Mr. Frank Vaccaro, Room 213,
Phone
/ Voice Mail: 696-6683 e-mail: fvaccaro@amphi.com
Web Page: “ www.amphi.com/teachers/fvaccaro”
HOMEWORK HOTLINE: 696-6707 then select 1 - then 7 - then 5 - then 2 - then 1
Accelerated Math (AccMath)
at Coronado K-8 is a standards-based, computer-managed approach to mathematics
instruction, augmented by math knowledgeable adult tutors. The goal of AccMath is for each and every
student to master all of the objectives in the state standards prior to taking
the AIMS test.
·
The
teacher presents a lesson over one objective
(or a small number of closely related objectives) followed immediately by a
check for understanding called a Z-exercise.
o
Z-exercises
contain a small number of questions scored via computer. If a
student demonstrates an understanding of the concept they can proceed to a Practice worksheet
o
Practice
worksheets contain several more problems on that objective plus problems on
previously taught but not mastered objectives.
o
If
a student needs additonal instruction it will be provided either by the teacher
or by one of the adult tutors.
·
As
in all math classes, homework is essential
to student success. Practice worksheets are completed for homework each night.
o
It
is a demonstrated fact that students who do not do homework or do poor quality
homework are more likely to struggle and get poor grades in math.
o
Practice worksheets generally have less
than 30 problems and should require no more than 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete nightly.
·
When
students have continued difficulty passing an objective Exercise worksheets will be printed and passed along to tutors who
will work with the students to overcome those deficiencies.
·
When
students demonstrate understanding of a number of objectives, the computer will
identify those objectives as ready-to-test.
o
When
a student has 5 ready-to-test objectives the teacher will print out a Test on yellow paper.
o
Tests
are completed in class, independently, without the use of notes or any
assistance. For each tested objective,
if a student answers 80% or more of questions on that objective correctly it is
identified as a mastered objective.
·
AccMath promotes individualized
learning using rapid assessment and feedback.
Students will progress through the objectives at differing rates.
o
The
primary grading criteria will be the number of objectives mastered as compared
to the number of objectives expected to be mastered in the 9-week grading
period.
o
Other
factors, such as percent correct on homework and percent correct on tests are
also be factored into the letter grade.