Syllabus for PRALGEBRA, Math 0013 Fall, 2008
Contact Information
Division of Science and Mathematics
Mathematics, Engineering and Physics Department
Developmental Mathematics:
Course: MATH 0013 PREALGEBRA CRN(s):
Class Meetings:
| Class |
1:00 pm - 2:10 pm |
MWF |
Student Center |
|
How to Meet with Your Instructor: Barbara J. Rademacher
Required Materials
Testbook: Prealgebra-An Integrated Approach. Lial. Pearson Education, Boston, MA (Addison-Wesley): 2007.
Webct: Practice for Homework Quizzes and Exams. Free.
Graphing Calculator: TI-83+ or TI-84+ or TI-84+ Silver Edition. ABSOLUTELY NOT A TI-89 or TI-92 !
Other: Notebook paper, graphing paper, pencils, erasers, color pencils, ruler,
3x5 cards
Important Dates
Grading
Grading Scale:
90% -100%=A, 80%-89% = B, 70%-79%=C, 60%-69%=D, <60%=F
4 Chapter Tests:
75 points each for a total of 300 points.
1 Required Final Exam:
100 points.
Attendance Policy:
There will be a quiz or project group meeting during almost every class, so students must attend all sessions.
Policy on Homework:
Homework will not be graded, but you will be quized on it often with daily homework quizzes.
Policy on Missed Chapter Tests:
Test cannot be made up. Instead, the percent grade on the final exam will cover ONE, lowest (missed) chapter test. The Final Exam may not be missed and cannot be made up. A missed Final Exam will result in a grade of F.
Policy on Academic Dishonesty:
The policy in the Student Handbook will be adhered to. Students will receive an automatic grade of zero on the first instance of cheating. After that, the case will be taken to the chairperson of the Mathematics, Engineering and Physics Department.
Cell Phones, PDAs, etc.
Please turn off your cell phone, pager, PDA, IPOD, and other electronic devices before class (or leave them at home). If you absolutely must have your phone on due to possible childcare or a work-related emergencies, set them on vibrate mode, and do not begin talking until after you are out of the room. (Note- The hallways in SC echo, conversations held there will not be private.) No cell phone, IPOD or other electronic devices are allowed to be used in class or during tests, they are not to be used as a calculator. You absolutely may not accept/make calls/check messages during any quiz /test/exam.
Calculators/Academic Dishonesty For equality purposes, your instructor reserves the right to clear your calculator of unapproved formulas and programs before each exam. No calculator with a CAS (Computer Algebra System) such as TI-89, TI-92, TI-Voyage or comparable utility is allowed in this class. The attempted use of a prohibited calculator or program is academic dishonesty and will result in a score of 0 with no possibility of the score being dropped or replaced. This also applies to all other forms of academic dishonesty including but not limited to: using formula sheets or notes, leaving the room and returning during an exam, copying from someone else’s paper, or allowing someone to copy your paper. Further action will be taken according to the policy on Academic Dishonesty on pp. 156-159 in the 2007-08 College Catalog.
Exit Policy:
You must earn a final grade of C or better in order to move on to Beginning Algebra.
Where to Find Help
YOUR TEACHER'S OFFICE HOURS (SC 326), or the MATH CAFÉ (SC 314)
Digital Video Tutor, NWACC Library or NWACC Bookstore, Pearson Education, Digitized video lectures.
MathXL, NWACC Bookstore or at www.mathxl.com, Pearson Education, has homework on-line with examples and guided solutions (required use in computer-assisted/hybrid sections, may be available in non-computer sections - ask your instructor).
InterAct Math, www.interactmath.com, Pearson Education (free), has homework on-line with guided solutions (available for use in any non-computer-assisted sections).
Student Solutions Manual, NWACC Bookstore, Pearson Education, has step by step solutions to odd-numbered exercises.
More publisher supports listed pg x of Preface: Computer tutorials, multimedia and web supports. Access to some of these in NWACC Learning Lab BH 1109 or Math Café SC 314, Addison Wesley/ Pearson Education.
Texas-Instruments 82 or 83 or 84 Graphing Calculator (or plus models): To rent a TI-82 for the semester: Go to Cashier’s window in SC, then bring receipt and photo ID to Math Dept Secretary, SC 351, permits home practice with the graphing calculator.
Computer Labs, Math Dept Lab (SC 338A), Math Café (SC 314), Learning Lab (BH 1109), BH 2416, BH 1222, free computer and internet access, MathXL and InterAct Math downloads already installed
disAbility Services: If you are a student with a disability who will be requesting accommodations, you must contact the Office of disAbility Services in Student Center 619‑2660. The director of disAbility Services will meet with you and recommend appropriate accommodations and services after you have submitted the required documentation. You must give me at least a week’s notice for exam accommodations.
