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DSPM 0891/0892/0893 Developmental Math
Credit Hours and Course Description
Developmental Studies Mathematics
A student with mathematics ACT sub score below 19 should enroll in DSPM 0891 Developmental Studies Mathematics I. Based the student’s career goals, a set of required modules from the following list will be determined. In the event that the student’s career goals change, the required modules may also be changed.
DSPM 0891 Developmental Studies Mathematics I 3 CREDIT HOURS
A student needing to master competencies included in any Module 1 - 12 will register for DSPM 0891. The student is expected to complete a minimum of four modules in order to earn a passing grade in this course except if the student needs less than four modules.
DSPM 0892 Developmental Studies Mathematics II 3 CREDIT HOURS
A continuation of DSPM 0891. Prerequisite: Successful completion of DSPM 0891.
DSPM 0893 Developmental Studies Mathematics III 3 CREDIT HOURS
A continuation of DSPM 0892. Prerequisite: Successful completion of DSPM 0892.
Modules One, Two, and Three replace the former DSPM 0700 Basic Mathematics.
Modules Four, Five, Six, and Seven replace the former DSPM 0800 Elementary Algebra.
Modules Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven, and Twelve replace the former DSPM 0850 Intermediate Algebra.
MODULE ONE: INTEGERS
Topics include exponential notation and order of operations, integers and the number line, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of integers, order of operations, introduction to algebraic expressions, like terms, and solving one-step equations.
MODULE TWO: FRACTIONS
Topics include fraction notation, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction of fractions and mixed numerals and solving equations with applications.
MODULE THREE: DECIMALS
Topics include decimal notation, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of decimals, solving equations, American and metric units of measure, weight and mass, capacity, time and temperature, ratio and proportion, percent notation, graphs.
MODULE FOUR: REAL NUMBERS
Topics include introduction to algebra, the real numbers, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of real numbers, properties of real numbers, and order of operations.
MODULE FIVE: LINEAR EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES
Topics include solving linear equations by the addition and multiplication principle, formulas, solving inequalities, ratio/proportion with applications.
MODULE SIX: GRAPHING LINEAR EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES
Topics include graphs of linear equations in two variables, intercepts, slope, equations of lines (one point with slope) and graphing using slope and y-intercept.
 
MODULE SEVEN: POLYNOMIALS
Topics include integers as exponents, scientific notation, and introduction to polynomials, addition, subtraction and multiplication of polynomials, special products, operations with polynomials in several variables, division of polynomials by monomials.
MODULE EIGHT: FACTORING
Topics include factoring trinomials, trinomial squares and difference of squares, general strategies for factoring, solving quadratic equations by factoring.
MODULE NINE: RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS
Topics include multiplying, dividing, adding, and subtracting rational expressions, simplifying rational expressions, solving rational equations, applications.
MODULE TEN: MORE GRAPHING AND SYSTEMS
Topics include parallel and perpendicular lines, equations of lines using point-slope, graphing inequalities in two variables, solving systems of equations in two variables using graphing, substitution and elimination methods, applications, and graphing systems of inequalities in two variables.
MODULE ELEVEN: RADICAL EXPRESSIONS
Topics include radical expressions, multiplying and simplifying radical expressions, quotients involving radical expressions (only 1 term denominators), addition and subtraction, radical equations, applications with right triangles and the distance formula.
MODULE TWELVE: QUADRATIC EQUATIONS
Topics include the complex numbers, solving quadratic equations by square root method, the quadratic formula, and graphs
of quadratic equations, functions, domain and range.
Academic and Classroom Misconduct
SMART Math Students are expected to maintain Academic Honesty in all their work. Collaboration is encouraged on many assignments such as homework and guided study. Tutors are available to assist you with this sort of work. Exams are considered individual work and must be completed without unauthorized assistance of any kind, including help of other students, tutors, or notes. All test material is to be turned in with the test paper. Attempting to bring work out of the testing area and/or share that work with other students is consider cheating. Cheating on tests, misrepresentation of attendance, falsifying records, or lying will result in loss of credit for all work involved.
