other courses you are purchasing. Our system will not catch double-bookings!

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Our Assistant to the Principal will be in touch with you after your enrollment to help you with next steps, including any placement evaluations that may be required for your course selections.

This registration will be finalized when the student's placement assessment has been returned by the course instructor with placement confirmation.