Basic Math Skills—Summer 2008, First 5 ½ Weeks
Course Abbreviation: MATD 0330 Section: 004 Synonym: 15398
Instructor: Anne Praderas
Class Meeting: Rio Grande Campus Room 135 Mon – Thu 2:55-5:30PM
Office Hours: Rio Grande Campus Room 333 Mon – Thu 2:05 – 2:45PM {Other times by appointment.}
Office Phone: (512) 223-3356
E-mail: Webpage:
Required Materials & Text:
Materials: pencil, paper,4-function () calculator, 1 single-subject-sized spiral notebook (to be used ONLY for special assignments; see below)
Text: Prealgebra (by Blair. This is a 3-hole punched, unbound text), ISBN 0-53-643103-5. The text is bundled with an access code for MathXL, the CD Lecture Series, the Chapter Test Prep Video CD, the Student Solution Manual, and access code for Prentice Hall Tutor Center (see description below). This unbound text may not be sold back to the bookstore at the end of the semester. Students should also obtain two 3-ring binders – one large 2-inch binder in order to keep the full text and another smaller 1-inch binder with which to bring individual chapters to class. Note: This custom edition saves students $35 and gives them the Student Solution Manual as well as additional software.
Equally Acceptable Alternative Texts:
Description/Title / CommentsPrealgebra by Blair, Tobey, Slater, 3rd Edition
ISBN# 0-13-148298-X / This is the regular edition of the Blair Prealgebra text and is the is same exact text as the 3-hole punched unbound text above. The cost of a new text includes the Chapter Test Prep Video CD, and access code for MyMathLab (an online course management system similar to MathXL – see description below) Used copies of this text may be available but probably will not include any software access or CDs.
Description/Title / Comments
Basic Math Skills (prev. used bound text)
ISBN# 0-53-696683-4 / This is the custom text that was used previously for the course. Used copies of this text may be available. It contains all of the exact material of our current text but also includes three preliminary chapters (P1, P2, and P3) covering arithmetic concepts.
Optional Supplements:
Description/Title / Comments1-Year Access Code for MathXL / MathXL is an online homework, tutorial, and assessment system. This system allows instructors to create , edit, and assign homework and quizzes using algorithmically generated exercises correlated at the objective level to our Blair custom text. It also allows instructors to track student work in MathXL’s online gradebook. The publishers have agreed to provide every ACC MATD 0330 student with an access code for MathXL regardless of whether or not they have purchased a new text. The access code comes with purchase of a new bundled set of the 3-hole punched version. All other students can obtain a free access code by going to and entering the following discount code:mxlozzpd. You must have a credit card in order to register online. At the end of the short registration process, the screen will say “Your credit card has been charged $0.00”. Mac computers are currently not supported by MathXL.
Student Study Pack
ISBN #0-13-171161-X / Includes the Student Solutions Manual, access code for the Prentice Hall Tutor Center, and the CD Lecture Series Videos which provides videos of lecture-based instruction on key concepts, examples, and practice problems from each text section. The student cost (as of 6/07) is $40.
Student Solutions Manual
ISBN# 0-13-149122-9 / Worked out solutions to all odd-numbered section exercises and all reviews and tests. The student cost (as of 6/07) is $36.80.
Access code for the Prentice Hall Tutor Center
ISBN# 0-13-064604-0 / Tutorial support via phone, fax or email staffed by developmental math faculty. Info available at
Chapter Test Prep Video CD
ISBN# 0-13-149130-X / Provides step-by-step video solutions to each problem in the How Am I Doing? Chapter Test in the textbook. Packaged at no charge with a new text, inside the back cover. The cost (as of 6/07) if purchased separately online is $17.80.
Rio Grande Campus Learning Lab
Room 212 ph #223-3367
Monday - Thursday: 9am - 8pm
Friday: 9am - 1pm
CLOSED SAT & SUN
IF YOU PREFER “LIVE” HELP…
ACC main campuses have Learning Labs that offer free tutoring (first-come first-serve) for mathematics courses. The Learning Lab is a good place to go ask questions about homework and to help you prepare for the tests.
TSI Warning: If you are relying on this course to meet a requirement that you be in mandatory remediation in mathematics this semester**, then
i. if you are not "continually in attendance" in this course, you should be withdrawn from the course by your instructor,
ii. if you withdraw yourself from this course or are withdrawn by your instructor, you will be automatically withdrawn from all of your other college courses if this is the only TSI-mandated course you are taking.
** If you are unsure whether or not this warning applies to you, see an ACC advisor immediately.
Prerequisite Requirement: None
Placement Tests
•A placement test may be given on the first class day to determine your comfort level with arithmetic skills. If you miss the first day, you may be asked to take the test in the testing center.