Excerpted from the 2009-2010 Jackson State Community College Catalog and Student Handbook, page 185:
• The instructor has the primary responsibility for control of classroom and behavior and maintenance of academic integrity, and can order the temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom any student engaged in disruptive conduct or conduct in violation of the general rules and regulations of the institution. Extended or permanent exclusion from the classroom or further disciplinary action can be effected through appropriate procedures of the institution.
• Plagiarism, cheating and other form of academic dishonesty are prohibited. Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly, through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of the class. In addition to other possible disciplinary sanctions, which may be imposed through the regular institutional procedures, as a result of academic misconduct, the instructor has the authority to assign an “F” or a zero for the exercise or examination, or to assign an “F” in the course.
• Disruptive behavior in the classroom may be defined as, but is not limited to, behavior that obstruct or disrupts the learning environment (e.g., offensive language, harassment of students and professors, repeated outburst from a student which disrupt the flow of instruction or prevent concentration on the subject that, failure to cooperate in maintaining classroom decorum, etc.), the continued use of electronic or other noise or light emitting device which disturbs others (e.g., disturbing noises from beepers, cell phones, pal pilots, lap-top computers, games, etc.)
Americans with Disabilities Act
Jackson State will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented physical, mental, or learning disabilities. Students should notify their instructor and Linda Nickel, Dean of Students, in the Counseling Office, Room 13 of the Student Union Building, phone 425-2616 or e-mail lnickell@jscc.edu of any documented special needs. Instructors should be notified the first week of class. All discussions remain confidential.
Course Syllabus Details
Welcome to SMART Math at JSCC
Survive – Master – Achieve – Review – Transfer
1. Goals of SMART Math
The primary purpose of SMART Math is to provide the opportunity for you to master math skills that you need to be successful in achieving your chosen academic/career goals. We do not want math to determine which careers you are limited to choosing. We want to help you be more successful in whatever career you have chosen. Our goal is to help you to survive, master, achieve, review, and transfer Mathematics!
2. Explanation of Modules
The course content is organized into twelve modules. Each student will be given individualized learning plans providing particular paths to reach the necessary; learning outcomes based on the student’s background, learning preferences, and academic/career goals.
3. Required Student Materials
TEXTBOOK: Developmental Mathematics Custom Edition for Jackson State Community College published by Pearson/Addison Wesley. Because it is a custom edition, it is only available in the JSCC Bookstore. Remember it is used for all twelve modules.
MYLABSPLUS® ACCESS CODE: You need a code to access homework, tutorials, tests and your grade book. This code comes bundled with your textbook.
STUDENT ID: You will need a photo ID in order to get credit for attendance at the SMART Math Center and at sessions outside the SMART Math Center. You must also display a photo ID when taking an exam in the SMART Math Center.
NON-GRAPHING CALCULATOR: You will need a calculator to work some problems from the homework, quizzes, and tests. A non-graphing calculator is allowed when testing in modules 5 through 12. You may prefer to use the calculator under accessories on your computer.
FOLDER WITH BRADS FOR NOTEBOOK. You notebook will include your completed work from the guided studies homework assignment and your work from the practice test.
4. How this course works
You will work through one module at a time. Once a module is completed, you will begin the next module that is in your learning plan.
To begin each new module, log into mylabsplus® (www.jscc.mylabsplus.com) using your login name and password provided by your instructor. (This is not the same as your JSCC Login and Password).
• First, take the proctored Pre-Test. (If you choose you may study the Guided Studies before taking the Pre-Test.)
o If you score 80% or better, see your instructor who will permit you to move to the next module.
o If you score less than 80%, you should proceed to “Do Homework” in this module
• Next, do each homework section in mylabsplus®. You may work on the homework on any computer that has internet access. Continue with all homework sections up through the Module Review. You may continue to work on each homework assignment until you score 80% or better.
• Take Module Practice Test and score at least 60%. You may retake the Practice Test as many times as needed.
