Project 2061
Algebra Textbooks
A Standards-Based Evaluation


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Background Information

TITLE Algebra 1: Explorations and Applications
Authors: Miriam A. Leiva, Richard G. Brown, Loring Coes III, Shirley Frazier Cooper, Joan Ferrini-Mundy, Amy T. Herman, Patick W. Hopfensperger, Celia Lazarski, Stuart J. Murphy, Anthony Scott, Marvin S. Weingarden.
Publisher: McDougal Littell Inc.
Edition: 1998
OVERVIEW
Subject Area: Algebra
Grade Level/Format: This textbook is appropriate for grades 8-10. The text consists of 12 chapters.
Time Frame: This course takes approximately 160 days to complete when following a regular schedule of 45 minutes per day. If using a block schedule of 90 minutes per day, the course takes approximately 81 days to complete.
CONTENT
Main Topics:
  • Using Algebra to Work with Data
  • Equations and Functions
  • Graphing Linear Equations
  • Solving Equations and Inequalities
  • Connecting Algebra and Geometry
  • Working with Radicals
  • Systems of Equations and Inequalities
  • Quadratic Functions
  • Exponential Functions
  • Polynomial Functions
  • Rational Functions
  • Discrete Mathematics
Activities: In a typical chapter, students read an interview about an individual who uses mathematics in his or her daily career and answer questions regarding the interview. In each lesson/section, students 1) read about mathematical situations that relate to the interview, which include modeling examples of the concept/skills; 2) review their ideas about the lesson's objective(s) by answering questions related to the key concepts/skills of the lesson, and completing a set of problems. Some lessons/sections may also include at least one or all of the following question sections: Think and Communicate (probes students thinking), Cooperative Learning (group activity), and Connection (an activity that applies the math to real-world contexts). Each chapter ends with a portfolio project, chapter review, and chapter assessment.
OPERATION
Assessment: Assessments include cooperative learning activities, open-ended problems, journal writing, portfolio projects, and self assessment tasks. Chapters include chapter assessments that include vocabulary questions, sets of problems, and performance tasks. The text has cumulative assessments covering several chapters. The teacher's Assessment Book consists of chapter tests, short quizzes, cumulative tests, and performance-based tasks.
Cost: Student edition: $46.47
Teacher's edition: $72.99
CREDIBILITY Following are references for reports on Algebra 1: Explorations and Applications. Please check the web site for further information about additional evaluations and reviews .
NCTM Standards Analysis: American Association for the Advancement of Science. (2000). Algebra textbooks: A standards-based evaluation. Washington, D.C.: Author.
WEB SITE: http://www.mcdougallittell.com

 

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