•If you think you should be in Elementary Algebra or a higher course, you will need to do very well on the placement test for that course. Talk to your instructor IMMEDIATELY if you want to try and switch to a higher course!
Calculator Policy
•No calculators are allowed during the first half of the course. After the second test, you may use a simple 4-function only () calculator on anything, including future tests and the final exam.
•No calculator sharing during tests. If you forget your calculator on a day we have a test, you’ll have to work without it. NO CELL PHONE CALCULATORS!!!!
What I Expect From You
•Be sensitive to other people in the class. No matter who you are, there will be someone who knows less than you AND someone who knows more. Be patient and understanding with both types of people.
•Be an aggressive learner. Don’t just sit there and wait for the information to penetrate your brain; reach out and grab it!
•Please turn off any device which may beep, ring, vibrate, or otherwise distract you (and others) during class.
•Get help when you need it. The Learning Lab on any ACC main campusand MathXL online areexcellent and FREE resources for you. Working together with a friend and/or visiting my office hours can also be very helpful.
•ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED--AND PLEASE BE ON TIME. I may choose to (but do not promise to) withdraw students with two or more absences from class. You are responsible for submitting appropriate paperwork by the published deadlines if you choose to withdraw from the class. The deadline for withdrawing from the course this semester is June 25, 2008.
What You May Expect From Me
•I will prepare clear and organized lectures with plenty of examples. I will also make a special effort to listen to your questions and respond in a way that’s helpful.
•I will have test grades for you within 2 class periods after the test is given. I am open to hearing your valid disagreements about how I graded your paper, and I will gladly change your grade if I made a mistake or oversight.
•I will calculate your course grade periodically throughout the semester so you can see where you stand at that time.
•I will check my voice mail and e-mail 4 times a week (usually during my office hours).
•No appointments are necessary for office hours. Come on by! If you need to meet with me another time, we can arrange that individually.
Grading Scheme:
Homework 10% Spiral Reviews10% Daily Quiz 20% Tests 60%
HOMEWORK: You are expected to complete a set of practice problems for each text section we cover. There are two ways you can choose to do your homework. You may do some (or all) complete assignments online and some (or all) with the textbook, however you like, as long as you complete one assignment for each section on the syllabus.
- ONLINE HOMEWORK: For this option, you will need to have the MathXL Student Access Kit (see description in “Materials” above). I will give you separate handout for details on getting started with this. Online homework must be completed by 11:59 p.m. of the nightbefore each test day. NOTE: Online homework is graded for accuracy; however, I will count any grades of 80 or above as 100. Grades below 80 will be counted “as is.” Grades are automatically sent to me. MathXL provides plenty of hints and examples, so you should have enough support to earn an 80 or above every time.
- TEXTBOOK HOMEWORK: For this option, you will use your text and do the assignments listed on your syllabus. These assignments will be due at the beginning of the class after I assign them. You must copy down every problem to receive credit. On word problems, you do not need to copy the entire question, but you must show how you arrived at your answer. One-class late assignments lose 20 points; after that, it’s a zero. I only check textbook homework for completion, not accuracy. To check it, I will walk around the room & quickly look over your work. Your grade will be…
100 if every problem is copied & attempted
80 if all but 1 or 2 problems are copied & attempted
50 if all but 3 problems up to half the assignment are copied & attempted OR if you have all the answers, but did not copy the problem.
0 if you have less than half of the assignment.
SPIRAL REVIEWS: At the beginning of each test day, you will turn in a spiral notebook in which you have written notes and completed additional, NEW examples for that unit. The notes must include all definitions, procedures, and/or formulas we covered in each section, either written during class or copied from the text outside of class. The additional examples that you add in later must be DIFFERENT FROM CLASS EXAMPLES! Find problems from the text or online material to use as your examples.
*****How to Organize Your Spiral: With the spiral opened, take notes on one side only, then leave space on the opposing page to do more examples later, as shown. Please make sure you do not put any other work in this spiral--no homework or notes from other classes. The goal is for you to practice good organizational skills and also to review each topic prior to the test. Plus, at the end of the semester, you will have a concise summary of pre-algebra skills which may be helpful to you in future classes. When you turn in your spiral, please have it open to the first page of that unit.
DAILY QUIZZES: At the beginning of each class day (except test days), I will put 2-3 questions on the board for you to work on your own paper as a daily quiz, graded for accuracy. The questions will be very similar to homework questions from recent assignments. These quizzes are closed-book, but open-note/open-homework however, you are only allowed to use notes and assignments written by you! (No note-sharing or photocopied notes.) Calculator usage will be announced at the time of the quiz. If you miss a quiz, due to an absence or tardiness, it’s a zero. At the end of the semester, I will drop your two lowest daily quiz grades. Students who miss more than 4 daily quizzes may be required to take a cumulative make-up quiz during class on July 1st or July 2nd.
