MAP Data How to use it in the Algebra 2 8^th grade classroom

Sample Lesson Graphing Absolute Value Functions

Based on lesson 2.8 Algebra 2 McDougal Littell © 1995-2006

Step 1: Using the general MAP scores for each class, group the students by ability. These are flexible groups for this lesson only. (see transparency)

Create groups of 3-4 students and place each group in a tier (T-1, T-2, T-3) with Tier 3 the most challenging and Tier 1 the most basic.

Step 2: Evaluate the problems in the lesson by difficulty and assign each problem to a tier.

The Lesson:

Introduction: Explain that today they will be working in small groups. Explain that each group will have a different problem to study, solve, and prepare for presentation. When groups present, the rest of the class will be evaluated on participation. The expectation is that each student will have at least one intelligent question or comment to offer.

Mini Lesson: (What do they need to know that’s new?) Teach the “Big Nasty Formula” for solving absolute value functions.

Guided/Group Work: The class breaks into their small, pre-assigned groups. They meet to solve their assigned problem and prepare a presentation.

Sharing: Each group presents & explains the problem and solution. They field questions and comments.

*Each student in the class must make one intelligent observation or ask one question during the sharing. The students will be checked off as they do this.

Debriefing: As time allows, the class will discuss how this lesson went and what they learned from one another.

Homework/Practice

Each group is given an “assignment card” with problems for homework. The homework problems, like the class problems, have been tiered for difficulty. Each homework card assigns 5-6 problems from the text along with an assignment to write an intelligent and practical problem in the format of the lesson.