California Algebra I-A and I-B support success for students unprepared for traditional algebra
SEATTLE, WA — February 11, 2009 — Apex Learning®, the leading provider of digital curriculum for secondary schools, today announced new algebra courses – critical to a student’s academic advancement – developed specifically to meet California Mathematics Content Standards for Algebra I. These state-specific additions to Apex Learning’s already-robust suite of digital curriculum further the abilities of educators to help all students successfully meet high school graduation requirements regardless of learning styles and situations.
Apex Learning’s California Algebra I-A and I-B courses, delivered online to classrooms, are designed to support success for students who are not prepared for the academic challenges of the traditional one-year Algebra I course. The two-year course sequence incorporates multimedia - in the form of animations, charts, graphs, images and interactive manipulatives - along with instructional text to provide students with multiple representations of concepts as well as address different learning styles.
"Apex Learning prides itself on being responsive to the educational demands facing school districts and teachers," said Cheryl Vedoe, CEO of Apex Learning. "Our standards-based algebra curriculum will help California educators better meet the needs of all of their students. Mastering algebra is critical for students to succeed in high school, regardless of the level at which they started."
Educators often refer to algebra as a "gateway" course because it is a prerequisite for continued study. According to educators, success in algebra can be an early indicator of whether a student will remain in high school and graduate. A recent study by the University of California, Santa Barbara showed that students who passed Algebra I by the end of ninth grade were twice as likely to graduate as those who did not. In the 2007-2008 school year, California schools had over 165,000 enrollments in a two-year Algebra I program.
Temecula Valley Unified School District in southern California uses Apex Learning digital curriculum, including math courses, for its credit recovery and summer school programs. Teachers have appreciated the way Apex Learning courses have boosted student success without compromising the rigor of the curriculum and are eagerly anticipating Apex Learning’s Algebra I-A and I-B courses.
"Our teachers are impressed by how using Apex Learning digital curriculum allows them to respond to the needs of every student," said Dianne Vaez, Director of Secondary Education for the Temecula Valley Unified School District. "The new Apex Learning two-year Algebra I course sequence will give teachers another way to reach students who need additional support."
Apex Learning digital curriculum is already used successfully in California schools for a wide range of programs, from original credit to credit recovery. With the addition of the Algebra I-A and I-B courses, California schools will have an additional option to support success for their students.