ALEKS manual for Columbus City Schools Teachers and Admins

Updated December 14, 2016

For PD videos, go to the CCS math website PD section:

http://www.ccsoh.us/MathTeacher6-12PD.aspx

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Table of Contents

Each building has 2-3 people designated as ALEKS administrators. One is the building principal. The other admins are teachers/coaches who were trained during our textbook PDs. Certain functions can only be performed by those admins, indicated by (ALEKS admins) below.

The purpose of this manual is to help with the most common issues. You can download a full manual at ALEKS’ website.

Topic Page

Quick info.................................................................3

Creating a new teacher account (ALEKS admins)..............................4

Creating a class and adding students to it (all teachers)..................5

Adding students to a course (all teachers)......................(step 6)...7

Making a copy of a class (all teachers)....................................9

Moving students from one class to another class (all teachers)............10

Removing a student from a class (all teachers)............................10

Moving students from one teacher to another in same school (ALEKS admins).11

Creating a class using a roster from CiMS (all teachers)..................12

Sharing a class with another teacher (all teachers).......................15

Resetting a student’s initial assessment (all teachers)...................16

Deleting and archiving a class (all teachers, ALEKS admins)...............17

Creating online assignments (all teachers)................................18

Copying online assignments (all teachers, ALEKS admins)...................19

Creating worksheets (all teachers)........................................20

Adding your own resources to a class (all teachers).......................21

Grouping student by what they are ready to learn (all teachers)...........22

Common errors (all teachers)..............................................24

ALEKS FAQ.................................................................25

Creative ways to use ALEKS in the classroom (all teachers)................26

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Quick info

• CCS received an unlimited number of licenses when we purchased ALEKS (unprecedented)• Usernames are generated by ALEKS• Student passwords are their birthdate (no slashes)• ALEKS is for grades 3-12, but might be expanded to include K-2• ALEKS uses an artificial intelligence interface – it learns as students learn• ALEKS works on just about any platform: computers, tablets, cell phones• Improved MAP/OGT scores have been seen in students who use ALEKS often• A parent letter about ALEKS logins is available on the CCS math website• Colleges are using ALEKS in their courses and for entrance/placement exams• All students in grades 3-12 have an ALEKS account and are encouraged to use it, whether or not the

teacher uses it• RTI classes are available for grade 6, 7, 8 as well as a Tier3 intervention class• ConnectEd videos are now accessible in certain ALEKS topics• Teachers can add their own resources to ALEKS topics• Teachers can copy classes/resources• Students should work in ALEKS 20-40 minutes at one time – use rotations if possible • Students benefit the most from 3 hours of work in ALEKS per week• ALEKS can group students by what they are ready to learn • MS Students in summer school use ALEKS• Some students use ALEKS for Credit Flex• Each school has 2-3 people with admin access• Students work on a pre-determined path• Teachers can make assignments and objectives for students to complete (won’t count in pie graph)• ALEKS provides each student with custom printable worksheets/activities• Teacher and student accounts are created automatically during the summer• Teachers will manually change classes/students as the year progresses• Teachers can share access to students with tutors, other teachers, etc. • Students can keep working over the summer• Classes are archived at the end of summer • There is a gradebook available in ALEKS, but it is set up for the entire year• ALEKS does not replace teachers!

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Creating a new teacher account (ALEKS admins only)

Use this option when a new teacher is assigned to your building during the school year.Also, this option can be used to give access to an intervention specialist, tutors, etc.

1. Log onto ALEKS.

Hover your mouse over “Instructor Administration”.

Select “New Instructor”.

2. Fill out the Basic Information section on the screen.

The Contact Information can be left blank except for the email field.

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Creating a class in your own account and adding students to it (all teachers)

Classes, teacher accounts, and student accounts are created at the beginning of each school year. If a teacher’s schedule changes, classes are added, etc., it may be necessary to create a new course and enroll students in it. When new students enter the district and are added to a teacher’s class, it will become necessary to create a new student account.

If a teacher needs to add a student, it’s important to know if the student is new to the district or if that student is transferring in from another school. Ask the student if he or she already started the year enrolled in another CCS school (don’t just ask if they used ALEKS already – they may have an account but not used it). If the student was already enrolled in another CCS school this year, contact Steve Hiner or Terra Baker so the account can be moved and the student does not lose data. If the student does not have an ALEKS account, one can be created if you know his or her name and ID#.