Core Course Objectives
Goals for student thinking encourage intellectual risk-taking, mental math, organization of data, modeling and problem solving to help prepare the PreAlgebra student as a productive worker and citizen.
CORE COURSE OBJECTIVES - CONTENT:
A student successfully completing PreAlgebra, MATH 0013, will demonstrate these primary competencies:
1) Perform operations on integers using the order of operations.
2) Simplify and evaluate variable expressions.
3) Solve a one variable first degree modeling problem situation.
4) Perform operations on fractions and decimals.
5) Solve percent and proportion problems.
6) Strengthen core entry skills, which are:
a) Perform the four basic operations with whole numbers, and
b) Demonstrate decimal numerical sense, which includes being able to:
i) Use estimation, ii)Multiply/divide by powers of 10, iii)Compare magnitudes of whole numbers.
COURSE OBJECTIVES - ADDITIONAL CONTENT EMPHASIS– A student successfully completing Prealgebra, MATH 0013, will also be able to:
1) Find the perimeter and area of rectangles.
2) Construct various graphs.
3) Solve and check equations in one variable using integers.
4) Recognize number sets: compare magnitudes, graph on the real number line.
5) Simplify square roots of perfect squares and approximate square roots of non-squares using a calculator.
6) State ratios and rates and find unit rates.
7) Convert units of measure (includes American and Metric systems).
Official Information
Catalogue Description: This course builds a strong number sense by emphasizing integers, decimals, percent, fractions, ratio and proportion. It also prepares a student to move forward with confidence into a first developmental algebra course by introducing variables, evaluating variable expressions and solving first degree equations. Elementary geometry, reading graphs, critical thinking, and problem solving skills support the AMATYC and NCTM standards. Some calculator use is incorporated. Upon successful completion, a student may take Beginning Algebra.
Prerequisite: No prerequisite. Exit Criteria: A student needs a final grade of A, B or C to proceed to Beginning Algebra.
Credit/Contact/Load Hours: 3 credit hours count toward student’s g. p. a., none counting toward any degree requirements.
Target Audience and Transfer: This course precedes a first full semester algebra course and is intended for college students who have had little or no algebra instruction and need a review of arithmetic and basic geometry concepts. PreAlgebra is a non-transferable course.
Developmental Education Program:
Through placement and advisement, developmental education courses may be required prior to taking college-level courses at NWACC. The program goal is to enable learners to acquire competencies needed for success in mainstream college courses and to attain career and life goals.
Developmental Education Performance Reports indicate that students who are successful at Intermediate Algebra succeed in College Algebra at a rate comparable to students placed directly into that course.
FERPA NWACC is committed to your right to privacy as outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. This means that I can only communicate grades with you in person or on My NWACC Connection (http://my.nwacc.edu).
Bad Weather Policy: Cancellation of classes will be posted on NWACC’s web-site (http://www.nwacc.edu) and released to local T.V. and radio. Day classes are announced by 6:00 am, and evening classes by 3:00 pm. You may also call the Student Information Line: 479-619-4377 ) to find out.
Student Conduct, Responsibilities and Rights
2007-2008 NWACC-College Catalog p.152-154
Facilitation of Learning Environment ÂMutual Respect and Responsibility
A primary factor in Northwest Arkansas Community College preserving its reputation as a high caliber community of learners is the maintenance of mutual respect between faculty and students, and the inherent responsibilities of both. In order to foster this collegial learning environment, both faculty and stuÂdents have rights and responsibilities as spelled out in the following tenets.
Tenets of Student, Faculty Rights and Responsibilities:
- Students have the right to expect instructors to meet class regularly and to follow the colÂlege calendar.
- Faculty have the right to expect students to attend class regularly.
- Students have the right to expect instructors to be prepared and organized for class.
- Faculty have the right to expect students to be equally prepared and organized.
- Students have the right to expect faculty to hold scheduled office hours.
- Faculty have the right to expect students to keep appointments made with the instructor, and to use scheduled office hours as a time to discuss any concerns about the class with the instructor.
- Students have the right to expect faculty to return graded assignments and tests within a reasonable time period.
- Faculty have the right to expect students to turn in assignments and tests on time.
- Students and Faculty have the right to expect respect from one another, and the responsibilÂity to show respect.
- Faculty have the responsibility to model behavior which illustrates the value of higher education.
- Students have the responsibility of keeping an open mind so that they may learn the value of higher education.
