Beginning Algebra Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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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.

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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

MATH-0302-011 Beginning Algebra

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: MATH 0301-minimum grade of C, TSI Math score of 336 or an equivalent score on a state approved test

Course Description

Operations with real numbers; exponents and polynomials; operations with algebraic expressions, linear equations in one and two variables; absolute value; basic geometry; introductory graphing; factoring polynomials; applications.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 1 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Elayn Martin-Gay, Beginning & Intermediate Algebra, Sixth Edition, Pearson; ISBN: 9780134193090

This textbook and code will be used for this class and Intermediate Algebra 0303.

Supplies

Student Performance

Student Performance/Learning Outcomes

• Apply the four arithmetic operations using the order of operations on signed 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.
• 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.

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

You are expected to follow proper online etiquette in discussion postings and emails.  In order to receive credit for a course, all material listed on the syllabus must be covered and completed with at least a C average. 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’s Rights & Responsibilities” you will be subject to disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to:  consultation with the Developmental Math Department Chair and/or other AC authority; withdrawal from the course and/or the college.

Consistent Effort

One of the main causes for students not being successful in an online class is lack of a consistent effort.  There is a temptation to put things off until the last minute.  Please do not so that with this course.  There is a great deal of work to be done and the best way to complete it is to work at a steady pace.

Academic Honesty

Unethical conduct during this class will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.  It is considered “cheating” if you use any app that does the math work for you or gives you the answers when testing, or when completing assignments for this class. It will become apparent during the course of the class if you have been using inappropriate technology to complete assignments at home.  You are only cheating yourself if you cheat on the work at home.  This class is set up so that 50% of your grade comes from the midterm and final exams that are taken in a proctored/testing center setting.  It will be highly unlikely that you will be able to pass without passing these two exams.  I hope you will proceed through the class with honesty and integrity. Scholastic dishonesty is clearly defined in the Student Rights and Responsibilites.  You are expected to conduct yourself in this course according to the standards outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilites.

Food/Drink and Cell Phone Policy

Food and drinks are allowed in the Outreach Center (Durrett 104). Only drinks are allowed in the Math Testing Center (Durrett 103). Cell phones should be turned off, or in silent mode in the  Outreach Center and the Math Testing Center. Cell phone calculators may not be used at any time. Any devices requiring headphones are not allowed in the Math Testing Center.

Grading Criteria

Chapter Tests

There will be 5 chapter tests that will be taken online.  Each chapter test will have a posted time limit and must be completed within that time frame. Prior to testing, you will be required to complete an online test review and score a 70 or higher.   Tests over each chapter must be completed by the deadlines set in the semester schedule.  You are not allowed to use notes, homework, or the textbook while taking any Online Chapter Test.  Each test maybe taken ONE time. There will be no make up tests allowed.  Any test not taken by the due date will receive a grade of zero.

Midterm and Final

The midterm and the final exam, will be taken in the Math Testing Center, Durrett 103, on the Washington St campus and may be taken during normal Math Testing Center hours, day or evening. A calculator may be used. The Midterm will cover all the material in Chapters 1-3.  The Final is comprehensive.  Deadlines are published on the Semester Schedule.   The proctored test  will be 50% of your average.

For the Midterm,you will print the results from the online Midterm review and present the results to the Math Testing Center when requesting the Midterm Exam.  For the Final, you will need to complete the Final review and present it to the Math Testing Center when requesting the Final Exam.

You must present an Amarillo College ID to the Math Testing Center personnel in order to take the Midterm and Final.  You must bring a pencil and can use a basic function/scientific/graphing/non-solving calculator on the Midterm and the Final.  You may NOT use a cell phone calculator nor have a cell phone out while taking tests in the Math Testing Center. You are responsible to read and follow the Math Testing Center rules stated below.

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 picture I.D. every time you take a test in the Math Testing Center.

