SYLLABUS HANDOUT
for
2013-14 SPRING QUARTER
COLLEGE READING STRATEGIES
RDLS 0100-1A
M/W 10:00-11:50 a.m.
DIANE HOCEVAR, INSTRUCTOR
One who does not read has
no advantage over one who
cannot read. -- Mark Twain
WELCOME TO METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE!
Metropolitan Community College
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Metropolitan Community College
Class Syllabus –2013-14 Spring
COURSE IDENTIFICATION
Title:
Prefix/Section:
Credit Hours:
Begins/Ends:
Date class does not meet:
Meeting Day/Time:
Last Day to Withdraw:
Delivery Type:
Class Location:
Course Web Addresses:
College Reading Strategies
RDLS 0100 1A
4.5
3/10/14 – 5/21/14
N/A
Mondays/Wednesdays 10:00 – 11:50 a.m.
5/7/14
Classroom
Elkhorn Valley Campus Room 150B
www.quia.com/profiles/rdls0100
CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor Name:
Office Location:
Office Telephone:
Facsimile:
Office Hours:
Email Address:
Faculty Web Site:
Academic Program Area:
Diane Hocevar
Elkhorn Valley Campus Room 156
402-289-1355
402-289-1423
Mondays/ Wednesdays: 9:30 – 10:00 a.m.; 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.
dhocevar@mccneb.edu
http://faculty.mccneb.edu/dhocevar
ER: English, English-as-a-Second Language, and Reading
COURSE INFORMATION
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course provides reading improvement instruction for students who need to reach
college level proficiency. Students will improve comprehension, vocabulary and reading
rate using a variety of materials and software. Students will learn to read college texts
more effectively. Students are provided a general college orientation, which includes a
support system to promote success.
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
Assessment testing
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion, the student will be able to demonstrate, through a combination of
standardized testing and coursework, a minimum reading competency level at the 12th
grade level equivalent. Topics of study will include:
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1. Word Meaning: Vocabulary. Student will be able to determine the meaning of an
unknown word by applying skills of using context clues and word/structural analysis.
2. Comprehension. Student will be able to apply literal, critical and inferential
comprehension skills on a variety of materials.
3. Comprehending Textbook Materials. Student will be able to approach college
textbook assignments systematically using textbook structural clues, pre-reading
strategies, and a textbook reading method.
4. Rate. Student will develop flexible reading rates appropriate to the purpose and
level of difficulty of material.
5. College Orientation: Student will be able to use College resources to promote
personal and academic success.
REQUIRED/SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:
1. Textbook: Making Reading Relevant (3rd edition) by Quick, Zimmer &
Hocevar (packaged with Access Code for My Reading Lab)
This is a consumable text. Students should plan to write and mark in it.
2. Novel – For One More Day by Mitch Albom
3. Highlighter marker (and colored fine tip pens)
4. Journal notebook and pocket folder; ALWAYS have a pen or pencil
SOFTWARE/FILE SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Metropolitan Community College uses Microsoft products as part of its standard
software and encourages students to do the same. You may save word-processed
documents for file attachments in Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format. If your software
does not allow either of these, then save files in Rich Text Format (.rtf).
CLASS STRUCTURE:
Students are expected to read all assignments, complete all in-class and homework
assignments on time, spend required time (at the instructor’s discretion) on course
software, and participate in class discussions and group activities.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT WORK
1. Types of Assessment/Assignments
This course will include lecture, discussion, group activities, written assignments,
quizzes, and computer-assisted instruction. It is highly participatory.
2. Grading Policy
Most assignments will be given either a percentage score or a letter grade. A ‘C’
(70%) or better is satisfactory. This is a Pass/Fail course. There are three possible
grades for this course:
Pass (P) All work completed satisfactorily and 12.0 reading level achieved; no more
than 4 absences (tardies and early departures count as partial absences: 1/3 class).
Fail (F or FX) Work not completed satisfactorily, or non-attendance. A 7th absence
(including partial absences) will result in either an F or FX grade. (more details
below)
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Re-enroll (R) All work completed satisfactorily, but a 12.0 reading level was not
achieved, or more than 4 absences were recorded, including partial absences.
