ALEKS Math

St. Gabriel has purchased student subscriptions to a web-based math assessment and learning system called ALEKS. Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces is a Web-based assessment and learning system. It uses adaptive questioning, selecting questions with a specific level of difficulty based on previous responses, to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a course. ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics he or she is most ready to learn. As a student works through a course, it periodically reassesses the student to ensure that topics learned are also retained. ALEKS courses are very complete in their topic coverage and ALEKS avoids multiple-choice questions. A student who shows a high level of mastery of an ALEKS course will be successful in the actual course he or she is taking.

ALEKS also provides the advantages of one-on-one instruction, 24/7, from virtually any Web-based computer for a fraction of the cost of a human tutor. It allows for individual review, learning and enrichment for each student.

We have begun by using the program during the math class period and independent study times. It will not replace the normal lesson, but will be used as an additional tool. ALEKS has the capacity to support remedial or advanced study depending on the achievement level of the student.

Students will be encouraged to access it outside of class on an optional basis. Eventually, students will be required to spend a certain amount of time each week working in ALEKS outside of class. We will continue to use the program in class from time to time through grouping activities.

Your student has already received a personal login and password. If interested, parents can also register as users for a free trial period by clicking here.

Click HERE for the ALEKS Login pag e

How to successfully utilize ALEKS Math on your home computer:
In order for ALEKS Math to function pro perly on your home computer system, you may need to install a small plug-in and verify that you have the current version of Java. Java is likely already installed on your computer as it is used by many programs that you already run on your system, including Sycamore Education. To download or update Java, go to http://www.java.com/ and click "Do I have Java?" and then click "verify". The program will check for installation or updates to your current Java configuration. (Don't let the Java update package load any web add-ons like the 'Google Toolbar' unless you want them installed!)

To download the ALEKS plug-ins, go to http://www.aleks.com/. Click on the DOWNLOADS link in the upper right hand corner. Click the green "DOWNLOAD" button to install the current plug-in. You may need to restart your web browser, but when your child logs in to ALEKS Math they should be able to utilize all of the program features.