Many of my students struggle with math, and sometimes they struggle with school in general -- but in Algebra A we find ways to meet those struggles head on and improve ourselves despite our difficulties.
I teach Algebra A, which is a slower-paced Algebra I course that is designed for students who struggle with mathematics. For the most part, freshmen take this course, but some upperclassmen take it as well. Many of my students have learning disabilities that make memorizing math facts and procedures difficult. Therefore, we focus on basic algebraic skills and practice them often in class both independently and cooperatively with others.
My school is located in a city with a high poverty rate, which affects both my students' supplies and their attitude toward education. They often do not have paper and pencils with which to do their assignments in class, which means they also do not have those supplies available to them at home to complete homework. Often, education is not a priority at home, making it difficult for many of them to complete assignments after class. Thus, most if not all practice must be completed in the classroom if it is to be completed at all.
To account for these issues, my students need dry erase boards and markers that they can use repeatedly in my classroom to practice their math skills. A classroom set of boards and markers would avoid the need for continually replenishing paper and pencils. Moreover, the activities we can complete in class on the dry erase boards, such as Jeopardy-type review games during which students can either work independently or with a partner, can provide the practice they need to be successful in the course. These types of activities also foster excitement for learning as well as cooperation and social skills, all of which help students become successful in high school, college, and the workforce after graduation.
Your help will ensure that my students are able to practice math skills that are vital to their success both now and in the years to come, despite their financial limitations and other obstacles they face at home.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Arnold and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.