Basic Reading Skills Syllabus for 2017-2018
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Course

RDNG-0301-020 Basic Reading Skills

Prerequisites

<p>Prerequisite: TSI reading score below 342 or equivalent score on a state approved test</p>

Course Description

Improve vocabulary, fluency and ability to understand written material.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact your advisor, the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Building Vocabulary Skills, Sherrie L. Nist, 4^th Edition

An access card for Vocabulary Plus is packaged with the textbook at the college bookstore.

Supplies

Internet access is required for this course.  Students may use the computers in the Learning Center to complete their homework and lab assignments.  Students may also access their homework assignments via the Internet at home or at any public library. 

Other supplies required include paper, pen, and pencil.

Student Performance

To prepare the student to comprehend reading material and to improve vocabulary.  To prepare the student to improve the skills needed to pass the reading portion of the TSI assessment or any state-approved alternate test which measures the reading skills of students enrolled in public Texas colleges and universities.  At the conclusion of the course, the student must demonstrate mastery of the following skills at 70%: 

1.  Determine the meanings of words and phrases.

2.  Determine the main idea and supporting details in written material.

3.  Analyze the relationship among ideas in written material.

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

1. Students should use proper classroom etiquette.
2. Any type of cheating or academic dishonesty is prohibited.  The “Student Rights and Responsibilities” publication outlines the definition of academic dishonesty and the associated penalties.

Grading Criteria

The following criteria will be used to determine your grade:

A	90-100	Passing
B	80-89	Passing
C	70-79	Passing
D	60-69	Failing
F	59 or below	Failing

 

The semester average will be determined as follows:

15%	Assignments
15%	Lab
40%	Tests
30%	Final Exam

 

REQUIRED TESTS:

• Test 1
• Test 2
• Test 3
• Test 4
• Final Exam

 

REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS:

As part of the course requirements of Reading 0301, assigned homework must be completed each week outside of class. Students will complete the homework assignments and then submit their homework via AC Connect or in class.  In addition, assignments will also be completed in class each week.
 

REQUIRED LAB: 

As part of the course requirements of Reading 0301, assigned lab hours must be completed each week outside of class.  Lab grades will be given based on completion of the required hours and/or performance.  Lab assignments will include Weaver Wise computer lessons or other activities approved by your instructor.  Completion of weekly lab hours with adequate performance will result in a grade of 100.  Failure to meet this requirement will result in a grade of zero (0).  When a student is logged into a computer for the purpose of accumulating lab hours required for a reading class, the student must be actively involved in the lesson at all times. Any attempt by a student to obtain computer lab hours dishonestly will result in the student’s lab hours being reduced to zero (0). The student will have to repeat all lab hours. 

MAKE-UP POLICY:   

Tests  

Ten (10) points may be deducted from all major tests taken late.  All major tests not taken within one week of the scheduled test date will receive a grade of zero (0) unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.

Assignments

Homework and class work will not be taken late.  Any homework or class work not completed on time will receive a grade of zero (0). The homework assignment must be submitted by the deadline to receive credit.

Lab

All lab assignments are due on assigned days at the assigned times. Any lab assignment not completed on time will receive a grade of zero (0).

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.  It will be the responsibility of the student to drop the class by the withdrawal date should he/she stop attending; otherwise, a grade of "F" will be given.

Calendar

Additional Information

NOTE: 

A student may take the TSI Assessment anytime during the semester.  If he/she receives a score indicating college-readiness on the reading portion of the test, the student should immediately visit with the instructor to discuss options available at that time.