Algebra I

Typical Algebra I Performance on the CST

Advanced

Algebra I students at the advanced level have a strong understanding of number properties and logical reasoning. They understand equations, including absolute value equations, roots, and systems of linear equations. They are able to manipulate rational expressions. In addition, they fully understand the concept of functions. These students are adept at all aspects of graphing, including linear equations and inequalities. They have a strong understanding of polynomials, including factoring. Also, these students have an understanding of quadratic equations, including graphing and solving.

Proficient

Algebra I students at the proficient level have a solid understanding of rational numbers and their properties. They understand algebraic expressions. These students have a solid understanding of polynomials, including simplifying and factoring. Proficient students understand graphing, including intercepts and point-slope equations. These students are adept at solving problems involving context.

Basic

Algebra I students at the basic level have a limited understanding of the basic concepts of Algebra I. They have some understanding of algebraic expressions, including monomials. These students understand basic properties of real numbers, such as exponents and the distributive property. The basic student has a limited understanding of graphs of functions (linear and quadratic). These students can solve some problems, including one-step equations and word problems.

Below Basic

Algebra I students at the below basic level have a minimal understanding of the concept of variable and other foundational topics of Algebra I. These students have difficulty manipulating algebraic expressions. They have little understanding of functions and their graphs. They have some understanding of number properties.