First Year Seminar - Learning Framework Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

EDUC-1100-B106 First Year Seminar - Learning Framework

Prerequisites

Course Description

A study of the: research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition and motivation; factors that impact learning; and application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition and motivation serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college-level student academic strategies. Students use assessment instruments (e.g., learning inventories) to help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners. Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic programs and become effective and efficient learners. Students developing these skills should be able to continually draw from the theoretical models they have learned.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(1 sem hr; 1 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Elayn Martin-Gay, Beginning Algebra, Sixth Edition, Pearson; ISBN: 978-0-321-78491-9

Supplies

Required Materials

• Textbook 
• Blue-line gragh paper - 4 or 5 square per inch
• Blue-line notebook paper, pencils, erasers, a ruler or straightedge.
• Skill Drill booklet to be purchased in the AC Bookstore.
• Students may use a scientific calculator with no graphing capabilities 
• Amarillo College Student I.D. (for testing and tutoring) 

Student Performance

Student Performance/Learning Outcomes

• Apply the four arithmetic operations using the order of operations on signed numbers.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of imaginary numbers.
• Apply the rules for exponents to simplify expressions.
• Apply the arithmetic operations with polynomials and work with the many applications of polynomials.
• Apply the four arithmetic operations using the order of operations on algebraic expressions.
• Algebraically solve linear equations in one variable.
• Graph linear equations in two variables using ordered pairs and intercepts, and using the slope-intercept method.
• Solve systems of linear equations in two variables using methods of graphing, substitution and addition.
• Algebraically solve and graph linear inequalities in one variable.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of geometry applications.
• Understand and apply factoring to binomials, trinomials, and four-term polynomials.
• Apply algebraic skills to solve equations from various types of stated problems, then state the solution in a complete sentence. 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Behavioral Expectations/Classroom Ground Rules

Students are expected to behave in the classroom in a manner that is supportive of the learning environment. Behaviors that are not supportive include, but are not limited to: tardiness/leaving early; electronic device noises; talking during lectures; abusive, offensive, or disrespectful language; abusive, offensive, or disrespectful demeanor toward AC faculty, staff, students and/or property. In order to receive credit for a course, all material listed on the syllabus must be covered. The instructor sets the pace to ensure that these requirements are met. Complaining about the pace will not result in less material being covered. Students who fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or “Student’s Rights & Responsibilities” will be subject to disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to: removal from the classroom; consultation with the Mathematics and Engineering Department Chair and/or other AC authority; withdrawal from the course and/or the college.

Policy On Cheating and Plagiariam

Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated in any math course at Amarillo College. On the first day of class, you will be required to sign and date a Course Contract. Included in the contract is the following statement: "I fully understand that if I cheat, or attempt to cheat, on any test I will receive an automatic “F” in the course.  This grade will go on my permanent transcript and cannot be removed.  Cheating includes, but is not limited to: the use of a calculator with graphing capabilities and the use of cell phone calculators, the illegal use of books, notes, cell phones, copying or leaving the Math Testing Center with a test or questions from a test. Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students to cheat on a test." 
You will not be allowed to take your tests until this contract is signed and on file in the Math Testing Center. 
  Please Note: NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!

Food/Drink and Cell Phone Policy

Food and drink are allowed in the Outreach Center and may be allowed in the classroom setting at the instructor's discretion. Only drinks are only allowed in the developmental math testing room. Cell phones should be turned off, or in silent mode In the classrooms, Outreach Center, and the Math Testing Center. Cell phone calculators may not be used at any time.  MP3 players or any other device requiring headphones are not allowed in the Math Testing Center room.

Grading Criteria

Testing

All tests, including the final exam, will be taken in the Math Testing Center and may be taken during normal Math Testing Center hours, day or evening.Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture time.  If the exam is retaken, the higher of the scores is counted. Students in Beginning Algebra may use a scientific calculator with no graphing capabilities.
Please note: No tests will be given out less than one hour before the Math Testing Center closing time.You must present an Amarillo College picture I.D. every time you take a test in the Math Testing Center.The Math Testing Center staff will retain your I.D. while you take your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test.

Chapter Tests

 Tests over each chapter must be completed by the deadlines set by your instructor. Your instructor will announce first attempt test deadline and a second attempt test deadline. The tests will be graded by your instructor and stored in the Math Testing Center during the semester. You may review a test you have already taken any time the Math Testing Center is open. You must present an Amarillo College student I.D. every time you review a test in the Math Testing Center. The Math Testing Center staff will retain your I.D. while you review your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test.

Please note: Under no circumstances may a student take any test or questions from a test out of the Math Testing Center.
Each chapter test may be taken a maximum of two times.  The higher of the two scores will be used for averaging.  Tests must be taken in sequence, and you cannot go back to improve your grade after taking a different test.  You should carefully review your first test and other study materials before retaking a test.  If you score less than "70" on any chapter test, you will be required to complete a minimum of 30 minutes of tutoring.