These students should re-enroll in RDLS 0100 to continue to improve skills.
(Financial Aid will continue to assist through up to one re-enroll.) This grade reflects
the fact that background experience and learning rates vary.
Appeals for Final Course Grades There is a procedure listed in the course catalog
for grade appeals.
3. Maintenance of Student Records
Most work is graded, and grades are kept by the instructor in the WebAdvisor online
gradebook. This gradebook should be accessed frequently by students by going to
the WebAdvisor Academic Profile section of the MCC Website. (Under Academic
Profile, do not use the top link, Grades (this is for final course grades only);
instead, go to the second to last link, Student Gradebook.)
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING PROGRAM:
Metropolitan Community College is committed to continuous improvement of teaching
and learning. You may be asked to help us to accomplish this objective. For example,
you may be asked to respond to surveys or questionnaires. In other cases, tests or
assignments you are required to do for this course may be shared with faculty and used
for assessment purposes.
USE OF STUDENT WORK:
By enrolling in classes offered by Metropolitan Community College, the student gives
the College license to mark on, modify, and retain the work as may be required by the
process of instruction, as described in the course syllabus. The institution shall not have
the right to use the work in any other manner without the written consent of the
student(s).
INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION POLICY:
.
1. Regular attendance is ESSENTIAL to passing the course. For a Pass in the
course, students may not miss more than 4 classes. A 5th absence will
result in a Re-enroll grade, and a 7th absence will result in either an F or FX
unless a student chooses to withdraw before the drop deadline (see page 2).
Tardies (including extended breaks) and early class departures are counted
as partial absences and are factored into the attendance record. It is the
student’s responsibility to make up any missed classes and to notify the
instructor by phone or email prior to an absence whenever possible. Any student
who overextends the allowed number of absences may be asked not to complete
the course evaluation.
Attendance, active participation and/or timely submission of assignments affects
learning and grades. Students are responsible for meeting Satisfactory Academic
Progress standards.
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Attendance/Participation Reporting: To confirm each student’s eligibility to
remain registered for the class, the instructor will officially report
attendance/participation on or before the Census Date. Students in this section
must attend a class meeting by March 19, 2014.
FX: An FX is a final grade given to a student who stops attending a class, does
not return, and fails.
2. Expected Classroom Behavior: Demonstrate respect for self, other
students and the instructor, in word and deed.
3. Disruptive Classroom Behavior: For the benefit of other students, students
may be asked to leave the classroom for any disruptive behavior (cell phone
abuse, inappropriate talking, etc.) and will be counted absent for the day.
4. Internet Use During Class must be limited to class assignments.
CELL PHONE/ELECTRONIC DEVICE STATEMENT: Cell phones and other
electronic devices must be turned OFF and out of sight during class time. If you
are expecting some kind of medically-related emergency call, please notify the
instructor before class and set your phone on vibrate.
COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS:
When you communicate with others in this course, you must follow the Student Conduct
Code (http://mccneb.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/Course-Catalog/StudentServices/Student-Conduct), which calls for responsible and cooperative behavior.
Please think critically, ask questions, and challenge ideas, but also show respect for the
opinions of others, respond to them politely, and maintain the confidentiality of thoughts
expressed in the class. You may also wish to review information at
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/.
ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT:
Students are reminded that materials they use as sources for classwork may be subject
to copyright protection. Additional information about copyright is provided on the library
website at http://www.mccneb.edu/library or by your instructor. In response to incidents
of student dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, illegal peer-to-peer file sharing, etc.), the
College imposes specific actions that may include receiving a failing grade on a test,
failure in the course, suspension from the College, or dismissal from the College.
Disciplinary procedures are available in the Advising/Counseling Centers or at
http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/V-4_Student_Conduct_and_Discipline.pdf.
STUDENT WITHDRAWAL:
If you cannot participate in and complete this course, you should officially withdraw
through My Services on the MCC My Way portal at http://myway.mccneb.edu or by
calling Central Registration at 402-457-5231 or 1-800-228-9553. Failure to officially
withdraw will result in either an attendance-related failure (FX) or failing (F) grade. The
last date to withdraw is noted in the CLASS IDENTIFICATION section of this syllabus.