TESTS will be closed-note and given in class during dates listed on the syllabus and announced in class. Test questions will primarily come from the most recent chapter(s) covered in class, andmaterial from prior chapters will also be included. I may give partial credit on tests provided: 1) the work is partially correct; 2) I can easily read and follow the work you’ve shown. If you do not take a test on the assigned date, you must contact me within 2 weekdays after the test date, or your grade will be a zero. I will consider, but not guarantee, giving the test at another time or allowing your final exam to replace that test’s grade. It depends on the circumstance AND your overall effort and attendance in the course. If you miss a second test for any reason, that grade will be a zero.
The FINAL EXAM is “departmental,” meaning all Basic Math Skillsstudents take essentially the same exam. It will be during the lastclass day--DON’T MISS IT. It is closed-note and calculators are OK. I will provide you with a “departmental” review sheet before the exam. If you miss the final exam day, it’s a zero. No make-ups. The final exam counts as two test grades.
Final Exam date: Wednesday, July 2nd.
Students should expect to receive one of the following grades at the end of the semester:
A=90-100 B=80-89 C=70-79 D=60-69 (See below for other “special circumstance” grades.)
Special Grades:
•IN-PROGRESS (IP): If a student is attending regularly, doing all assigned work but is still not earning a grade of C or higher, I will consider the IP grade. Students who receive an IP grade are expected to register and pay for the same course again in the following semester—they are NOT permitted to go on to the next course. A maximum of 2 IP grades can be awarded in any 1 course.
•INCOMPLETE (I): These are given only in extremely rare circumstances. Generally, to receive a grade of “I”, a student must have taken all examinations, be passing, and after the last date to withdraw, have a personal tragedy which prevents course completion. Arrangements for completing the course will be made individually.
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MATD 0330 BASIC MATH SKILLS Course Description:
A course designed to develop basic arithmetic and algebra skills to prepare for courses covering secondary school algebra, the first of which is MATD 0370 Elementary Algebra. Content includes operations on whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportions, percent, solving linear equations in one variable applications, and relating simple algebra concepts to geometry.
Course Rationale:
This course is designed to be the first course in a 3-course Developmental Math sequence. The other two are Elementary Algebra and Intermediate Algebra. Students who pass Basic Math Skills will have a solid foundation in arithmetic of rational numbers, solving linear equations, and the beginnings of polynomial arithmetic.
Instructional Methodology: This course is taught in the classroom as a lecture/discussion course.
Reinstatement Policy: Students who withdrew or were withdrawn generally will not be reinstated unless they have completed all homework and tests necessary to place them at the same level of course completion as the rest of the class.
Statement on Students with Disabilities
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office of Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester. Students who are requesting accommodation must provide the instructor with a letter of accommodation from the Office of Students with Disabilities (OSD) at the beginning of the semester. Accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the letter of accommodation from OSD.
Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty
Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to, cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, work, research or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to, tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations; and homework.
Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty Penalty
Students who violate the rules concerning scholastic dishonesty will be assessed an academic penalty that the instructor determines is in keeping with the seriousness of the offense. This academic penalty may range from a grade penalty on the particular assignment to an overall grade penalty in the course, including possibly an F in the course. ACC's policy can be found in the Student Handbook under Policies and Procedures or on the web at:
Statement on Academic Freedom
Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good. The common good depends upon a search for truth and upon free expression. In this course the professor and students shall strive to protect free inquiry and the open exchange of facts, ideas, and opinions. Students are free to take exception to views offered in this course and to reserve judgment about debatable issues. Grades will not be affected by personal views. With this freedom comes the responsibility of civility and a respect for a diversity of ideas and opinions. This means that students must take turns speaking, listen to others speak without interruption, and refrain from name-calling or other personal attacks.
Statement on Student Discipline
Classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. Behavior that disrupts the learning process will be dealt with appropriately, which may include having thestudent leave class for the rest of that day. In serious cases, disruptive behavior may lead to a student being withdrawn from the class. ACC's policy on student discipline can be found in the Student Handbook under Policies and Procedures or on the web at:
Course Objectives:
The following objectives are listed in a sequence ranging from the simple to the more complex. As such, this document should not be viewed as a chronological guide to the course, although some elements naturally will precede others. These elements should be viewed as mastery goals which will be reinforced whenever possible throughout the course.