Beginning Algebra Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

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

MATH-0302-005 Beginning Algebra

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: MATH 0301-minimum grade of C, Accuplacer score of 41, THEA score of 180 or an equivalent score on a state approved test

Course Description

Operations with real numbers with an introduction to the complex number system; exponents and polynomials; operations with algebraic expressions, linear equations in one and two variables; linear inequalities in one variable; basic geometry; introductory graphing; systems on linear equations in two variables; factoring polynomials; applications.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Elayn Martin -Gay, Basic College Mathematics with Early Integers, Second Edition,Pearson, ISBN: 978-0-321-72643-8 

Supplies

Required Materials

• Textbook
• Blue-lined notebook paper, pencils, erasers
• Skill Drill booklet to be purchased in the AC Books

  Student Performance

  Student Performance/Learning Outcomes

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  After studying the material presented in this course, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the Mathematics Department.

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  • Apply the four arithmetic operations using order of operations on signed numbers, fractions, and decimals.
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  • Evaluate the perimeter, area, and volume of basic geometric shapes.
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  • Apply conversions between fractions, decimals, and percents.
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  • Apply conversions within the U.S. system of measurement and the Metric system of measurement.
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  • Apply mathematical skills to evaluate equations from various types of stated problems, then state solutions in complete sentences.
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  • Evaluate data from tables and graphs.
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  • Apply the distributive property, simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions.
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  • Solve algebraic equations by performing the addition property of equality.
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  Students Rights and Responsibilities

  Student 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 lecture; 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 Rights & Responsibilities” will be subject to disciplinary action which may include but is not limited to: removal from the classroom; consultation with the Coordinator of  Developmental Mathimatics and/or other AC authority, withdrawal from the course and/or the college.  

   Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism

  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 of any kind including 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 drinks are allowed in the Outreach Center, Durrett 104 and may be allowed in the classroom sitting, at the instructor’s discretion. Only drinks are allowed in the Math Testing Center, Durrett 103. Cell phones should be turned off, or in silent mode in the classrooms, Outreach Center and Math Testing Center. Calculators, including cell phone calculators may not  be used at any time.  Any device requiring headphones is 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, Durrett 103, and may be taken during normal Math Testing Center hours, day or evening.  Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture time.  If an exam is retaken, the higher of the scores is counted. Students in Basic Math may not use calculators of any kind including cell phone calculators.
  Please note:  No tests will be given out less than one hour before the Math Testing Center closes and will be picked up five minutes before closing. You must present an Amarillo College student I.D. every time you take a test in the Math Testing Center.

   Chapter Tests

  Pre Assessment: During the first week of the semester, all Basic Math students must  go to the Math Testing Center and complete a pre-assessment activity. The purpose of this assessment is to discover your strengths and weaknesses of basic math skills, and it will not affect your grade in this class. You must take this assessment  during the first week of the semester.

  Tests over each chapter must be completed by the deadlines set by your instructor. Your instructor will announce and post 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 ID every time you review a test in the Math Testing Center.
  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 your final grade. Tests must be taken in sequence. You cannot go back to improve a 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 mandatory 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 the 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 Your Grades Online

  To view your current course grades

  • Go to www.actx.edu, click on AC Connect then log in using your ACNetID and password
  • Click on your course.
  • Click on My Grades on the menu to the left.

  To view your Final course grades

  • Go to www.actx.edu, click on AC Connect then log in.
  • Scroll down to Self Service on bottom right of the page, and click on Current Student.
  • Under current student, click on Academic Profile and then Grades.

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

  Outreach Center - Tutoring

  When using the Outreach Center, Durrett 104, students should scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D..

  • Free peer tutoring
  • Mandatory tutoring:
    • In an effort to increase retention in developmental mathematics courses, any student who scores below a 70 or skips any chapter test (excluding the Final Exam week) must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with his/her instructor or in the Outreach Center before re-testing or testing the next chapter. If you are skipping a test , you will need to complete a mandatory 30 minute tutor session for every test skipped. 
    • 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 have completed 30 minutes of required tutoring.  You will not be allowed to take your next test without the completed Record of Tutoring form(s).
    • Outreach Center hours are available In "Additional Information" section of the syllabus and in your class in AC Connect.

   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 is important to be in class on time so as not to miss the Skill Drills.

  • Skill Drills must be completed in pencil. No credit will be given if done in ink.
  • During the course of the semester, there will be a total of 136 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 your Skill Drill grade is higher than the lowest chapter test grade, the Skill Drill grade will replace that chapter test grade when calculating the student’s final average.
  • There will be no make-up Skill Drills for any reason. 

