PCI Education Breaks New Ground in Algebra Intervention

SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With many states requiring Algebra I to graduate from high school, algebra has become one of the gateway courses to school and career success. Yet upwards of 60 to 70 percent of students struggle with algebra or fail to pass state-mandated proficiency exams. PCI Education, the premier provider of resources for students with specialized instructional needs, introduces Algebra City™, a blended intervention program focusing on the 28 most common algebraic misconceptions.

Research shows that many students misunderstand the concepts, procedures and representations needed to master and pass Algebra I. Algebra City aims to keep students on track by using pinpoint assessment to identify where a student is struggling conceptually, and providing thorough and multiple approaches to correcting the misconception. Algebra City may be used for intervention with any core Algebra I curriculum.

According to Algebra City author Dr. Donna Craighead, the program's four Student Editions differ from traditional algebra textbooks. Whereas textbooks use a linear model, as an intervention program Algebra City uses assessment data to target instruction only where needed. The graphic novel-style Student Editions use avatar-like characters to encourage students to re-engage with algebra in new and exciting ways, including an online adventure island where students can solve practice problems.

"With Algebra City, students construct meaning through multiple representations, mathematical models, scaffolded examples, peer-to-peer discussions, purposeful writing, and links to real-world examples," said Craighead. For teachers, the program offers easy-to-use instructional support. The Teacher's Edition features point-of-use references to help educators uncover misconceptions, test students' conclusions and engage them in active instruction.

Aligned to the Common Core State Standards, Algebra City is a four-part series, with each book covering seven misconceptions. The series is divided into Algebra Essentials, Equations & Inequalities, Graphing, and Polynomials & Factoring. The ExamView Assessment Suite for Algebra City includes readymade pre- and post-tests at the program, book and unit levels, an item bank and test generator, and robust reporting.

"Too often, students struggle to learn critical algebra skills they need both inside and outside the classroom," said Lee Wilson, president and CEO of PCI Education. "Algebra City is targeted intervention that encourages students to reconnect to algebra in one or more areas of misunderstanding, while allowing teachers to leverage the investment in their core algebra curriculum."

Algebra City is one of five new offerings from PCI Education that provide intensive intervention and remediation in reading, writing, and math for students in grades 6-12.  

About PCI Education

PCI Education offers more than 7,500 educational materials for a wide range of students with specialized instructional needs. The company's products are used to help students performing below grade level, students with learning differences, and students with significant or developmental disabilities such as autism. In addition, PCI programs are used in English language learner and adult literacy classes. Based in San Antonio, PCI Education has been helping educators lead students to success in school, at home and in the community since 1991. For more information, visit www.pcieducation.com.

For more information:
--Emily Embury, C. Blohm & Associates, Inc., 608-216-7300, ext. 19, [email protected]
--Denise Jacks, PCI Education, 800-594-4263, ext. 123, [email protected]

SOURCE PCI Education