Teachers may wish to create a class for students who are struggling with course content. If a student takes an initial assessment and scores less than 15%, students may benefit from being placed in a different course. Middle school teachers can use RTI (Response to Intervention) classes. High school teachers may wish to create a pre-algebra or math intervention class. If a student is moved into a different class, the student will need to take a new initial assessment.

Here is a possible remediation plan for high school courses:

Class: Suggested Remediation: If Deeper Remediation is Needed:Integrated I High School Prep for Algebra 1

(Promote at 65%)Math Intervention (Promote at 85%)

Integrated II Integrated I (Promote at 85%) High School Prep for Algebra 1 (Promote at 65%)Integrated III Integrated II (Promote at 85%) Integrated I (Promote at 85%)

The directions below show how any teacher can create a new class and enroll students in it.

1. Log onto ALEKS.

Hover your mouse over “Instructor Administration”.

Select “New Class”.

2. Select “Create a New Class”.If you wish to create a class from a copy of another class, you can use the 2nd or 3rd options. See page 7.

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3. Using the example at right as a guide, fill in the “I am teaching this class section” with the appropriate information for your class.

Notice the Start and End Dates. Basically, use dates that run from the beginning of the year to the beginning of the next school year (in case the student enters summer school).

Refer to the image on the next page for course names and class naming conventions.

Check the box “Automatically archive this class after the end date”.

Under Course Product, select the ALEKS course for your class.

Note that AQR does not have an ALEKS class directly associated with it.Teachers can re-name courses as desired. Including the school year is recommended.

4. Choose if you wish to use Quicktables or not.

Click “Create Class Now”.Quick tables are quick drills on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You can add them later if you wish.

5. Textbook integration allows you to select a book that goes along with the class. If you choose this option, you will see a screen such as the one on the right. Select the book that goes along with the class. Note that teachers can also go back to this setup screen later.

While working in ALEKS, students will see the correlating page number of their book that contains information on the current topic.

The next page shows how to enter students into a class.

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6. Hover your mouse over “Class Administration” and choose “Enroll/Pre-Register”.

7. You have a couple of options as to how to add students. You can type all names and ID#s, or you can copy and paste a spreadsheet of names and ID#s.

For instructions on copying and pasting, see page 12.

8. Let’s assume you choose to type the information.

Type in first name, last name, and Student ID#.

Click in the fourth menu box and select Password. Enter the student’s birthdate without slashes. Ex: 01022004

Continue until you have added all students, hitting “Add a new Row” as necessary.

Enter student names exactly as they appear in Infinite Campus.Exceptions: Please omit “Jr.”, “II”, or “III”.Always include a student ID#.

Leaving the password field blank will cause the system to create passwords composed of two random words.

9. You will see a review of the students that you entered. You can make corrections or confirm.

Shiny Shinerman must already be enrolled in this class, because another student with the same name and ID exists.

Sample Student1 exists in ALEKS, but not this class. He will be enrolled when you hit Confirm.7

Joe Blow is a new student to ALEKS. His account will be created and he will be enrolled in this class.

DeMar Bates generates an error because the name typed in does not match the name already in ALEKS with that student ID. Watch for apostrophes, spaces, and hyphens. Hit “Back” and correct the spelling. If you are sure that everything is correct and still get the error, select “Register” and Confirm.

Enrolling students from another CCS school

The first thing you should always do when enrolling a new student is ask the student if he was enrolled in another CCS school this current school year. If so, email Steve Hiner or Terra Baker so that the student’s account can be moved to your class. If you enroll a student who has already been working in ALEKS in another school, that student will have to start over or keep working in the old account. If working in the old account, you will not have any access to that student’s progress. We don’t want students to have multiple accounts; we want them to be moved to your class instead.

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Making a copy of another class (all teachers)

When would I want to do this?

Let’s say you add resources of your own to a class. Next year when the bulk upload is run, those items will not be present in newly-created classes. You can create a copy of the class with the resources and move students into it after the upload has been completed.

ALEKS admins can make a copy of a class from other teachers.

From the class creation menu, you will see the options above. Select the second option to create a copy of one of your classes. Select the third option to create a copy of another class within the district (for instance, the curriculum office may add resources to a course and make that available to you).

For option 2, you select the teacher and class you wish to copy.

For option 3, you will need to acquire the class code from the class you wish to copy. This code can be found on the top right of the screen when a class is selected.

