Pre-AP Algebra 1

In Pre-AP Algebra 1, students develop a deep understanding of linear relationships emphasizing patterns of change, multiple representations of functions and equations, modeling real-world scenarios with functions, and methods for finding and representing solutions of equations and inequalities. Taken together, these ideas provide powerful conceptual tools that students can use to make sense of their world through mathematics. 

The areas of focus are reasoning skills that provide vertical alignment within a discipline, giving students the opportunity to develop and strengthen these skills as they progress through subsequent Pre-AP courses and into advanced coursework. 

• Connections among multiple representations
• Greater authenticity of applications and modeling
• Engagement in mathematical argumentation 

Pre-AP Algebra 1 has four main units. 

• Unit 1: Linear Functions and Equations (~10 weeks)
• Unit 2: Exponential Functions and Expressions (~6 weeks)
• Unit 3: Quadratic Functions and Equations (~8 weeks)
• Unit 4: Comparing and Selecting Functions (~4 weeks) 

These big ideas are addressed across all units: 

• Patterns of change
• Representations
• Modeling with functions
• Solutions 

Each unit contains: 

• Model lessons: Student and teacher resources that demonstrate how to translate the course framework, shared principles, and areas of focus into daily instruction.
• In-lesson formative assessments: Short, open-ended problems that highlight the targeted content and skills for each lesson.
• 2 learning checkpoints: These multiple-choice and technology-enhanced questions are modeled closely after the types of questions students encounter on AP Exams and the SAT. Learning checkpoints require students to examine graphs, data, and short texts, often in authentic contexts, to respond to questions that measure students' understanding of the unit’s concepts and skills.
• 1 performance task: A sustained problem-solving task that asks students to synthesize the unit’s skills and concepts while answering questions about a novel context.
• Practice performance tasks: 1 or 2 practice performance tasks with scoring guidelines and instructional suggestions. 

Note: All students need access to a graphing utility such as a graphing calculator, app on a cellphone, or a laptop with graphing software like Desmos, which can be accessed through Pre-AP Classroom, but do not need to purchase any particular device or equipment. 

Before implementing a Pre-AP course, teachers need to complete Pre-AP Course Audit. This process is required to: 

• Grant teachers access to Pre-AP Classroom, including instructional materials, professional learning, and assessment tools 
• Authorize the school to use "Pre-AP" in its course names 
• Include the school in Pre-AP Course Ledger