EMS513

Fall 2006

Algebra for All assignment:

I. Write a reflection about your beliefs and educated opinion (based on readings/research) about the issues of requiring Algebra for All. (2 pages)

II. Write a public statement of your beliefs with recommendations for how to best achieve, revise, or abandon the policy on Algebra for All students in NC. Consider using one of the following Role/Audiences. (2 pages)

Your Role	Your Audience
Teacher in school	Parents
Middle/High School Department Chair	Teachers in School
University Teacher Educator	State Board of Education (DPI) OR Local County Mathematics Administrators
University Math Department Faculty	State Board of Education (DPI) OR Local County Mathematics Administrators

Whichever role/audience you are using for Part II, your statement needs to address recommendations for how to educate the parents/community on Algebra for All. There should also be an obvious connection between what you write in Part I and what you present in your statement in Part II.

Scoring Rubric

	Percent of score	Unacceptable/Poor (1)	Acceptable/Fair (2)	Target: Excellent (3)
Reflection about your beliefs and educated opinion (based on readings/research) about the issues of requiring Algebra for All. (2 pages)	45%	Reflection provides evidence of beliefs and opinions that is only supported by practical experience.	Reflection provides evidence of beliefs and opinions that are only somewhat supported by readings and research in conjunction with any practical experience.	Reflection provides evidence of beliefs and opinions that are supported by readings and research in conjunction with any practical experience.
Public statement of your beliefs with recommendations for how to best achieve, revise, or abandon the policy on Algebra for All students in NC. Consider using one of the following Role/Audiences. (2 pages)	45%	· Statement does not make a clear recommendation for how to achieve, revise, or abandon policy. · rationale for recommendation is not provided or is not clear · Statement gives little recommendations for how to educate the parents/ community on Algebra for All. · There is a disconnect between opinion in Part I and statement in Part II.	· Statement makes an unclear recommendation for how to achieve, revise, or abandon policy. · Sufficient rationale is provided for recommendation. · Statement gives some recommendations for how to educate the parents/community on Algebra for All. · There is somewhat of a connection between opinion in Part I and statement in Part II.	· Statement makes a clear recommendation for how to achieve, revise, or abandon policy. · Clear rationale is provided for recommendation. · Statement gives appropriate recommendations for how to educate the parents/community on Algebra for All. · There is an obvious connection between opinion in Part I and statement in Part II.
Overall grammar and presentation of argument	10%	§ Limited range of sentence variation. § Clichés, slang, vague language, and awkward wording are used in excess. § Spelling and punctuation errors are numerous. § Writing is not professional nor appropriate for audience.	§ Both simple and complex syntax are adequately used. § Clichés, slang, vague language, and awkward wording may sometimes be used. § There are spelling and punctuation errors. § Writing is professional but may not be appropriate for audience.	§ Flexible use of a wide range of sentence levels. § Clichés, slang, vague language, and awkward wording are rare. § Few, if any, spelling or punctuation errors § Writing is professional and appropriate for audience.