Follow the onscreen prompts to continue creating the class.

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Moving students from one class to another (all teachers)

It’s easy for teachers to move students from one of their classes to another. Moving to another teacher will require the ALEKS admin in your building.

Select the class to which the student belongs.

Hover over “Class Administration” and click on “Class Roster”.

Click on the name of the student you wish to move.

Hover over “Student Administration” and select “Move/Unenroll”.

Select the new class to move the student to.

Removing/unenrolling a student from a class (all teachers)

Be very careful with this option. If students have completed any work in ALEKS, make sure they have been withdrawn from CCS in Infinite Campus before unenrolling them from your course. If a student returns to school after having been previously unenrolled, contact Steve Hiner or Terra Baker.

Click on “Class Administration”, “Class Roster”. Place a checkmark next to the name of the student(s) to remove from the class. Click on “Unenroll”.

Note: In the past, we used the “Hide” option. Due to recent problems with data from hidden students still appearing in reports, we can use the unenroll option instead.

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Moving students from one teacher to another (ALEKS admins only)

ALEKS admins can move a student from one teacher to another teacher. Follow the steps below. Please note that in order to move a student from one building to another building, you will need to contact Steve Hiner or Terra Baker.

Select the name of the teacher currently showing the student in his/her class.

Select the class to which the student belongs.

Hover over “Class Administration” and click on “Class Roster”.

Click on the name of the student you wish to move.

Hover over “Student Administration” and select “Move/Unenroll”.

Select the new instructor and class. Note that you can also click the check box next to a student name then select “Move” from the menu above the student list.

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How to enter a class into ALEKS by copying/pasting from CiMS/Excel (all teachers)

* Begin this section after completing Page 6, Step 6: How to enroll students in a class. *

First log into your CiMS account by going to http://www.ccsoh.org, clicking on Staff, then CiMS.

1. Click on the “Classrooms” button.

2. Select the class.

3. Click on “Student Analysis”.

4. Select “create your own report”.

5. For the “Analyze by” dialogue box, select “Personal”.

6. For the “Analysis group” dialogue box, select “Student ID”.7. Click “Add column”.

8. Click “Go to spreadsheet”.

9. Next to Tools, click on “Export to Excel”.

10. The spreadsheet will download to your computer. Sometimes the file appears in the browser in the bottom left corner. Clicking on it causes MS Excel to start and load the file. Alternatively, you can start Excel yourself and open the file. Look in the Downloads directory or on the desktop.11. Once the file loads in MS Excel, click on the 1 in the top left to select Row 1. Then, right click and select “Delete”. This removes the first row, leaving only names.

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12. Click on the B to select the entire Column B.

13. Right click and select “Insert”. This creates a blank column between Column A and Column B.

14. Click on A to select Column A.

15. At the top of the screen at the menu bar, select “Data”, then “Text to Columns”.

16. Make sure the radio button next to “Delimited” is checked. Click “Next”.

17. Uncheck “Tab” and instead check “Comma”.

18. Hit “Next”, then “Finish”.The last names and first names have been separated into Column A and Column B.19. You can now highlight all the names and IDs. Press Ctrl-C (or Command-C on a Mac) to copy the data into memory.

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20. When enrolling names in a class in ALEKS, you can now select “Copy and Paste”.

21. You will see a screen like this asking you to copy and paste names and IDs into the box. Press Ctrl-V (or Command-V on a Mac) to paste the data inside.

22. Click in the top row of boxes and change the text to, in order, “Last Name”, First Name”, and “Student ID”.

Return to Page 7, step 9.

Note: ALEKS has an issue with a name containing an apostrophe when copying and pasting. They are automatically replaced with spaces. You can manually change them back if you wish.

If you are comfortable with Excel, email Steve for a file that helps do most of this for you using a macro.

Sharing a class with another teacher (all teachers)

Hover your mouse over “Class Administration”. Then, select “Share class access”.

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You can then select the access level you would like to assign each instructor. See the online tips to see what each level of access allows.

When you view your classes, classes shared with you will appear as shown below.

Shared classes appear in your class list with the “s” next to the class title.

Teachers can copy assignments from teachers they share classes with (see page 18). Simply choose the teacher and assignment(s) you wish to copy:

Resetting a student’s initial assessment

When would you want to do this?

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The student used outside resources during the assessment or had help The student consistently clicked “I don’t know” during the assessment

Basically, you can reset the student’s initial assessment if you feel the assessment did not truly measure the student’s capabilities. Here’s how to do that.

