Math Placement and PACe Program Overview Lois Samer Anita Pattison

University Math Requirement Category 1B of the AUCC is 3 credits of mathematics. This requirement must be completed within the first 60 credits (CSU and transfer) taken. The student’s degree program determines which math class is appropriate.

Eligibility to Take Math at CSU You must satisfy the prerequisite. The prerequisite for the entry level math classes is satisfactory placement from a CSU math placement exam. Entry Level Math Classes MATH 117 – College Algebra I MATH 130 – Math in the Social Sciences MATH 133 – Financial Mathematics MATH 135 – Patterns of Phenomena

True/False MATH 130 is harder than MATH 117. FALSE  The degree of course difficulty is relative to the individual student, but the content of MATH 117 is more challenging than the content of MATH 130. Entry level math courses in order of difficulty. MATH 130 – Math in the Social Sciences MATH 133 – Financial Mathematics/ MATH 135 – Patterns of Phenomena MATH 117 – College Algebra I

True/False MATH 130 satisfies the prerequisite for MATH 117. FALSE  MATH 130 is a terminal math course. It does not satisfy the prerequisite for any other course. The prerequisite for MATH 117 is satisfactory performance on a CSU math placement exam.

CSU Math Placement Exams The Mathematics Placement Exam (MPE) The Prerequisite Exam (taken after completion of the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) Tutorial)

Math Placement Exam All students start with the MPE A 50 item exam Tests prerequisite background skills for entry level math courses Also covers the content of the pre-calculus courses MATH 117 – 126

Pre-Calculus Courses MATH 117 – College Algebra I MATH 118 – College Algebra II MATH 124 – Logarithmic and Exponential Functions MATH 125 – Numerical Trigonometry MATH 126 – Analytic Trigonometry

MPE Attempts Incoming students may take one time remotely prior to arrival on campus Students are allowed 2 on-campus (proctored) attempts Students should study and do the practice problems in the MPE Review Materials before taking the exam

Possible MPE Results May place into May place out of MATH 130 only MATH 130, 133, and 135 all entry level math courses May place out of one or more of the pre-calculus courses and possibly earn University credit for one or more of the pre-calculus courses (from a proctored attempt)

Default Placement All students will place into MATH 130 at a minimum Students will need to retake the MPE or the Prerequisite Exam to place into other math courses

Entry Level Math (ELM) Tutorial An online instructional program designed to prepare students for college level mathematics May be completed remotely Free tutoring is available in the PACe Tutoring Center during the academic year Gives students access to the Prerequisite Exam

ELM Tutorial Possible outcomes Satisfy the University’s admission requirement in mathematics for potential transfer students Eligibility to take the Prerequisite Exam Units 1-3  satisfy the prerequisite for MATH 133 and MATH 135 Units 1-4  satisfy the prerequisite for MATH 133, MATH 135 and MATH 117

FAQ About the ELM Tutorial How long does it take to complete? Depends on the student’s math background, math aptitude, and how effectively the student utilizes the Tutorial Can be completed in less than a single day

FAQ About the ELM Tutorial What level math does it cover? Contents begin around an 8th grade level and build to intermediate algebra skills

FAQ About the ELM Tutorial How is it structured? Four units of content, each having about ten objectives The content of each objective is presented using PDF overviews, instructional video clips, example problems and practice problems. Each unit has a review exam that must be passed to move onto the next unit.

FAQ About the ELM Tutorial Must students complete the Tutorial to take the Prerequisite Exam? Yes  but how much they complete depends on the desired outcome.

FAQ About the ELM Tutorial How many times may students take the Prerequisite Exam? an unlimited number of attempts

FAQ About the ELM Tutorial Should a student retake the MPE or complete the ELM Tutorial? If the algebra section of the MPE felt too challenging, the student may find the Tutorial to be a better fit.

FAQ About the ELM Tutorial Can the student work on the Tutorial as a review for the MPE? Yes  A student may find it beneficial to utilize the instruction in the Tutorial as a way to review for the MPE. But, the student should still prepare further by using the MPE review materials.

Math Placement information can be found on the Mathematics Department website. www.math.colostate.edu

Math Mod Evolution From 1975 to 1989 the pre-calculus courses were taught in the Math Module System (MMS). In 1989 the MMS evolved into the Individualized Mathematics Program (IMP). The label ‘Math Mods’ was dropped. Beginning Fall 2006 the IMP became the PACe Program.

Paced Algebra to Calculus electronically

PACe Program An online program with a variety of instructional resources to help students learn pre-calculus mathematics

PACe Minicourses MATH 117 – College Algebra I MATH 118 – College Algebra II MATH 124 – Logarithmic and Exponential Functions MATH 125 – Numerical Trigonometry MATH 126 – Analytic Trigonometry

Mastery Based Program Students must ‘master’ the content of each unit (earn a minimum passing score) before moving on to the next unit. Non-punitive in nature Unlimited retesting Extended withdrawal deadline Grade of U for non-completion

Myth or Fact? Minicourses are self paced. No  Students are required to maintain a minimum pace. Students may work at a faster pace and finish earlier.

Myth or Fact? Students must learn on their own. No  There are a variety of learning resources to help students master the content of a minicourse. Printable PDFs of instruction Online instructional video clips Tutors Written solutions to problems

Instructor Paced Classes Offered the first three years of the PACe Program, but discontinued Fall 2009 due to lack of demand.

PACe Program Course Website http://online.math.colostate.edu

Myth or Fact? Students have five weeks to complete each minicourse. No  A number of factors will determine how long a student may have to complete a minicourse.

Myth or Fact? Students can add these courses anytime during the semester. No  The courses must be added during the first 5 days of classes.

Myth or Fact? PACe minicourses are online so students do not need to come to campus. Students can complete most of the coursework from any computer but will need to take proctored exams in the PACe Testing Center. Many students find it advantageous to work at the PACe Center to utilize the computer lab and tutors.

Myth or Fact? Everyone takes MATH 117, MATH 118, and MATH 124. No!  Which three credits a student completes is entirely dependent upon his/her degree program and placement results.

Myth or Fact? When a student’s schedule gets hectic…these courses can be put on the backburner. That is the student’s prerogative…but there could be consequences. These courses are just like all courses at the University. They have requirements and deadlines the student must meet.

Myth or Fact? Students just come to the PACe Center and take tests. No  In the Math Module System and IMP this could have been true. In the PACe Program, the student must complete required coursework to be eligible to test.

Myth or Fact? These classes are easy A’s. Maybe true, maybe not.

Myth or Fact? Students may enroll in a minicourse they have placed out of to earn credit. Yes!

PACe Orientation Held during the first week of classes each semester. 25 minute orientation explains how the PACe Program works Announced in the Class Schedule Students typically receive 2 email notifications Orientation schedule posted on the PACe website

PACe Program Website www.math.colostate.edu