DEVELOPMENTAL MATH COURSE SYLLABUS
SAN JOSÉ STATE UNIVERSITY
Fall 2014
COURSE: Math 6A – 10 (41560) TTh 9:30 – 10:20
ROOM: SCI 142
Class information is in “sjsu math 6A” folder at http://Jaguar.sjcc.edu/atran
INSTRUCTOR: Angela Tran angela.tran@sjsu.edu
408 – 924 – 5285
OFFICE HOURS: TTh 8:20 – 9:25am in DH 209
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
(1) text: A Review of Algebra Skills for College Students, 4th edition (McClory)
(2) ALEKS license (sold with the text or can be purchased separately)
Class code: E4CUF – Y93Q6
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Students in this class will learn to use algebraic skills in both computational and applied problems in
preparation for taking a baccalaureate level course satisfying mathematical concepts.
THE ELM REQUIREMENT AND THE CONTENT OF THE COURSE:
This course will cover the first half of the material required to satisfy the ELM requirement.
Any student who retakes the ELM and receives a score of 50 or more before the end of the semester
will receive an automatic grade of Credit and will have satisfied the ELM requirement.
Note: Students who plan to take either Pre-calculus or Calculus after completing their ELM
requirement must take the mathematics placement test given by the Mathematics Department.
Information about this can be found at: http://www.math.sjsu.edu/%7Ecalculus/
Information for students enrolled in Developmental Mathematics is available on the Developmental Studies
website: www.math.sjsu.edu/~mcclory/
EXECUTIVE ORDER 665:
Students who enter SJSU as a frosh or lower division transfer are subject to a time limit to complete
remediation as described in EO 665. An EO 665 Handbook is available to students to help them understand
how this policy will affect them. You are responsible for understanding this policy by reading the
Handbook. It is available at: http://www.math.sjsu.edu/calc_elm/susan.html.
DROPPING AND ADDING:
You can only be added to this class by the Director of Developmental Studies, Susan McClory. In the first
three weeks, she is located in MH 311 and her office hours are posted on the Developmental Studies
website: www.math.sjsu.edu/~mcclory/
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE:
Calculator: Students may use a scientific calculator on tests, quizzes, and homework. However, students
are required to show all appropriate neatly work (on tests, quizzes, and homework.)
Homework: It is very important for you to do all of your assignments in a timely manner. Homework
problems (from the text book) are assigned daily in lecture class (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
They are due (turned in) on next day in the lab sections (Wednesdays and Mondays).
Homework from ALEKS (related to chapter tests) are due one day before the test. The first
hw on ALEKS dues on 9/7/14. Homework makes 15% of the grade.
Quizzes:
Given daily in your lab section (except test days). Quizzes make 15% of the grade.
Tests:
Three tests are given in your lab section; each covers two chapters. Test dates will be
announced in class. Return all tests to your lab-instructor to keep on file. Must turn in the
completed solutions for odd questions from the review (will be posted on the jaguar web page)
before taking a test; otherwise, 5 points deducted on the test. ALEKS homework need to
complete 1 day prior to the test or 5 points deducted on the test. For each test, below 70% on
combination (of test, homework, and quizzes) is a NP = not pass. You would need (1) review
the material further by yourself, with me in the office hours, with your lab-instructor, or with a
tutor in LARC 600, (2) do homework (of relevance chapters) on ALEKS again, (3) do and turn
in to lab instructor the completed even questions from the review, and (4) do the retake test
(2nd version) on the Retake date (announced in class). Doing (2) & (3) qualify you to do (4)
otherwise, that test will be a NP test. For any reason you miss the test date (the first chance
with the class), you need to take that test on its Retake date as your first attempt is forfeited.
You need to earn at least 70% on the retake test(s), not combining with homework and
quizzes any more. If you miss both dates for a test, it is considered a NP test.
After the retake of the third test, students who have two or three NP tests will be required to
take a comprehensive final exam and score at least 70% on it in order to pass the
class. Those who have one NP test will be required to take a final version of those tests as
their final exam. Final exam date is Dec. 12 9:45 am – 12:00.
Grade:
This course is graded on a Credit / No Credit basis only. In order to earn a grade of Credit,
you must pass (=P) all three tests given during the semester or earn 70% or better on the
comprehensive final exam.
Recall:
3 tests (2 chapters/test):
**1st chance: on test date, pass = 70% combined hw, quizzes, and test.
(homework = 15%, quizzes = 15%, test = 70%,
Minus 5 pts from test for not turn in the completed review
Minus 5 pts from test for not complete homework on ALEKS .)
(eg: you have 100% on homework, 80% on quizzes, and 62% on the test,
your combined % = 15 x 1 + 15 x .8 + 70 x .62 = 70.4 % = you pass that test.)
**2nd chance: on retake date, pass = 70% test score only
Comprehensive final exam: one chance, pass = 70%.
Cell Phones: Students will turn their cell phones off or put them on vibrate mode while in class. They will
not answer their phones in class. No cell phone may remain on a student’s desk during a
test. Students whose phones disrupt the course and do not stop when requested by the
instructor will be referred to the Judicial Affairs Officer of the University.
Class conduct:
We all deserve and have the right to a safe, peaceful, conducive to learning environment. Some students
have difficulty concentrating and deserve--and need--a minimum distraction environment to learn. We all
need to be sensitive to their needs. So, please
 Come on time and stay for the full length of the class period (refrain from leaving your seat unless
it’s an emergency).
 Turn off and put away cell-phones and other mobile devices.
 Don’t check/send text messages.
 Don’t bring food into the classroom (certain smells may distract or get someone sick).
 Bring all required materials to every class, pay attention and participate in class, do homework
daily, and be consistent.
 Find out what you miss from your classmates (your responsibility) if you are ever late or absent.
Addition information:
1. Academic integrity: Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San José
State University, and the University’s Academic Integrity Policy requires you to be honest in all your
academic course work. Faculty is required to report all infractions to the Office of Judicial Affairs. The
policy on academic integrity can be found at http://sa.sjsu.edu/judicial_affairs/students/index.html.
Every student is responsible for reading and understanding this policy.
2. Disabilities: If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need
special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as
soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires that students with
disabilities register with the DRC (Administration Building, Rm 110, 924 – 6000, www.drc.sjsu.edu ) to
establish a record of their disability if they desire accommodations.
3. Free Tutoring: on campus at the Learning Assistance Resource Center (LARC) located in Student
Services Center, room 600, 924 – 2587, www.sjsu.edu./larc. The Center's tutors are trained and
nationally certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA). They provide contentbased tutoring in many lower division courses (some upper division) as well as writing and study skills
assistance. Small group, individual, and drop-in tutoring are available. Peer Connections is located in
Room 600 in the Student Services Center. It is designed to assist students in the development of their
full academic potential and to inspire them to become independent learners. Math department may offer
tutoring as well; please check with the Math department MH 308, 924 – 5100 www.sjsu.edu./math.
4. Student Technology Resources: Computer labs for student use are available in the Academic Success
Center located on the 1st floor of Clark Hall and on the 2nd floor of the Student Union. Additional
computer labs may be available in your department/college. Computers are also available in the Martin
Luther King Library. A wide variety of audio-visual equipment is available for student checkout from
Media Services located in IRC 112. These items include digital and VHS camcorders, VHS and Beta
video players, 16 mm, slide, overhead, DVD, CD, and audiotape players, sound systems, wireless
microphones, projection screens and monitors.