1.       Login to the class.2.       Select the student from the drop-down menu.3.       Under the Assignments menu, select “Request Assessment”.

4.       Since you want to replace his initial assessment, select “Comprehensive Assessment”.5.       Confirm.

Deleting and archiving a class (all teachers)

To delete a class:

1) Hover your mouse over “Instructor Administration”. Select “Class List”.16

2) Place a checkmark in the box next to each class that you wish to delete. Click “Delete”.Note: If students are in the class, they must be unenrolled first. See page 9.

To archive a class:

Follow steps 1 and 2 as above, except in step 2 select “Archive” instead of “Delete”. Classes will become visible to teachers if they click the “+” sign next to the word “Archived” in their class list.

Building admins, help us out! If you see old classes in a teacher’s account, please archive them.

Creating online assignments

1. Select the class.

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2. Hover over Assignments and select “Assignments”.

3. Click “+ New Assignment”.

You can select several different types of assignments.

4. In STEP 1: Give the assignment a name, start date, end date.

You will not be able to extend a due date for Time, Topics, or Pie Progress assignments.

In STEP 2: You can randomly add any number of questions from any topic you wish. Or, you can click on the + signs next to topics to expand their descriptions. You then double click on the topic you want. Double click as many times as you wish for as many questions on that topic as you wish.

If you use a lot of assignments, uncheck the box in Section 4. Otherwise, students may never be given an assessment.

Tip: Double click on the actual question to view it.

5. Most of the other items can be left as their defaults. Click SAVE to save the assignment. When students log in they will see the assignment in addition to their Pie work. You can also print assignments. When you do this, you will see 5 different PDFs have been created for you.

Copying online assignments

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Teachers can copy (duplicate) assignments from one class to another. The classes must be the same course. ALEKS admins can copy assignments from one teacher to another (great for common assessments). You start with the class you want to have the assignment copied to. Then, you choose the class that already has the assignment in it that you wish to copy. ALEKS Admins can do the opposite: they can copy an assignment FROM one class TO another.

1. Navigate to the class that you want to copy an assignment TO. ALEKS admins: this could one of your classes or another teacher’s class.2. Click on “Assignments” then “Assignments” again.

3. Click on “+ New Assignment.”

4. Select “Duplicate From Another Class”.

5. Choose the class to copy the assignment FROM.

ALEKS admins: You will also choose the teacher to copy an assignment from, as shown at right.

6. Place a checkmark in the box next to the assignment to copy and click “Duplicate”. Confirm.

Creating worksheets

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One great feature ALEKS has is the ability to differentiate. The program “knows” what students are ready to learn next based on their assessments. You can print custom worksheets for each student by following the steps below.

1. Navigate to a class.2. Hover over “Assignments” and select “Worksheets”.

3. Click on “+ New Worksheet.”

4. Give the worksheet a name and click “Save”.

Students must have completed an initial assessment before worksheets can be created for them.

You will now see this screen:

Your worksheets are being generated and you will receive an email when they are available to be downloaded. This can take a long time, especially with large classes. Remember, each student is going to receive a custom worksheet so this file could be 100+ pages long.

Sometimes this feature “gets stuck”. If that happens, delete the worksheet and try again.

Adding your own resources to a class

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Let’s say you have an instruction or help sheet on the order of operations. When students are working in ALEKS on problems dealing with order of operations, you want that sheet available. You can do that!

While students are working in ALEKS, they will see the icons below:

Instructor resources will appear when items you created in a class are available to the student.

Videos from ConnectEd have been added to provide tutorials for students where available.

Textbook integration will show what section/page a student can go to for more reference in the textbook.

To add resources, first navigate to the class. Then click on “Class Tools”, “Resources” as shown below:

Click “Add Resources” and follow the on-screen prompts to select the file to upload. You can also simply create a Note that students would see while working on a topic.

Check the box below:

Select which topics for which you want to have the resource available. Select “Save” at the bottom.

Grouping students by what they are “Ready to Learn” in ALEKS

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One powerful feature of ALEKS is the ability to differentiate. ALEKS can tell you what topics a student is ready to learn, based on what that student has already mastered. You can then view groups of students within a class who are ready to learn the same topics (also popular in summer school).

Here’s how:

Select a class. Then, go to “Reports” and click on “ALEKS Pie”.