•  If your first attempt test is late, you will not be given a second attempt on the same test.
•  Any chapter test not taken by your instructor’s 2nd deadline will result in a loss of 5 points per day, excluding Sundays. The only  exception to this policy will be if the student has an emergency.  Written verification of extenuating, verifiable circumstances will be required. 
   

Accessing Grades Online

• You can access your chapter test and Final Exam grades on AC Online by going to www.actx.edu. Log in to AC Online and click on "MY GRADES".
• Final Letter grade for this course will appear in WebAdvisor, not in AC Online.

Be aware that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (as amended) does not permit instructors or the Math testing lab to disclose information regarding grades over the phone, via email, or to a third party. If a student needs to discuss their grades, they must do so in person.  

Tutoring

When using the Outreach Center students scan in and out with their Amarillo College ID.

• Mandatory
  • In an effort to increase retention in developmental mathematics courses, any student who scores below a “70” on any chapter test (excluding final exams week) must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with his/her instructor or in the Outreach Center before retesting or testing the next chapter.
  • Appointments for 30 minute tutoring are required and can be scheduled in the Outreach Center or by calling 371-5119. 
  • A Record of Tutoring form will be given to you when you complete a 30 minute required tutoring. You must present this form when retesting. You will not be allowed to take your next test without the Completed Record of Tutoring form.
  • Outreach Center hours are available in the "Additional Information" section of the Syllabus and posted on the homepage of your class in AC online.
• Free Drop-in
  • Peer tutors are available at the Outreach Center. 

Skill Drills

Once instruction has begun and homework has been assigned, 5-minute Skill Drills will be administered at the beginning of every class period over topics covered in class. It will be important to be in class on time so as not to miss the Skill Drills.

• Skill Drills must be completed in pencil, no credit if done in ink.
• During the course of the semester, there will be a total of 144 points available on Skill Drills.  A student’s Skill Drill grade will be the total points accumulated over the course of the semester.  The highest score given will be a 100 even if a student acquires over 100 points.
• If a student’s Skill Drill grade is higher than their lowest chapter test grade, the Skill Drill grade will replace that test grade when calculating the student’s final average.
• There will be no make-up Skill Drills for any reason. 

Accuplacer Exam

• Students in MATH 0302 will test on the Math portion of the Accuplacer exam. Your instructor will provide you with testing times and the testing location. Students who do not take the Accuplacer within the designated time frame will result in a loss of 5 points off the scaled score per day up to 5 days excluding Saturday and Sunday. The only exception to this policy will be if prior arrangements have been made with the instructor and the Math Testing Center Specialist. Only tests taken during the specified week as set by the Mathematics and Engineering Department will be accepted for this requirement. No early testing will be accepted.
• Students who have special needs may take their exams under the supervision of disAbility Services, if they chose to do so.
• Any student who has not take the Accuplacer exam prior to the Final Exam week will receive a zero for their Accuplacer exam grade. 
• The cost for the test has already been paid as it was included as a fee when the student registered for MATH 0302. 

Homework

• A homework assignment will usually be given at the end of each class. This assignment is due, fully completed, at the beginning of the next class and is not to be worked on while instruction is being given. Late homework for any section(s) will only be accepted prior to the final deadline for the chapter test covering that homework and only with the permission of your instructor. Regardless of chapter test due dates, the last day to turn in homework from the last chapter is
• Saturday, May 4,2013 by 3:00pm. Early homework will be accepted by the Math Testing Center for prior approval by your instructor. Homework is checked for completion by the Math Testing Center and is returned to you by your instructor during the next class meeting.
• Your final homework grade will be determined by dividing the number of problems you received credit for by 90% of the total number problems assigned for the semester.Your daily homework grade is assigned according to the number of problems you attempted to work following the guidelines outlined on the Homework Assignment Sheet, not the number of problems you worked correctly. This grade will carry the same weight as one chapter test grade.  Turning in all of your homework is one of the best things you can do to improve your grade!
• Please read carefully your Homework Assignment Sheet for instructions on the correct format for all homework assignments. You must write the problem down, show your work, and  circle your answer to receive credit for working a homework problem. (See Homework Assignment Sheet for example.)
• Only odd-numbered problems will be assigned throughout the semester.  Students should check their own answers with those provided in the back of the textbook for accuracy.

  Final Exam 

Please note: While the Math Testing Center will close for the Spring semester at 12:00 (noon) on Thursday, May 9, 2013, your assigned deadline for the Final Exam is set by your instructor.

• A comprehensive Final Exam will be given after all chapter tests are completed.
• During Final Exams week, students will only be allowed to test Chapter 6 and the Final Exam.  No prior chapter tests will be available.
• Final Exams will be graded by your instructor.  
• The Final Exam may be taken a maximum of two times.
• The Final Exam must be taken by the date set by your instructor, and in all cases that will be no later than one hour before the Math Testing Center closes for the semester.

Unlike chapter tests, there is no provision for the late penalty deduction of 5 points per day. You must complete the Final Exam by the assigned due date and time as specified by your instructor. This deadline is independent of the date of closing of the Math Testing Center. Remember, the Final Exam counts twice.
 

