Evaluating Algebra 1 Textbook & Reading Strategies Essay -- Education

Introduction In Yorba Buena high school, English Language Learning (ELL) student face obstacles connecting with the textbooks and comprehending the academic content. Section 10.1 of the Algebra 1 textbook (Larson, Boswell, Kanold & Stiff, 2007) is analyzed for comprehensibility and strategies to support students to connect with the text at intellectual level (Vacca, Vacca & Mraz, 2011). The chapter ten of the textbook will be thought at a tenth grade class during the week of March 11, 2012. Most of the learners in this Algebra 1 class are classified as level three and level four ELL students (California department of Education, 1999) and most of the students speak fluent conversational English. A page from section 10.1 of the Algebra 1 textbook is included (Appendix A, Figure x), page consist of about 250 words and defines five new content specific low frequency vocabulary. Text book Analysis Section 10.1 of the Algebra 1 textbook analysis is performed in the context of a specific classroom, students, reading proficiency, and learning goals. In essence textbook is evaluated from reader’s perspective and the learning of complex and abstract mathematical models. Chapter 10 objective is to develop foundation to graph and solve quadratic equations (Larson, Boswell, Kanold & Stiff, 2007). Applicable California Common Core Content Standards for Mathematics are moderately vigor and requires students to: 1. Complete the square in a quadratic expression to reveal the maximum or minimum value of the function it defines. (Common Core Standard A-SSE-3b) 2. Create equations in two or more variables to represent relationships between quantities; graph equations on coordinate axes with labels and scales (limit to linear and quadratic). (Co... ...(Exhibit C, Figure 3) of Concept Definition (CD), (Vacca, Vacca & Mraz, 2011, p.256). Graphic organizers are effective tool in conjunction with sheltered instructional pedagogy to scaffold ELL students to access grade level content. â€Æ' Works Cited California department of Education. (1999). Retrieved on March 10, 2012 from http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/englangdevstnd.pdf California department of Education, K-12 California’s Common Core Content Standards for Mathematics (2010). Retrieved March 10, 2012 from http://www.scoe.net/castandards/agenda/2010/math_ccs_recommendations.pdf Larson, R., Boswell, L., Kanold, T. D., & Stiff, L. (2006). Algebra 1. McDougal Littell/Houghton Mifflin. Vacca, Richard T., Vacca, Jo Anna L., and Mraz, Maryann (2011). Content Area Reading: Literacy and Learning Across the Curriculum(10th Edition). Boston: Pearson.