On-line practice / self-guided work: ALEKS (www.aleks.com)
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ALEKS is a self-explanatory learning system and includes on-line instructions, feedback, and assessment. ALEKS constantly challenges you and supplies extensive feedback on what you have accomplished. ALEKS will always help you select the ideal topic to work on, to ensure you learn concepts in the order that is best for you.
Course Description:
The topics that are covered in PreCalculus include algebra review, functions and graphs, polynomials and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometry and applications of trigonometry, systems of linear equations and matrices, sequences, series, and probability.
Expectations:
Students will be expected to:
- Be on time for class with all required materials. (Notebook/math folder; pencil; scratch paper; etc.).
- Obey all DCS rules while in Algebra 1 lab
- Complete all written assignments assigned by lab instructor (approximately 1 hour of work per week)
Grading:
There are two types of grades for PreCalculus classes at DCS. The first is given by your EC and is based on the following criteria.
The 5 credit PreCalculus grade is based on three components:
- Your individual work and percentage of mastery that you complete on the ALEKS system (see further description below)
- Participation based on how well you have satisfied all of the requirements set forth in your PLP and subsequent meetings with your EC.
- Your score on the comprehensive final examination.
PreCalculus has 200 total lessons that need to be mastered. When looking at your progress towards completion of the entire course, the following grading scales will be used to assign the individual work portion of your semester grade.
Grade is based on the completion of mastered lessons verified by assessment.
PreCalculus semester 1/ “A” grading scale:
Grade |
A |
B |
C |
D |
F |
% Mastered |
45-50% |
40-44% |
35-39% |
30-34% |
0-29% |
# Lessons |
90-100 |
80-89 |
70-79 |
60-69 |
0-59 |
Precalculus semester 2/ “B” grading scale:
Grade |
A |
B |
C |
D |
F |
% Mastered |
90-100% |
80-89% |
70-79% |
60-69% |
0-59% |
# Lessons |
180-200 |
160-179 |
140-159 |
120-139 |
0-119 |
The second type of grade available is the 3 credits given for taking the onsite PreCalculus lab class. This grade is determined by your lab instructor and is based on the following criteria:
- Attendance/Participation as determined by your attendance in lab WITH the materials required to participate in class as well as working in lab as requested (includes a minimum of 1 hour time logged on to ALEKS showing progress towards mastery of course content each week)
- Completion of all written assignments assigned by lab instructor (approximately 1 hour of work per week)
- Periodic assessments based on your individual learning history.
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