Grading Policy

• Homework and Skill Drill grades will be recorded by the Math Testing Center personnel on the student’s official grade card. It is recommended that each student maintain their own records provided in the Homework Assignment Sheet.
• Your grade for this course will be determined by averaging:
  • Six chapter test grades (each chapter test counts once).
  • Skill Drill grade for semester (counts once on its own and could also count as a replacement chapter test grade. If a student's Skill Drill grade is higher than the student's lowest chapter test grade, the Skill Drill grade will replace that test grade when calculating the student's final average.
  • The Accuplacer exam (counts once).
  • Homework average for semester (counts once).  
  • Final Exam grade (counts twice).
  • Mean = [six chapter test grades + Accuplacer + Homework average + Skill Drill grade + 2 (Final Exam grade)] / 11.
  • Attendance: possible +/- points to final average (see General Attendance Policy).
• Three times during the semester, students will be able to easily calculate their current course average by using the checkpoint system included on the Homework Assignment Sheet. Students are strongly encouraged to record all grades throughout the semester to see how they are progressing.
• Grades will be given as follows:
  A    90-100
  B    80-89
  C    70-79
  D    60-69
  F    Below 60 (Unsatisfactory)
• A grade of "F" will be earned as follows:
  • You complete the course with an overall average below 60.
  • You do not complete the course and do not drop the course in time to receive a grade of "W" and do not meet the requirements listed below for a grade of "I"(incomplete).
  • You receive an "I" (Incomplete) after signing an Incomplete contract, but so not satisfy the conditions for removal by the agreed-upon date.
  • You violate the cheating and plagiarism policy.
• Incomplete:
  • A grade of "I" (Incomplete) is not generally given in developmental math courses. Any exceptions will be made by your instructor on an idividual basis, and only for extreme circumstances.
  • A grade of "I" (Incomplete) will be possible only if the student has no more than the Final Exam and one Chapter test to complete. If the instructor agrees to give the student an incomplete, the student must sign a contract that specifies the requirements for changing the temporary grade of "I" to the letter grade earned by the student. The student will have a maximum of three months from the date the contract is signed to fulfill these requirements. If the student has not met those requirements by the end of the three months, the grade of "I" will automatically be changed to an "F". 
• Withdrawal:
  • You will receive a "W" for a withdrawal/drop if the withdrawal is initiated before the deadline stated in WebAdvisor under "Important Course Section Dates."

 **Please note the following deadline for withdrawals.**

• 16 weeks  –Thursday, April 18th
• 8 Weeks -  Check with your instructor    

Attendance

General Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class and be on time for daily attendance check. Nonattendance will be recorded as an absence and no differentiation will be made as to excused or unexcused absences. Leaving class early or prior to dismissal time will be counted as an absence. You will be rewarded for perfect attendance, not only because you will receive the instruction you need to do the assignments, but you will also have two points added to your final average.

These points definitely could result in a letter grade difference.  A failing grade may cause you to be placed on academic probation or suspension according to the provisions of the college catalog.  They may also affect admission to another college if you  transfer. 3 or more weeks of absences will be considered excessive and as failure to make satisfactory progress. These standards will be used in reporting to any agency that supports any student financially and requires satisfactory progress as measured by attendance (the Veterans Administration, for example).  If you quit attending and do not officially drop the course by the official drop date, a grade of “F” will be given.

Calendar

Additional Information

MATH TESTING CENTER RULES

• Books can be placed in the bookshelf before you request a test. 
• To request a test fill out a “Test Request” slip.
• Basic Mathematics 0301 and Beginning Algebra 0302 students may take all of their tests twice.  Intermediate Algebra 0303 students take their test once.
• All tests must be taken in order. Once a test is taken, you may not go back and take (or re-take) a previous test.
• An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take or view any test in the Math Testing Center. 
• No scratch paper or notecards are allowed for testing. You may use the backside of the test to show your extra work.  Once you have begun work on a test that is considered one attempt. You cannot leave the Math Testing Center and return to finish that test at a later time.
• In the Math Testing room, please do not sit by someone with the same colored test. All purses must be on the floor.
• The Math Testing Center will not hand out a test less than one hour before closing time. The Math Testing Center personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing.
• Students can log in to AC Online to get their test results.
• Tests may not be taken out of the Math Testing Center.
• The Math Testing Center hours are posted on the outside door, in this syllabus, on AC Online, and in the Math Testing Center. 
• Please come prepared. If you do not have a pencil, you may purchase one from the Math Testing Center for 25 cents.  Please bring exact change. Pens are not allowed on any test.
• Childcare arrangements must be made prior to testing. Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus.
• CELL PHONE CALCULATORS ARE NOT ALLOWED.
• Cell phones must be turned off as not to disturb other students who are testing. NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!

NOTE:

Basic Mathematics students (0301) may not use any calculators on tests.

Beginning Algebra student (0302) may use scientific calculators with no graphing capabilities