Under “Show”, choose “Current Progress” or one of the Knowledge Check options.

Locate the topic that you want information on and click on the percentage in the Ready to Learn column. In the example below, we clicked on the 41% for Whole number place value: Problem type 2.

That will give you the list of students who are ready to learn this particular topic.

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You can also view other topics that these same students are ready to learn by clicking the word “show”:

Also, be sure to look at student who attempted but did not learn a topic. See if you can help that student one on one.

Common Errors

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Problem: Students sometimes get “kicked out” of ALEKS.

When a student makes a mistake on a question twice, the program will display the correct answer. If the student then tries to go back and answer the question correctly (using ALT-left cursor), ALEKS will display the following message:

“Session ended! You have already seen the answer to this problem. Please log back in to continue learning.”

ALEKS FAQ

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While enrolling a student, I misspelled his name. Can I correct his name and username?To correct a spelling error, go to the class and choose the student. Click on “Account Summary”. Then, select “Edit”. You can change information (including password) and save it as desired.

Note that you cannot change the username created by ALEKS. You will need to contact ALEKS customer support to do this for you (district admins cannot change it, either).

I moved from one building to another. Do I keep my old username?ALEKS requires us to create a new account for you when you move to a new building. Watch your email before a new year begins for new login information. You can also email Steve or Terra. Be careful not to sign in under your old account.

Does ALEKS have the ability to read to students?You can install the plug-in Speakit! for Chrome browsers. This will allow the student to highlight text and have it spoken.

I see there’s a gradebook function. Can I set it up to work in 4 grading periods?To use the gradebook quarterly, teachers have to create a new class each grading period, move their students into that new class, and start the gradebook over again each quarter.

How long do students work before a new knowledge check is requested?Students are asked to complete a knowledge check after working 5 hours in ALEKS, learning 20 topics, or completing an objective. After long periods of inactivity in a student’s account, ALEKS may request a new knowledge check for that student.

Creative ways our teachers are using ALEKS in the classroom

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1 When we had computer lab time, we would spend 30-60 minutes a week having the students work on ALEKS.

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2 When I get the Chromebooks, once a week, my students get on for 20-30 min. I also use it for my gifted students when they are ready to move on before the rest of the class.

3 We require students to login 1x/week at school for 40 mins and to advance 3 topics.4 Weekly assignment. Periodic knowledge checks.5 We use Chrome books in the classroom once a week and went to the computer lab for an hour each week.6 We used it daily for the problem of the day, watched some of the videos and as a guide in completing the text.7 We used ALEKS, sometimes, first thing upon walking in the room. With four computers, students did this only once a

week. Students who completed assignments early could get on ALEKS while others were finishing up. We recently got Chromebook carts, so students have sometimes had the opportunity to use ALEKS at that time.

8 Once a week in lab when available, students work on independent paths.9 We use it during our computer lab time and some students get to use it as they finish their classwork.10 We use daily - the students get on ALEKS when other groups are in small groups getting instruction.11 We use ALEKS for small group instruction. The students use their pie to see mastery and email me with questions.12 We use ALEKS during our computer lab and it is a choice during center time in the classroom. Students enjoy sending

messages asking questions and sharing successes.13 We use ALEKS as a center and then try to designate one 30-minute block each week to the whole class doing ALEKS

while the teacher moves through the room and instructs on the specific ALEKS topics for each student or pulls small groups.

14 We rotate students every morning as they enter the room. We use it during our weekly time in the computer lab. We encourage students to use it at home and reward those who do.

15 We have a designated computer lab time built into our bi-weekly schedule, when the lab is not being used for testing.16 We have 4 computers in the room and those students who follow computer rules are allowed to do ALEKS at least once

per week.17 We go to the computer lab every other week and students are assigned to work 2 hours and master at least 10 topics

every 2 weeks.18 We complete ALEKS every Monday the entire class period. We also use it for intervention during CORE E during

stations.19 Our kids use it at school on a weekly basis, and I have about 50% of my kids using the program at home as well.21 Using chrome books made it a lot easier to have students get on more frequently. Also, setting goals for students and

recognizing how many topics they learned in a certain time period helped encourage and motivate them.22 Used it to work on work for individual work.23 Used it for test, assessment, extra credit.24 Use of Chromebooks and through scheduled library time.25 The students work at their own pace during computer time in and out of class.26 The students use ALEKS once a week when it is our turn to have the Chromebooks.27 Students use ALEKS twice a week at school; once as a large group and throughout the week in small groups. They

also spend at least 20 minutes a week at from home in ALEKS for homework. Most of the time students work on their own paths.

