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MATH 0090 - Accelerated Mathematics Placement

 

Description:

Students work at their own individual pace, using ALEKS computer software, to master topics taught in MATH 0015 (Arithmetic and Pre-Algebra), MATH 0025 (Introductory Algebra), MATH 1108 (Intermediate Algebra), MATH 1143 (College Algebra) and MATH 1144 (Trigonometry). 

Starting with MATH 0015, students complete modules that cover the material taught in each of the courses listed above and then take a mastery exam for each module. Scoring 90% or above on each exam earns placement equivalent to having passed the corresponding course. Because each module is a compressed version of the courses listed above, this course is intended for students with enough mathematics background to work independently and who are committed to working several hours per week outside of class. There is no prerequisite required for Math 0090. Credits earned do not count toward graduation credits but do count toward your credit load (for financial aid and scholarship purposes). Graded S/U.  F,S


Mastery:

Mastery is sequential meaning that the student must begin with MATH 0015 and learn the course material in the correct order beginning with: MATH 0015, MATH 0025, MATH 1108, MATH 1143 and MATH 1144. Ultimately, attaining mastery is equivalent to taking the course. (For example, if a student finishes Math 0090 having mastered the Math 1143 material, then the student meets the prerequisite for any class having MATH 1143 (or lower level math class) as a prerequisite.)


Placement Assessment:

  • After completing ALEKS module for a particular course level, the student is eligible to take a mastery exit exam for that course level. A student is not allowed to take an exit exam without first completing the ALEKS module for that course.

  • Achieving mastery level on an exit exam means passing at a 90% or better.


Recording of Math Placement:

  • Midterm Placement: At the 8-week mark, a student's testing record will indicate the mathematics level he or she has mastered. For example, if the student has mastered the topics covered through MATH 1108, this placement level will be recorded so the student may register for any course that has MATH 1108 or lower as a prerequisite.

  • Final Placement: At the end of the course, the student's testing record will indicate the mathematics level they have mastered by the end of the course. For example, if at the end of the course MATH 1143 mastery has been attained, the student's record will indicate that he or she has met the prerequisite for any course having a prerequisite of MATH 1143 or lower.


Grading:

  • The grading for MATH 0090 is S/U (satisfactory or unsatisfactory).

  • It does NOT count toward the student's GPA or graduation.

  • Attendance is mandatory.

  • If absences are more than 30% of the scheduled course dates, the student will receive a 'U' with the last date of attendance or an 'NB' (no basis for grade). Earning a 'U' or 'NB' grade may negatively impact a student's financial aid and scholarship eligibility, leading to a possible loss of funding for future semester(s).

  • MATH 0090 requires 10 hours per week of work in the online system (3 hours in class and 7 hours outside of class).


Eligibility requirements:

  • There is no prerequisite for this course.

  • For students who have taken a placement exam (ACT, SAT, COMPASS or ALEKS) and placed in to courses below MATH 1170 (Calculus I).


Repeating the Course:

  • Students may repeat the course. However, the student would be required to complete ALL topics starting from the beginning (Math 0015) but would not be required to retake the exit exams that they have previously passed.

 

Testing:



 

For questions about the course, please contact Randa Kress:

(208) 282-3176 or  kresrand@isu.edu