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LEARNING SUPPORT
MCC's Learning and Tutoring Centers, Math Centers, and Writing Centers offer friendly,
supportive learning environments that can help students achieve educational success.
Staff members in these centers provide free drop-in assistance with basic computing,
reading, math, and writing skills. Self-paced, computer-assisted instructional support in
reading, vocabulary, typing, English as a Second Language, and online course
orientation is also available.
Detailed information about the Learning and Tutoring, Math, and Writing Centers is in
the My Way portal, the College Catalog, and online at http://www.mccneb.edu/ltc/.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
Metropolitan Community College will provide reasonable accommodations for persons
with documented qualifying disabilities. It is the student’s responsibility to request
accommodations from Disability Support Services (DSS) located in each Student
Services Office. After students have arranged for accommodations with DSS, the
student and instructor should privately discuss these accommodations. For further
information, please contact DSS or visit http://www.mccneb.edu/dss/.
NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:
Metropolitan Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability or sexual orientation in
admission or access to its programs and activities or in its treatment or hiring of
employees.
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT:
For assistance with student email, passwords, and most other MCC technology, contact
the Help Desk at 457-2900 or mcchelpdesk@mccneb.edu.
TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES:
By using the information technology systems at MCC (including the computer systems
and phones), you acknowledge and consent to the conditions of use as set forth in the
Metropolitan Community College Procedures Memorandum on Acceptable Use of
Information Technology and Resources. It is your responsibility as a student to be
familiar with these procedures. The full text of the Procedures Memorandum may be
found at the following website: http://www.mccneb.edu/procedures/X15_Technology_Resources_Use.pdf.
SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS
NOTICE: This syllabus sets forth a tentative schedule of class topics, learning activities,
and expected learning outcomes. However, the instructor reserves the right to modify
this schedule to enhance learning for students. Any modifications will not substantially
change the intent or objectives of this course and will conform to the policies and
guidelines of Metropolitan Community College.
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SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS
MONDAYS
3/10 Week 1 Day 1
Introductions/Name tents
Go over Syllabus
Reading Biography
MCC log-ins
Assignment: Buy all course materials
Bring text passcode card
for My Reading Lab (MRL)
3/17 Week 2 Day 1
Discuss TABE Vocabulary scores
and My Reading Lab Lexile levels
MRR Ch 1 Readiness Quiz
Orientation Topic: ASC/Math & Writing
Centers
My Reading Lab (MRL)
Assignment: Read MRR Text Chapter 1
MRL Skill 1
3/24 Week 3 Day 1
Orientation Topic – QUIA site
MRR Readiness Quiz 2
Share FOMD Assignment 1
MRL
Assignment: MRR Chapter 2
Latin/Greek prep – p. 13
MRL Skills 3 & 4
3/31
Week 4 Day 1
Latin/Greek Application Quiz – p. 13
Latin/Greek Review on QUIA
MRR Readiness Quiz 3
Share FOMD Assignment 2
MRL
Assignment: MRR Chapter 3
Latin/Greek prep – p. 14
MRL Lexile 2
4/7
Week 5 Day 1
Latin/Greek Application Quiz – p. 14
Latin/Greek Review on QUIA
MRR Readiness Quiz 4
Share FOMD Assignment 3
MRL
Assignment: MRR Chapter 4
MRL Lexile 5
WEBSITES:
www.quia.com/profiles/rdls0100
www.m-w.com
www.freerice.com
ORIENTATION TOPICS: My Reading Lab (MRL),
Academic Support Commons (ASC):Library,
Writing Center, Math Center; Student
Services/Registration, QUIA (Latin/Greek
Practice), USR (Ultimate Speed Reader)
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WEDNESDAYS
3/12 Week 1 Day 2
Discuss Reading Biographies
TABE Vocabulary
My Reading Lab registration/classroom demo first
Assignment: Buy all course materials
MRL Join course/Lexile diagnostic
3/19 Week 2 Day 2
Ice Breaker activity
MRR Chapter 1 Quiz/Vocabulary strategies
Orientation Topics: Freerice.com
For One More Day Albom and FOMD Intro
MRL (Discuss and review first)
Assignment: FOMD Assignment 1 (through p 25)
MRL Skill 2
3/26 Week 3 Day 2
MRR Chapter 2 Quiz/practice
Latin/Greek p. 13 parts quiz
Outcomes Preassessment
MRL: Lexile Intro
Assignment: FOMD Assignment 2 (through p 50)
Latin/Greek p. 13 review
MRL Lexile 1
4/2
Week 4 Day 2
Latin/Greek p. 14 parts quiz
MRR Chapter 3 Quiz/SQ3R DVD and practice
MRL
Assignment: FOMD Assignment 3 (through p 75)
Latin/Greek Prep – p. 14
MRL Lexile 4
4/9 Week 5 Day 2
MRR Chapter 4 Quiz/The Story and F/O handouts
MRL
Assignment: FOMD Assignment 4 (through p 100)
MRL Lexile 6
NOTE ON My Reading Lab:
Students should plan to spend time each week on this
program, both inside and outside of class. Some of this
will be done during class time, but absences may
require students to make up more time outside of class.
