High School Algebra Goals

• Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.SSE.A.1.A

• Vocabulary worksheet with terms, variables, etc
• Translating expressions from words to expressions
• Vocab and beyond

Mike can solve simple equations like x+5=6 for x with 80% accuracy. Given a vocabulary chart, he can identify coefficients, terms, expressions, and equations. He needs significant teacher support to translate a statement like “the boy had some toys and got five more” into an algebraic expression (10% accuracy).

• Given access to notes, Name will interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients, translating statements into simple algebraic expressions with 80% accuracy as measured by teacher records and observations CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.SSE.A.1.A

• Make it easier: Focus on vocabulary; “identifying factors, terms, coefficients, constants, and like terms in an algebraic expression”
• Make it harder: Remove the supports of notes 

• Solve quadratic equations in one variable. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.REI.B.4

• Identifying quadratic equations and possible solutions
• Solve quadratic equations by factoring or this
• Solve quadratic equations using the formula

Given a value for a variable, Linda can input it into an algebraic equation and check whether the equation works with 80% accuracy. She can solve simple equations like 5x + 3= 23 with 50% accuracy. She needs significant support to solve quadratic equations (0% accuracy).

• Given a calculator or multiplication chart, Name will solve quadratic equations in one variable with 80% accuracy as measured by teacher records and observations CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.REI.B.4

• Make it easier: Specify that the problems are already set up in the form ax²+bx+c=0
• Make it harder: Specify the technique used for solving the equation, like factoring or using the quadratic equation.

• Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable, including equations with coefficients represented by letters. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.REI.B.3

• Solving inequalities
• Solving simple linear equations
• Solving multi-step equations

Mina can solve simple equations with addition and subtraction with 60% accuracy, equations with multiplication and division with 50% accuracy, and multi-step equations with 20% accuracy.

• Given a calculator or multiplication chart, Name will solve linear equations in one variable, including equations with coefficients represented by letters., with 80% accuracy as measured by teacher records and observations CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.REI.B.3

• Make it easier: Limit the operations in the equations or specify single-step
• Make it harder: Add in “and inequalities”

• Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same reasoning as in solving equations. For example, rearrange Ohm’s law V = IR to highlight resistance R. CCSS.Math.Content.HSA.CED.A.4

• Rearranging equations worksheet
• More complicated rearranging of equations

Juno can solve one-step equations like x+5=10 with 50% accuracy. She can isolate the variable in an equation with 40% accuracy.

• Name will rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same reasoning as in solving equations, for example rearranging V=IR to R=V/I, with 80% accuracy as measured by teacher records and observations CCSS.Math.Content.HSA.CED.A.4

• Make it easier: Provide the student with access to notes.
• Make it harder: The standard stops here, but you could add on “and solve the equation” or specify that this should happen in the context of real-world problems.

• Solve systems of linear equations exactly and approximately (e.g., with graphs), focusing on pairs of linear equations in two variables. CCSS.Math.Content.HSA.REI.C.6

• Solve systems of equations by graphing and elimination
• Solve systems of equations by graphing, elimination, and substitution

Nina can solve one-variable, multi-step equations with 70% accuracy. She uses a guess and check method to solve two variable equations, solving them with 20% accuracy.

• Given access to notes, Name will solve systems of linear equations, focusing on pairs of linear equations in two variables, using graphs or the elimination method with 80% accuracy as measured by teacher records and observations CCSS.Math.Content.HSA.REI.C.6

• Make it easier: Just focus on solving by graphing or elimination.
• Make it harder: Remove the supports or add in solving by substitution.