Student Conduct Violations
Observation of the preceding tenets should preÂvent most problems that disrupt a welcoming, conÂducive environment for learning as well as protect the rights of all participants. However, to further clarify, the following student behaviors and acts, whether intentional or unintentional, are considered detrimental to the mission of a learning-centered postsecondary institution, and are deemed to be "Student Conduct Violations:" This is not an all-inclusive inventory of the types of actions that would rise to the level of a Student Conduct Violation, but rather a list of some typical examples.
- Violations of academic honesty, i.e., cheating and plagiarism. These violations can result in grading sancÂtions (see subsequent Academic Honesty secÂtion) as well other disciplinary actions imposed by the Associate Vice President for Learner Services or the Judicial Committee due process.
- Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research activities, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other scheduled college activiÂties; including public service functions and other authorized activities of the college.
- Theft, alteration or forgery of college docuÂments, records, or evidence of identification or use of same with intent to defraud.
- Abuse of any person on college premises or at any college-sponsored or supervised event, or conduct that threatens or endangers the physÂical or emotional health or safety of any such person.
- Theft of or damage to any college property or the property of any member of the college community on campus.
- Deliberate disobedience or failure to comply with directions of college officials acting in proper performance of their duties, such as requests to desist from specified activities, or to leave the campus.
- Use by any student organization of the College name, or a claim to speak or act on behalf of the College or a college-related organization without due authorization.
- Disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene conÂduct or language on campus or at a college sponsored event.
- Improper or indecent dress, including the failÂure to wear shoes and/or shirts in campus buildings or on college-owned or controlled property which constitutes a safety or health risk to the college community.
- Acts against civil or criminal law in instances where the student conduct code is violated. Violators of public law may be referred to civil authorities for appropriate action and may be subject to disciplinary action through the Judicial Committee.
- Deliberate destruction of, damage to, maliÂcious misuse of, or abuse of college-owned or controlled property.
- Illegal manufacture, sale, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, marijuana, hypnotics, sedatives, tranquilizers, stimulants, hallucinogens, and other similar known harmful or habit-forming drugs, prescription drugs and/or chemicals on college-owned or controlled property or at college-sponsored events.
- Participation in, or organization of, any unauÂthorized activity to interrupt the functions of the college.
- Unauthorized entry to or use of college faciliÂties, including buildings and/or grounds.
- Illegal or unauthorized possession or use of firearms, fireworks, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or arms classified as weapons on college-owned or controlled property or at college-sponsored events.
- Demonstrations which interfere with the rights of other members of the learning comÂmunity or with the normal functions of the college.
- Deliberate creation of a hostile learning environment for other students, faculty, or adminÂistrative staff.
- Failure to identify oneself upon request of a college official.
- Drunkenness or being under the influence of drugs on college-owned or controlled properÂty or college-sponsored events.
- Unauthorized gambling on college-owned or controlled property or college events.
- Smoking or using tobacco products in classÂrooms or in any college facility.
- Repeated disregard for college parking and/or smoking policies.
- Sexual harassment of other students, faculty, or staff persons.
Enforcement and Reporting of Student Conduct Violations
College representatives, i.e. any administrator, offiÂcer, faculty, or staff member of the College can direct students to cease any activities that disrupt the orderly operations of the college or are in direct violation of college policies and/or procedures. At their discretion, any college employee can report said actions to the Associate Vice President for Learner Services for conÂsideration of whether these actions rise to the level of a conduct violation, and if disciplinary actions are approÂpriate. The preferred method of reporting is in writing, but in situations that demand immediate attention, such as an individual who is a danger to self or others, an initial verbal report will suffice. The written report should be submitted as soon as possible after the initial verbal report.
Disciplinary Actions
Disciplinary measures shall be applied to any stuÂdent whose conduct adversely affects the College's purÂsuit of educational objectives defined as:
- The opportunity of all members of the learnÂing community to pursue educational goals.
- The maintenance of a learning environment conducive to intellectual and educational development.
- The protection of College property and the safety, health, and welfare of all members of the learning community.
The decision as to whether a specific student behavior rises to the level of a conduct violation and the type of disciplinary actions imposed resides with the Associate Vice President for Learner Services or his/her designated agents. Types of disciplinary actions/penalties include, but are not limited to:
- Remand case to the College Judicial Committee.
- Letter of warning.
- Restitution of College property, denial of cerÂtain privileges, or restriction of activities.
- Disciplinary probation which prohibits the student from representing the College or parÂticipating in student activities; and subjects the student to immediate suspension of found in violation of prohibited conduct during the period of his/her probation.
- Suspension - Interruption of the student's educational activities at the College for a defiÂnite, stated period.
- Dismissal - Interrupts and terminates the student’s educational activities at the College for a definite period of time. (One semester or more).
- Expulsion - Termination of enrollment at the College that is final. The Judicial Committee may review the action at a later time, but not less than two years after the date on which expulsion occurred.
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