Additional time outside of class is encouraged and may
help raise your reading levels. All MRL requirements
must be met for a Pass in the course (see p 10).
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MONDAYS
4/14 Week 6 Day 1
Latin/Greek Review on QUIA
MRR Readiness Quiz 5
Share FOMD Assignment 4
MRL Skill 5
Assignment: Text Chapter 5
Begin Latin/Greek p. 15
4/21 Week 7 Day 1
Latin/Greek Application Quiz p. 15
MRR Readiness Quiz 6
Share FOMD Assignment 5
Orientation Topic - Davidson USR pre
MRL Lexile 7
Assignment: Text Chapter 6
Begin Latin/Greek p. 16
4/28 Week 8 Day 1
Latin/Greek Application Quiz p. 16
MRR Readiness Quiz 7
Share FOMD Assignment 6
MRL Lexiles 9/check progress graph
Assignment: Text Chapter 7
Begin Latin/Greek p. 17
USR rate response paragraph
5/5
Week 9 Day 1
Latin/Greek Application Quiz p. 17
MRR Readiness Quiz 8
Share FOMD Assignment 7
MRL Lexile 11 and PowerPoints
Assignment: Text Chapter 8
Finish FOMD book/Projects
5/12 Week 10 Day 1
Latin/Greek parts final
Post-test: Vocabulary
MRL Completion Lexile 15
Assignment: MRL finish Lexiles
5/19 Week 11 Day 1
TABE Test: finish
Make-up work, if needed
Conferences
WEDNESDAYS
4/16 Week 6 Day 2
Latin/Greek p. 15 parts quiz
Text Chapter 5 Quiz/p 101 poem activity
Survey Motivator
MRL Skill 6
Assignment: FOMD Assignment 5 (through p 128)
Latin/Greek Prep p. 15
MRL Finish 6 skills, if needed
4/23 Week 7 Day 2
Latin/Greek p. 16 parts quiz
Text Chapter 6 Quiz
Orientation Topic - Davidson USR post
MRL Lexile 8
Assignment: FOMD Assignment 6 (through p 153)
Latin/Greek Prep p. 16
MRL Lexiles
4/30 Week 8 Day 2
Latin/Greek p. 17 parts quiz
Text Chapter 7 Quiz/cluster diagram practice
SQ3R practice/+ turn in USR response
MRL Lexile 10 and PowerPoint practice
Assignment: FOMD Assignment 7 (through p 178)
Latin/Greek Prep p. 17
MRL Lexiles (10+)
Bring flashdrives
5/7
Week 9 Day 2
Text Chapter 8 Quiz
Share FOMD Assignment 8 Projects
MRL Lexiles 12 & 13
Assignment: Review for Latin/Greek parts final
MRL Lexiles (14+)
Print WebAdvisor Gradebook/response
5/14 Week 10 Day 2
TABE Test: Comprehension
Outcomes Assessment/Course feedback?