28 Students have a chance to works on ALEKS during their Technology class for about 15 minutes each week. Students are asked to complete assignments as a part of their weekly homework.

29 Students get on Chromebooks once a week and do ALEKS.30 Students get ALEKS to get practice.31 Students began with pre-assessment and worked through their path. I also create and assign quizzes based on what

we are covering or have covered in the classroom. They also use quick tables.32 Students are awarded classroom tickets for earning topics on ALEKS. Monthly drawing for rewards. Students set topic

goals each quarter in their data notebooks. Students get on ALEKS during computer lab centers and when work is complete and there is extra class time.

33 Stations and computer lab time.34 Scheduled once a week in the computer lab. Assigned on-line tests and quizzes. Had a contest for the first of my

classes to reach an average of 100 additional topics to earn a donut party. Scheduled a 2-week time where students must complete 20 additional topics (of their own path/choice) to equal a test. After school opportunities to participate and get tutoring on ALEKS. Each additional topic would equal 2 extra credit points. Every 2 additional topics equals one Jolly Rancher candy.

35 Required practice twice weekly. Students should be working at home at least 20 minutes nightly [if they have a computer and internet access].

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36 Our building has assigned computer lab time every day during Core Enrichment, during which classes take turns going to the lab to use ALEKS. So, every class is able to get in once a week.

37 Once a week during computer lab.38 My students log in to ALEKS weekly during the assigned computer lab times. Each student was given the login

information to take home. I know a few of them are logging in at home.39 My students have weekly assignments in ALEKS. They also use ALEKS at least once a week to work on specific skills

and/or objectives.40 My students do ALEKS every Friday for 90 minutes.41 My students are required to be on ALEKS two hours a week and pass 7 topics per week. I give them grades on both

time and topic. Any additional time or topics they complete is given as extra credit to boost their grade.42 It is an optional assignment, grade is recorded before interim and before the end of the nine weeks, so my student are

required twice to take the knowledge check during my class during a nine weeks.43 I used it for students who finished early as an independent center. I also used it for ELO tutoring and strongly

suggested it for home use with parents.44 I used ALEKS three times a week at the beginning of the year.45 I use Assignments to assess learning of specific topics. Using student pathways to strengthen skills.46 I use it for my 3 higher math students.47 I use ALEKS in my classroom for center time. The students are either with me during instruction, with my co-teacher for

small group instruction or on ALEKS.48 I use ALEKS as mandatory homework and individual in class work. Students must master 12 topics per week and log

on for 2 hours per week. I monitor it weekly using time on topic report. They are given an incentive and it's used in their grade.

49 I use ALEKS a few times a week for my students. I rotate them on my computers while others are being instructed in a small group. I am a special education teacher and I like that the ALEKS program exposes them to material that is challenging.

50 I use AEKS as one of my centers and a portion of my computer lab time.51 I take my students to a lab about every other week and have them work on their pathway. I only started this second

semester. Next year, I would like to have students start at the beginning of the year and use it more regularly.52 I print off a worksheet each week for my students. Each worksheet has 25 problems, so the students do 5 problems a

day each day as morning work. The students also do 30 minutes for ALEKS work a week on their own pathway. I really like how this differentiates math for them.

53 I managed to get three computer lab times per week. My students used ALEKS then.54 I LOVE ALEKS. It is great to cater to each child individually. We go twice a week for a period to work on ALEKS. I have

seen growth with every student.55 I LOVE ALEKS I have added a bulletin board that shows the path of each student and this motivates my class to move

their "bug" down the path. I will have 3 pie parties by the end of the year, for those that have completed a portion of the pie. I use the IEP report for all students to help myself and their families. The students are very proud of their accomplishments and see their growth. I also use the email to have 2-way conversations with my students, and I am able to make math time a one-on-one time at least once/week with the email option. Looking forward to adding more ALEKS time and adding more of the ALEKS features next year!

56 I have utilized ALEKS as math review and count Class Worksheets as a homework grade. Since the skills are individually selected for each student, I feel this is a fair way to grade them because the work is their level.