  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. Homework is checked for completion by the Math Testing Center and is returned to you during the next class meeting. Homework will be accepted by the Math Testing Center with prior approval by your instructor.
  • Late homework for any section(s) will only be accepted prior to the final deadline for the chapter test covering that late homework. It will only be checked for completion with the permission of your instructor.
  • 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. 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. 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 an 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

  • 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 by taken a maximum of two times.
  • The Final Exam must be taken by the date and time set by the instructor, and given to you on the first day of class. In all cases will be no later than one hour before the Math Testing Center closes for the semester.

  Unlike chapter tests, there is no 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 or it will be recorded as a zero. Remember, the Final Exam counts twice.  

  Grading Policy

  Grading Policy:	Percentages:	Grading Scale:	Grade:
  Homework	10%	90 - 100%	A
  Skill Drills*	10%	80 - 89%	B
  Chapter Tests(6@10%)	60%	70 - 79%	C
  Final Exam	20%	60 - 69%	D
  Attendance** - possible +/- points to final average		Below 60%	F
  * counts once on its own and could also count as a replacement chapter test grade. If your skill drill grade is higher than your lowest chapter test grade, the skill drill grade will replace that test grade when calculating your final average.
  ** No extra credit opportunities are available other than attendance points

  • A grade of “F” will be earned if:
    • 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 do 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 individual 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 a grade of “F”.
  • Withdrawal:
    • You will receive a "W" for a withdrawal/drop if the withdrawal is initiated before the deadline stated in Web Advisor under "Important Course Section Dates."  

  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. 

  16 week classes meet 2 times a week Perfect attendance: 2 points added to final average 1 - 3  absences: no change in final average 4 - 5 absences: 1 point deducted from final average 6+ absences: 3 points deducted from final average 16 week classes meet once a week Perfect attendance: 2 points added to final average 1 or 2 absences: no change in final average 3 absences: 1 point deducted from final average 4+ absences: 3 points deducted from final average

  8 week classes meet 2 times a week Perfect attendance: 2 points added to final average 1 or 2 absences: no change in final average 3 absences: 1 point deducted from final average 4+ absences: 3 points deducted from final average 8 week classes meet 4 times a week Perfect attendance: 2 points added to final average 1 - 3 absences: no change in final average 4 - 5 absences: 1 points deducted from final average 6+ absences: 3 points deducted from 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 seek a transfer. Three 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

  Week	Summer I	Summer II	Assignments	Tests
  1	5/26 – 5/28	7/6 – 7/9	Orientation, 1.9, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6	Chapter 2
  2	6/1 – 6/4	7/13 – 7/16	3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6	Chapter 3A*
  3	6/8 -6/11	7/20 – 7/23	3.7, 4.1, 4.2 4.3, 4.4, 4.5	Chapter 3B** Chapter 4
  4	6/15 – 6/18	7/27 – 7/30	5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6	Chapter 5
  5	6/22 – 6/25	8/3 – 8/6	6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5	Chapter 6
  	Last day to Drop Wednesday, June 24th	Last day to Drop Wednesday, August 5th
  6	6/29 – 7/2	8/10 – 8/13	7.3, 8.1, 8.2***  REVIEW  FINAL	Final Exam

  * Chapter 3A test will cover sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
  **Chapter 3B test will cover sections 3.5, 3.6, 3.7

  ***  There is no Chapter 7 &8 test; however, Chapter 7 & 8 material will appear on the Final Exam.

  ****  Check with your instructor for your Final Exam Due Date.

  Additional Information

  MathTesting Center	Outreach Center
  Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 10:00pm	Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 8:00pm
  Last test will be handed out at 9:00pm
  Friday 7:30am - 8:00pm	Friday 8:00 - 8:00pm
  Last test will be handed out at 7:00pm
  Saturday 9:00am - 8:00pm	Saturday 9:00am - 8:00pm
  Last test will be handed out at 7:00pm
  371-5088	371-5119

   

  Math Testing Center Rules

  • Books can be placed on the bookshelf before you request a test but Amarillo College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • To request a test, fill out a “Test Request” slip.
  • 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 is allowed for testing. You may use the back 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 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 closes.
  • The Math Testing Center personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing.
  • Tests may not be taken out of the Math Testing Center.
  • The MathTesting Center hours are posted on the outside door, in this syllabus, in Blackboard, 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 and out of sight in the testing room.
  • Students can log in to AC Connect to get their test results.

  Note:
  Basic Mathematics students (0301) may not use any calculators on tests.
  Beginning Algebra students (0302) may use scientific calculators with no graphing capabilities.

  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM