SI, SLA, and YOU
Your guide to CSU’s two new
services for students.
What are SI and SLA?
Voluntary
Attendance
Sessions are at
varied times
Supplemental Instruction
Required Attendance
Student peer
leader attends
class session
Leader
facilitates
review
session
Mandatory based
on assessment –
70% or lower
Built into the
course structure
and student
schedule
Structured Learning Assistance
SI and SLA target courses…

High enrollment

Low student success

Fewer than 25% of the students enrolled in
the previous year earned a C or better.
Our History

Supplemental Instruction
Fall 2008…
12 attempted - 9 succeeded
Spring 2009…

Structured Learning Assistance
Spring 2009…
SLA launched with 3 sections
2 were successful
30 attempted - 27 succeeded
Fall 2009…
50 SI Sessions Attempted
Fall 2009…
10 SLA Sessions Attempted
Fall 2009 SI/SLA Courses







BIOLOGY 106* and 200 (SLA)
CHEMISTRY 161* and 261*
ENGLISH 101 (SLA)
GEOLOGY 100*
MATH 87, 88, 116, 117*, 127*, 147*, 151*,
154*, 167, 168, 181, 182 (6 courses SLA)
PSYCHOLOGY 101
SPANISH 101 and 102
Rationale:

Collaborative learning promotes critical thinking:
- discussion
- clarification of ideas
- evaluation of others’ ideas

The SI and SLA programs focus on students
working with classmates
(*2.5 times more efficient than studying alone)
THE LEADER ROLE

Not a TA! – a model student (takes notes & attends
class)

Hold 2-3 SI sessions/week / (1 hour in length)*

Attend all trainings and staff meetings

Prepare for SI sessions (2 hours of prep)

Communicate regularly with the professor/instructor.

Collect data, attendance, and other assessment
information and submit weekly update
THE FACULTY ROLE

Communicate with Leader prior to Semester

Obtain textbook

Add SI / SLA information to syllabus

Add Leader to Blackboard

Remind students to attend – OFTEN

Pass out end of semester evaluations

Attend an occasional meeting
THE SUPERVISOR ROLE

Conduct training sessions prior to semester

Hold meetings throughout semester

Evaluate sessions/ongoing training

End of semester evaluations

Data collection

Communicate with faculty

Oversee daily operations / Assign space
WHEN SHOULD FACULTY NOTIFY
THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR?

Whenever any issues or problems should arise.

Leader missed class – no prior notification

Leader is excessively late for class

CALL or EMAIL Christine – as soon as possible
Benefits to students








Acquire study skills
Organization
More time on task
Prepared for Exams
Higher Course Grades
Learning Network
Collaboration
Independent Learners
Benefits to faculty

Early feedback

Improved student interaction

Higher Student Success
Rates / Continue Sequence

Improved Understanding

Work closely with and
mentor top students
Benefits to University






Higher Graduation Rates
Lower rates of D’s & F’s –
Withdrawals
Faculty Development
Sense of Community
Bridge gap with student
ability levels
Cost efficient academic
support
State Subsidy has been removed for
any student that withdraws from a
class at any point or receives an “F.”
WHAT IF A STUDENT CANNOT
ATTEND ANY OF THE SESSIONS?

Tutoring & Academic Success Center (TASC)
MC 401

The student can receive 1:1 or small group
tutoring at a time that fits his or her schedule.
MARKETING
The faculty plays a key role in marketing the
sessions:




Add SI/SLA description to the syllabus
Add the leader’s name & email to syllabus
Post on Blackboard
Announce in Class
TO GIVE OR NOT TO GIVE

How are grades impacted?
-
-
Giving bonus points to students who attend is at
your discretion
With SLA – students are required to attend if their
assessment score is below at or below 70%
SOME POINTERS

Leader/Faculty mini meetings are crucial for
good teamwork and communication.

If you cannot teach a class, please cancel
class but mention the Leader is available
during the time.

Do not expect the leader to teach class in
your absence
What is SLA?
HOW DOES SLA WORK?



First day of class:
- Explain Program
- Students sign attendance policy
(submit one copy / keep other )
Week one:
- All students attend SLA session
- Assessment given to determine competency
Week two:
- Results are given back to the student
- “Baseline” Scores determine mandatory/voluntary
HOW DOES SLA WORK?
Assessment
Student Scores above
70%
Student Scores below
70%
Encouraged to attend
SLA Session
Mandatory SLA
HELPFUL TIPS



Works best with several “mini assessments”
Communicate with leader weekly to discuss:
- attendance issues
- grades
- progress / planning
Follow up with students who exhibit
attendance issues
ITEMS TO CONSIDER



What is the baseline grade?
What are consequences for missing SLA if
required to be there?
- Does student fail course
- Does student drop a letter grade
Will points be added for students who attend
but don’t need to?
CAUTION:

Give assessments right away

Avoid lag time between taking test and
returning results (make up exams)

Get excuses for student absences in writing

Demonstrate consistency with leader
ANY QUESTIONS? ANY
COMMENTS?