Students who live further than 60 miles from the Amarillo Washington street campus have the option of taking the Midterm and Final at a local educational institution.  You will be responsible for finding a suitable proctor and for any proctoring fee incurred at any other institution or testing facility.  You must contact Mrs Johnson and make this request to test off-campus by the 5th day of class in order to have this option.  Please fill out a proctor form(found in AC Connect on left side of home page of the class), take it to the proctor, and send it to me by email. 

Accessing 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
• Check 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 the 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 you need to discuss your grades, you must do so in person.

Outreach Center -  Tutoring

When using the Outreach Center, Durrett 104, you are required to scan in and out with your Amarillo College ID.

• Free peer tutoring

Homework

• Following the presentation of materials online, an online homework assignment will be assigned in MyMathLab for each section of the book covered. Homework assignments are due, fully completed online, by the deadline set by your instructor.
• Assignments will not be accessible after the deadline set by your instructor.
• The problems due from the MyMathLab program should be worked on notebook paper (or graph paper as needed), and kept in order in your notebook with each section labeled at the top of the page. The problems assigned are similar to problems in the textbook and to the test problems. You are required to do the assignments in MyMathLab. You will need to practice using the toolbar before you attempt the assignments in MyMathLab. You need to be competent in entering your answers. You may continue to work on an assignment to make a better grade up until the due date for the assignment. 
• Username:_____________________________________________  Password:_____________________________________________

 Homework Notebook

• You will keep a Homework notebook. You may turn in a course notebook at the midterm for the first check and at the final for the final check.  If the criteria is met from the course “notebook information” provided on AC connect, your lowest module test grade may be dropped. The Midterm Exam and Final Exam cannot be dropped.  Be sure to print the information from the “Notebook” link on the left in AC Connect.
• The Homework Notebook must be a 3-ring binder with dividers.
• Your notebook will include a minimum of the following:

• Homework assignments should be:
  • On lined notebook or graphing paper as needed.
  • Completed in pencil.
  • Started on a new page for each section with the section title in the top right corner.
  • Organized, running down the page, with no more than two columns of work (not across the page in one line).
  • With answers circled.

Final Exam 

Please Note:The Final Exam deadline will be set by your instructor.

•  A comprehensive Final Exam will be given after all chapter tests are completed.
• During Final Exam week, you will be allowed to test the Final Exam only. No prior chapter test will be available.
• 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.
• There will be no online review for the Final Exam. Instead there will be a pencil/paper review that must be completed and turned into the Math Testing Center when requesting the Final Exam test.  This is downloaded from AC Connect in Module 6.

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.

Grading Policy

• 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 the you an incomplete, you must sign a contract that specifies the requirements for changing the temporary grade of "I" to the letter grade you earned. 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 an "F". 
• Withdrawal:
  • Students who wish to withdraw from a class must consult with their instructor first.  Students may either communicate via email or meet face-to-face with their instructor to begin the withdrawal process.  If the instructor and the student both agree that withdrawal is the appropriate course of action, then the instructor will initiate a withdrawal case for the student in the Retention Alert System (AC Connect). You will receive a “W” for a withdrawal/drop if the withdrawal is initiated with the instructor prior to  the deadline stated in AC Connect under Self Service-Academic profile- “Important Course Section Dates. Students will receive confirmation that their withdrawal request has been completed.  The registrar’s Office will process the withdrawal and notify both the student and the instructor via AC email. "**Please note the following deadline for withdrawal of this class is Tuesday, May 2, 2017.*  You will not be able to withdraw from this course after this date for any reason. 
  •  

Attendance

General Attendance Policy

Regular attendance online is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Although on campus attendance is not required, students enrolled in this online class are required  to post discussions, check e-mails and do homework.  Students should expect to spend a minimum of 8 – 12 hours per week for this class.  You must log in at least 4 times a week and participate online in the course with daily deadlines.  You must also have the ability to be on the Amarillo College Campus at least two times to take a midterm and a final.  You will need to plan to learn the material every day, just as if you were in class and then spend time working the homework.

Calendar

Additional Information

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 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, 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 outside the MTC 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!