The course is designed to be an individualized, fast-paced, computerized math program utilizing ALEKS (Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces), a web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to determine exactly what a student knows and doesn’t know, then instructs the student on the topics they are most ready to learn. As you work through this course, ALEKS will assess you as you complete each Objective (or weekly) to evaluate your mastery. Topics that are not mastered will be revisited as needed for future learning. This individualized course covers material ranging from Pre-Algebra through Intermediate Algebra and allows students to complete two developmental math courses in one semester. It incorporates independent online learning with classroom and one-on-one professional instruction throughout the semester.

In this class you will review and/or become proficient with signed numbers, linear equations and inequalities, fractions, decimals, percent problems, geometry, graphing, integer exponents, polynomials, and factoring. An introduction to sequences, sets, radicals, and quadratic equations is also included. This class prepares students for Intermediate Algebra (Math 1010) as well as Math 1030 and 1040.

• No textbook is required; however, each student must create an account with ALEKS and register for the course.
• The cost for this 11-week comprehensive program will be automatically applied to student fees (see SUU Registrar’s Office for additional pricing).
• Please refer to the ALEKS Registration Instructions handout for account set-up.
• Math journal (spiral or composition).
• Pencils (preferred over pens).
• No need to purchase a calculator. ALEKS will determine when a calculator may be needed and will provide one onscreen. Beyond this integrated program tool, calculators and cell phones are prohibited. Students will be tested on and must understand how to use negative numbers, fractions, and decimals without a calculator.

• Review and/or become proficient with: signed numbers; linear equations and inequalities; fractions; decimals; percent problems; geometry; graphing; integer exponents; polynomials; and factoring.
• Gain introductory understanding of: sequences; sets; radicals; and quadratic equations.
• Be prepared for subsequent courses, including Intermediate Algebra (Math 1010), Math 1030, and Math 1040.

For each objective, you are required to meet both the pie progress goal (PP Obj) and the module time goal, as outlined in the ALEKS Due Date Calendar. Even if you are ahead in topics, you must continue working to meet the required time goal for that module. If you finish the course early, any remaining time goals will be dropped at that point. If you have met the time goal but not the outlined pie progress (topic) goal, you must keep working in ALEKS to catch up in progress so that you can finish the course by the end of the semester. Any pie progress or time goals not met in full will receive partial credit in Canvas.

You will not receive college math credit for this class, but for financial aid and similar purposes it is counted as a 4-credit class. You will receive a letter grade on your transcript. It is important to achieve a grade of B- or higher to move on and be successful in the next math course.

Letter grade scale

A: 94–100    A-: 90–93    B+: 87–89    B: 84–86    B-: 80–83    C+: 77–79    C: 74–76

C-: 70–73    D+: 67–69    D: 64–66    D-: 60–63    F: Below 60

Grade components

ALEKS Module Time Goals — 10%

You are expected to spend a specified number of hours each module (varies by module) actively working on your ALEKS Pie Progress. Each module and its corresponding minimum required hours are outlined in the Due Dates Calendar and posted to Canvas. Pay close attention to due dates for each module, as time goals reset at midnight on the designated due date and cannot be made up.

Module Written Assignments — 10%

Each module includes a paper-and-pencil assignment to demonstrate your understanding of the material covered in that objective. Show all work; calculators are not allowed on these assignments. Submit online through Canvas or as a hard copy in the box outside the instructor’s office. Each written assignment is due at the end of the corresponding module as outlined on the Due Dates Calendar and posted to Canvas. Failure to complete at least 80% of module written assignments may result in a UW course grade.

Last Scheduled ALEKS Knowledge Check (Proctored) — 80%

There are 4 Scheduled Knowledge Checks including the Final, on dates outlined on the Due Dates Calendar and posted to Canvas. These demonstrate your comprehensive knowledge of the 0970 material throughout the semester. Failure to take even one of these scheduled assessments may result in a UW course grade.

All Scheduled Knowledge Checks will be proctored. Remote proctoring uses Canvas’s Honorlock; it is free to SUU students and must be installed on a desktop or laptop computer, and will record your screen and webcam while testing. If you cannot use remote proctoring, you must schedule exams through an onsite proctoring center. SUU’s Testing Center is available during operating hours at no additional cost (covered by student fees).

All Scheduled Knowledge Checks assess 100% of the course material. Because MATH 0970 is progress-based, each time you take a knowledge check your new overall pie progress replaces your previous knowledge check score. The last scheduled knowledge check taken counts for 80% of the overall Canvas grade. Students are expected to achieve at least an 80% overall Canvas grade to pass the course, which means earning at least 80% overall pie progress on a scheduled knowledge check. The final ALEKS knowledge check must be administered in a proctored format for the score to be valid.

• Module time goals cannot be made up: Time goals reset at midnight on the designated due date and cannot be made up. Stay aware of all due dates on the ALEKS Due Date Calendar.
• Written assignments due at end of each module: Assignments must be submitted by the specified module due date. Failure to complete at least 80% of written assignments may result in a UW course grade.
• Scheduled assessments: There are four scheduled knowledge checks. Failure to take even one scheduled assessment may result in a UW course grade. All scheduled knowledge checks must be proctored (Honorlock remote proctoring or an approved testing center).
• Time-on-task expectations: Plan to work in ALEKS daily (about 2–3 hours per class day). A total of at least 75 hours working in ALEKS is required across modules. Manage your time; last-minute completion is not feasible for a passing grade.
• Testing environment and device use: To focus and retain information, put away cell phones, headphones, and other devices while working on math. Calculators are not allowed on written assignments; ALEKS provides an onscreen calculator when appropriate.
• Communication: Monitor course announcements for important details and updates. Please notify the instructor if you drop the class.

Since this is an online course, you are expected to navigate the course remotely. All assignments and exams are completed asynchronously within the bounds of due dates outlined on the calendar. Refer regularly to course announcements for important details and updates. You are also expected to keep a math journal throughout the course to take notes while learning topics and to use as a study reference.

• ALEKS access: The cost for the 11-week ALEKS program is automatically applied to student fees (consult the SUU Registrar’s Office for current pricing).
• Proctoring: Honorlock remote proctoring is free to SUU students but requires access to a working computer and webcam. SUU’s on-campus Testing Center is available at no additional cost (covered by student fees).

Support: If you are having difficulties at any time, seek help promptly. Ask questions as they arise and make use of the many resources available to you.

Online resources: ALEKS and the online ebook provide examples, explanations, videos, and other resources corresponding to each lesson. Use these resources regularly.

Tutoring Center: SUU offers free tutoring, located on the 2nd floor of the ELC, open Monday through Friday (limited summer hours). Math tutors and computers are available—take advantage of them.

ALEKS Customer Support: For technical questions, contact ALEKS support at 1-800-258-2374.