About Learning is excited to introduce 4MAT 4 Algebra, a revolutionary new approach to teaching Algebra I.

When the authors began reconstructing Algebra to make it more meaningful for students they were struck by the high level of content similarity among all major Algebra texts, and the total lack of agreement or guidelines for teachers regarding the overarching ideas that comprise Algebra I instruction. So, this Algebra course helps answer two key questions …

What are some of the most significant ideas taught in Algebra?

How can these concepts tie together the extensive content taught in an Algebra I course?

To answer these questions, the authors had to re-organize instruction to make it more engaging for students. They considered the essence of what they were teaching, they met with their peers about how to make Algebra Instruction more meaningful and they spent considerable time refining and honing their ideas.

The outcome…

an elegant and practical way of organizing Algebra instruction so that all students will find it more engaging, more meaningful and more memorable.

INTRODUCING 4MAT 4 ALGEBRA I

4MAT 4 Algebra is founded on 10 over-arching ideas that establish the conceptual glue for the teaching of Algebra I. These concepts pull together a host of disparate facts into a cohesive whole. They help students see the forest from the trees.

Each unit plan is taught over a 2-3 week timeframe. Each unit connects to the real lives, interests and experiences of students. And each unit also provides actionable ways for students to make learning their own through individual applications and extensions of knowledge Students learn best when they explore the significance of key ideas and integrate learning in their own unique ways and this course is organized around these key principles. Students will never feel they are learning “because it’s on the test.” Every concept begins with student’s own experiences and ends in adaptation of learning.

The student materials that accompany this course are designed to give students hands on practice in creating their own projects to help demonstrate their own knowledge and expertise. To take new knowledge into the world.

NOTE: These materials are not intended to replace a textbook, as the practice exercises and worksheets included in Algebra I texts are critical to support student mastery.