Basic Math Syllabus for 2017-2018
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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 course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are 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. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

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Course

AEMA-0001-031 Basic Math

Prerequisites

<p>Prerequisite: TSI Math score less than 336 or an equivalent score on a state-approved test</p>

Course Description

Integers; signed numbers; absolute value; opposites; operations on fractions; operations on decimals; ordering; ratios; proportions; percents; exponents; base and powers; order of operations; geometry; evaluating expressions; introduction to algebra; statistical measurements; conversions.

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

(0 sem hr)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Amarillo College – Basic Math Worktext

Supplies

Required Materials

• Worktext, provided first day of class by teacher
• Three-ring binder and dividers
• Skill Drill booklet, provided first day of class by teacher
• Blue-lined notebook paper, pencils, erasers
• Amarillo College Student I.D. (for testing and tutoring)

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

Module Tests

Tests over each module’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 module 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 module 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 module 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 you have written verification of extenuating circumstances and the permission of your instructor.

Testing

All tests, including the Final Exam, will be taken in the classroom.   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.
 

 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, you are required to scan in and out with your Amarillo College 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 skip any module 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 module test.
  • 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, Durrett Hall 104,  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.
• 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 will 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.

 Homework Notebook

• The homework notebook must be a 3-ring binder with dividers. Notebooks must be brought to class each class period and will be checked periodically by the instructor.
• Dividers: syllabus ,class notes, homework assignments, chapter reviews, and reflective test journal.
• Your notebook will include a minimum of the following:

Title Page Dividers Syllabus Reflective Test Journal

Class notes Organized homework assignments Chapter test review work

• Homework assignments should be:
  • On lined notebook paper.
  • Completed in pencil.
  • All work shown.
  • With answers circled.

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

Please note:  Your assignment deadline for the Final Exam is set by your instructor.

• A comprehensive Final Exam will be given after all module tests are completed.
• During Final Exams week, students will only be allowed to test Module VII and the Final Exam. No prior Module 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. This deadline is independent of the date of closing of the Math Testing Center.  Remember, the Final Exam counts twice.  

Grading Policy

Grading Policy:	Percentages:	Grading Scale:	Grade:
Homework & Notebook	10%	90 - 100%	A
Fast Facts	10%	80 - 89%	B
Skill Drills*	10%	70 - 79%	C
Module 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 module test grade. If your Skill Drill grade is higher than your lowest module test grade, the Skill Drill grade will replace that test grade when calculating your final average.
** There are no grade recover options in this course and 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 Module test to complete. If the instructor agrees to enter into an incomplete contract with you, 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 if the withdrawal is initiated before the deadline stated in AC Connect under Self Service.
  • Students who wish to withdraw from a class must consult with their instructor first.  Students can 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).
  • 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 instructor via AC email.

Attendance

General Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is your responsibility as a 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.

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 point deducted from final average 6+ 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

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 transferring. 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.

WorkForce Training

Preparing our job research portfolio:

Adult Education is committed to assisting students in successfully entering the workforce.  Preparing a job search portfolio is one avenue that increases success.  During this short online module, students will research and evaluate career interests, create a job portfolio, and complete a short activity pertaining to job research.

Calendar

Additional Information

Math Testing Center Testing hours: Monday and Thursday 3:30pm to 8:00pm Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30am to 1:30pm Tutoring is available through our MCC Susccess Center. Hours are Monday to Thursday 10:00am to 7:00pm 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 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!
   

 

 

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#______________________________