Make-up work, if needed
Conferences
5/21 Week 11 Day 2
Make-up work, if needed
Conferences
IMPORTANT DATES attached
Also note: Link to Metro’s Academic Calendar:
http://www.mccneb.edu/academics/calendar.asp?Theme=2 )
MY READING LAB (MRL) REQUIREMENTS attached
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2014 (13/SP) Spring Quarter Important Dates
Weekend Classes Begin ............................................................................................. Mar 1 Sa
Classes Begin ................................................................................................................Mar 7 F
Current Student (greater than 50 hours) Summer 2014 (14/SS) Registration begins ... Mar 5 W
General Summer 2014 (14/SS) Registration begins ................................................... Mar 19 W
Current Student (less than 50 hours) Summer 2014 (14/SS) Registration begins ...... Mar 12 W
 Census Date/Tenth Day* ....................................................................................... Mar 20 Th
Spring Recess/College Closed Saturday and Sunday .................................... April 19-20 Sa-Su
Winter Quarter Term Incomplete “I” Grades Due ....................................................... May 8 Th
Classes End .............................................................................................................. May 22 Th
Spring grades due and posted by 7:00 a.m. ............................................................... May 27 Tu
Memorial Day Recess/College Closed ............................................................ May 24-26 Sa-M
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class without receiving a grade ... Varies by Class**
Student Withdrawal Deadline to “drop” a class with a refund varies ** See Refund Policy 
* Tenth Day is the date on which your enrollment level is checked.
**To view the last day to withdraw “drop” a class to prevent receiving a grade, go to the class
schedule found on line at http://www.mccneb.edu/schedule/classschedule.asp . Then, find the
course section and click on the Important Dates link on the same line as the course title. Dates
for each course section are automatically calculated based on the start and end dates and the
number of sessions for a course. A student must withdraw by this date to avoid an “F” grade.
Note: Schedule changes may have implications for students on Financial Aid. Check with the
Financial Aid Office prior to any schedule changes at 402-457-2330. The Census Date is the
date on which Financial Aid Student’s enrollment is checked to determine the type and amount
of authorized funds for the quarter. Payment is based on enrollment as of that date.
  REFUND POLICY for Credit Courses
A student is responsible for withdrawing “dropping” from a course(s) if unable to attend. Nonattendance or non-payment does not relieve a student from the obligation to pay.
An official schedule change that reduces or terminates a student’s academic credit load may
entitle the student to a refund. Go to “My Services” and click “Student Accounts”, then “Tuition
Modeler” to see the refund percentage received through midnight of the same day you “drop”
withdraw from a class.
To withdraw “drop” from a course in My Way, go to “My Services”, click “Registration”. Then
click “Register and Drop Sections”. Find the class you wish to drop and check the box under the
word Drop and click Submit. You have successfully dropped the class if the message at the
bottom of the screen states “the following request(s) have been processed”.
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My Reading Lab (MRL) Requirements
SKILLS
 Students must complete the six required skills (see separate
handout for titles) until they score at least 70%.
 If you use up all the practices available before reaching a 70%, ask
your instructor to check your scores and to reset the skill, if
needed, OR to sign off on your work.
LEXILE READINGS
 Students must complete a minimum of 16 readings, including the
initial Lexile Diagnostic reading. (16 dots on the MRL graph)
 Students must complete BOTH activities for the first 5 readings
(Diagnostic and Exercise) in which the exercise is still available. If
the Exercises are not completed right after completion of the
Diagnostic section, they may disappear and no longer be available
as the Lexile level improves; try to do them immediately after the
Diagnostic section, if possible.
 Students must strive for a 70% or better for each activity.
 Use information retrieval strategies while working on MRL
readings (m-w.com, dictionary.com, google.com, etc.)
 If you achieve a Lexile level of 1400 and run out of readings, class
computer time should be spent working on the Ultimate Speed
Reader program.
PASSING the MRL part of the course
 All needed skills and at least 16 lexile readings must be
completed. Remember that a 70% average score is expected.
 A consistent Lexile level of 1000 or higher should be reached; a
level of 1200 or higher is preferable.
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