57 I have the students broken into ability groups. Each group rotates between small group time with me, ALEKS, and independent work. This allows for each student to be on ALEKS every day, except for the occasional days when I do whole-group instruction or we are taking a test or quiz.I also encourage students to earn extra credit by using ALEKS at home.

58 I have made ALEKS a part of their grade. It is a requirement. Students who state they don't have a computer at home usually have a smart phone and can do it on there. Students who want to succeed will find a way to become successful.

59 I had to provide real incentives to get my students to work on-line on ALEKS. They much preferred other math programs such as prodigy and splash math and math is fun because of its fun format and immediate feedback.

60 I had students complete 30 minutes and 2 topics completed each class period that we worked on ALEKS.61 I assign my students to complete 1 hour of ALEKS per week AND they must also complete/master 10 lessons per

week. About once or twice per month, I can take my kids to the library or use the chrome cart to allow my students to log in and work on ALEKS or give them an assessment. However, with almost all computers being tied up by AIR testing for a while, students must log their hours outside of class/school. I can occasionally send students during lunch to work on ALEKS if the library is available, but we are limited to sending only 4-5 students per day.

62 I am encouraging students to work on ALEKS once a week.

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1. Help students obtain prerequisite skills and step by step basic math knowledge.2. All tests are getting online, so it is important to practice on online assessments.

63 I am able to use ALEKS throughout the day. I use small group instruction and almost always have 4 students working on ALEKS or ConnectEd.

64 Extra time for practicing skills.65 During the month of March, I had a competition called "ALEKS Math Madness" off of basketball March madness. I used

brackets and matched students against each other. The student who spent the most time working on ALEKS advanced to the next round. The winner in each class earned a $10 gift card to the place of their choice.Throughout the year, I offered extra credit to any student that spent 30 minutes or more on ALEKS each week (outside of the school day).

66 During my math rotations, students have 20 minutes on the computer for ALEKS two days per week and on other days students did ST Math.

67 Daily during centers.68 Competitions based on topics learned.69 Centers on Fridays.70 As one piece of our weekly computer lab time; as family assisted homework; as enrichment for advanced kids.71 As a homework and practice tool.72 ALEKS was an integral part of the class. The support was beneficial for students. The differentiation helped students to

close gaps and prepare for classroom instruction.73 ALEKS was a part of our weekly program and built into our weekly routine. We go twice a week for the second block of

our class. I create homework for students which I call their assignment that are aligned with their IEP goals collecting real-time data, the students enjoy showing me when they've earned a start for completing a task and they enjoy conferencing with me about their progress. The pie chart allows students to see, on their level, exactly where their math abilities fall. Additionally, I love the IEP goals feature that outlines exactly what a student has learned, is learning and needs to learn.

74 ALEKS is used often in the classroom. Sometimes I have to sit with students to assist with concepts ALEKS is giving them. I use it during technology time in class. Since I use the pathway, ALEKS meets them where they are as it relates to math. I have found I can take them to a concept I'm teaching in class. Now, I will incorporate it in order for the students to master a concept.

75 ALEKS is used as a center and during computer lab time when we get it.76 ALEKS is a home thing. I assign specific assignments to kids in the area in which they need more help. We also have

classroom competitions where students compete for pizza parties by "winning" at time on ALEKS, mastery of certain skills, most completed pie graph, etc.

77 ALEKS is a center my students rotate through and is great for differentiation and practice for the AIR and MAP tests.78 ALEKS has been used as station work and homework.79 20-40 minutes of individual work time weekly for all students.80 ALEKS is 20% of the grade. We try to go to the lab once a week or 1/5 days. Students are to complete 15 modules per

week. Third quarter students get a jolly rancher for completing some modules. I try to circulate the room while they are working. The ALEKS is the only place where students can receive extra credit.

81 3 group rotation; 1 group ALEKS; 1 group independent practice; 1 group teacher ledIn addition, students are required to spend 2 hours a week on ALEKS.

82 15 minutes at beginning of computer lab time.

Other ideas shared with us:

Complete a certain number of topics to earn free computer time Require a number of topics and earn bonus points for additional ones In one school, there is one teacher who does ALEKS for ALL classes. Then, other teachers

cover his class while their class is in the lab with him. Competition where students completing their pie get to hit a teacher in the face with a pie Display graphics or pies on the wall and reward top 3 students Students can only walk across stage for grade 8 graduation if all topics are completed Core enrichment, once a month, 5 days straight When students complete 5 topics, take a pic and email it to their parents

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