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Basic Mathematics Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Instructor

Angela Powell (Curriculum Vitae)

E-Mail

ajpowell24@actx.edu

Phone

<p>(806)-371-5088</p>

Office Location

Durrett Hall 105B

Office Hours

5-5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursdays, other times by appointment.  I am also available on zoom by appointment.

 

 

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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-0301-001 Basic Mathematics

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Placement by an Accuplacer score of 40 or below, a THEA score of 179 or below or an equivalent score on a state-approved test

Course Description

Arithmetic review of whole numbers and fractions; decimals; ratio and percent; measurement and basic geometry; signed numbers; simple algebraic expressions; applications.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hr; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Amarillo College – Basic Math Worktext

Supplies

Required Materials

  • Worktext, provided first day of class by teacher
  • Skill Drill booklet, provided first day of class by teacher
  • Blue-lined notebook paper, pencils

    Student Performance

    Student Performance/Learning Outcomes

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

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

    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

    You 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. If you fail to comply with the standards outlined in the syllabus and/or “Student Rights & Responsibilities” you will be subject to disciplinary action which may include but is not limited to: removal from the classroom; consultation with the Developmental Math Department Chair 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 setting, 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 and scan your Amarillo College student I.D. every time you take a test in the Math Testing Center.

     Chapter Tests

    Tests over each chapter’s materials must be completed by the deadlines set by your instructor. Your instructor will announce and post a 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 you 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 and 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 and log in. using your ACNetID and password
    • Scroll down to Self Service on bottom right of the page, and click on Current Student.
    • Under current student, click on Academic Profile and click on 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 your instructor or in the Outreach Center before you retest or test the next chapter. If you are skip a test, you will need to complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring 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.

     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 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 114 available points on Skill Drills.  Your Skill Drill grade (6 points possible per skill drill) will be the total points accumulated over the course of the semester.  The highest score given will be a 100 even if you acquire over 100 points.
    • If your Skill Drill grade is higher than the lowest chapter test grade, the Skill Drill grade will replace that grade when calculating your 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 accuracy and completion by your instructor the following class day. Your homework grade wil be determined by averaging all homework grades. 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.

    Fast Facts

    In an effort to strengthen each student’s computational skills of basic facts, 1 minute Fast Fact sheets will be administered 20 times in the six-weeks course. 

    • Fast Facts must be completed in pencil.  No credit will be given if done in ink.
    • During the course there will be a total of 300 possible points.  Your Fast Fact grade will be the total points accumulated over the six weeks divided by 210.  The highest score given will be 100, even if you acquire over 100 points.
    • There will be no make-up of Fast Facts for any reason.

     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 7 and the Final Exam. No prior chapter tests will be available.
    • The Final Exam 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 your instructor, given to you on the first day of class. In all cases this 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
    Fast Facts 10% 80 - 89% B
    Skill Drills* 10% 70 - 79% C
    Chapter Tests(5@10%) 50% 60 - 69% D
    Final Exam 20% Below 60% F
    Attendance** - possible +/- points to final average    
    * 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 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 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 you have no more than the Final Exam and one Chapter test to complete. If the instructor agrees to give you an Incomplete, you must sign a contract that specifies the requirements for changing the temporary grade of “I” to the letter grade earned by the student.  You will have a maximum of three months from the date the contract is signed to fulfill these requirements.  If you have 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."  You must initiate the withdrawal process 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.

    14 week classes meet 2 times a week or
    6 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 point deducted from final average
    6+ absences: 3 points deducted from final average
         		 14 week classes meet once a week or
    6 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

    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. Four or more days 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

    MATH 0301

    Date

    Lesson

    SD

    Pages

    Homework

    FastFacts

    Practice Plus

    Test

    Test Due

    7/12

    Overview, Module I

     

    3, 4

    1

    1

     

     

     

    7/13

    Module II

    1

    7,8,9,

    2

    2

     

     

     

    7/14

    Module II

    2

    10

    3

    3, 4

    I & II

    1/2

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    7/18

    Module III

    3

    12,13,14

    4

    5,6

     

     

     

    7/19

    Module III

    4

    14, 15

    5

    7

     

     

     

    7/20

    Module III

    5

    16,17

    6

    8

     

     

     

    7/21

    Module III

    6

    18,19

    7

    9

    III

    3

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    7/25

    Module IV

    7

    22,23

    8

    10-11

     

     

     

    7/26

    Module IV

    8

    23,24,25

    9

    12

     

     

     

    7/27

    Module V

    9

    27,28

    10-11

    13

     

     

     

    7/28

    Module V

    10-11

    29,30,31

    12

    14

    IV & V

    4&5

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    8/01

    Module VI

    12

    34,35,36

    13

    15-16

     

     

     

    8/02

    Module VI

    13

    36,37

    14

    17

    VI

    6

     

    8/03

    Module VII

    14

    40,41

    15-16

    18

     

     

     

    8/04

    Module VII

    15-16

    42,43,44

    17-18

    19

    VII

    7

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    8/08

    Module VIII

    17-18

    47,48,49

     

    20

    VIII on final

     

     

    8/09

    Comprehensive Rev

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    8/10

    Final

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    8/11

    Final

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    • Calendar subject to change.
    • Module VIII material will appear on the Final Exam/Deadlines can be adjusted by individual instructor.

    Additional Information

    MathTesting Center

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

    Outreach Center

    371-5119
    Monday - Thursday
    8:00am – 8:00pm
    Friday
    8:00am – 8:00pm
    Saturday
    9:00am – 8:00pm

    Math Testing Center General 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, it 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 closing.
    • The Math Testing Center personnel will pick up your test five minutes prior to closing.
    • Students can log in to AC Connect to get their test results.
    • Tests and test questions may not be taken out of the Math Testing Center.
    • The Math Testing 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 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!
       

     

     

    It is of great benefit to gather fellow students’ phone numbers in the event you want to call them to discuss an assignment or just ask them a question.

     

    Name:___________________________________________Phone#_____________________________

     

    Name:___________________________________________Phone#_____________________________

     

    Name:___________________________________________Phone#______________________________

     

     

     

    Syllabus Created on:

    11/30/-1 12:00 AM

    Last Edited on:

    11/30/-1 12:00 AM