• Turn in notebook which should included written work from Guided Studies as directed by your instructor.
• Take proctored Module Post-Test. (You will not be permitted to take Post-Test until you Notebook is submitted.) If your score is 75% or better on the Post-Test you have completed this Module and are ready to move to the next Module that is in your learning plan. Congratulations!
COMPUTER HOMEWORK/TUTORIAL: The computer homework and tutorials parallel the textbook and are available on the SMART Math computers. You may access these tutorials from any computer with a fast connection including your home computer. One of the great features of the computer software is checking your understanding at any time and getting immediate feedback and follow up examples to walk you through the problems step by step.
NOTEBOOKS: You will need to keep a notebook for each module you study. The notebook should be a folder with brads and will include the completed Guided Studies. Your instructor will check to see that your notebook is well-organized and complete.
WORK WITH SMART MATH STAFF: The SMART Math Center staff is available to help you whenever a concept is not clear or you are having difficulty with a problem. This means help when you need it. We always have time for you!
5. Timing
In most three credit hour college courses, the average student spends 9 to 12 hours per week studying to be successful in the course. In this course, you will be required to spend three hours per week in the SMART Math Center and you are always welcome and encouraged to spend more time in the center. Many students spend all their math study time in the SMART Math Center where tutors are available. Your success in this course will be enhanced by the amount of time you spend doing math.
6. Credit for Participation
You will receive attendance points for the three required hours per week as part of your grade.
To receive credit for the time you spend in the SMART Math Center you MUST sign-in and sign-out at the desk as you enter the room. If you attend extra hours you need to sign-in and sign-out on the Walk-In Sign-in Sheet at the desk. Hours that the SMART Math Center will be open and staffed with SMART Math helpers will be posted.
7. Exams
The examination for each Module (Post Test) will be taken in the SMART Math Center on mylabsplus®. To access the exam, click on the button labeled “tests”. A proctor will be available to enter a password for you to access your tests. Before taking a test, you must have completed all homework assignments including the test review found in “Homework”, the practice test for that Module, and the Notebook (Guided Studies written work).
If after taking the first version of a particular test, you are not satisfied with your grade; you may study what you missed and then take another version of the test. In preparing for the retest, you should check with an instructor before you retake the test. You may take a test up to three times and your best score will be used. In the unlikely event that you do not pass the test on the third try, your instructor will determine your best route to insure success in the Module.
IMPORTANT: WHEN TAKING A PRETEST OR A POSTTEST, YOU MAY ONLY HAVE ONE WINDOW OPEN ON YOUR COMPUTER. YOU MUST USE THE TEST TEMPLATE AND A PENCIL OR PEN. NON-GRAPHING CALCULATORS ARE PERMITTED ON MODULES 5-12. THE TEST TEMPLATE MUST BE TURNED IN TO THE PROCTOR UPON SUBMITTING YOUR TEST. SHOW YOUR WORK!
NOTE: In rare cases, the computer may indicate you missed an answer when in fact it was an entry error. If you suspect that this may have happened or other computer glitches occurred, be sure to indicate this to your test proctor when you turn in your test template. The proctor will note your concern and your test will be looked at to see if your grade should be adjusted. In order to support a claim that an entry error has occurred, it is important that your work be clearly demonstrated on your test template. (Show your work!)
You are expected to do your own work on the tests. Cheating on tests, misrepresentation of attendance, falsifying records, or lying will result in loss of credit for all work involved. Additional sanctions will be imposed as appropriate, in accordance with JSCC’s Academic Honesty policy which is found in the College Catalog and Student Handbook.
 
8. Grade Calculation
Module grades will be calculated as follows:
• Attendance/Notebook 5%
• Guided Studies Assignment 10%
• Homework 15%
• Exam 70%
.
Your Course Grade will then be determined by the following scale based on the average of the first four required modules completed or less if major requires less
95 – 100 % = A
85 – 94% = B
75 – 84% = C
If you do not complete the modules required for the course, a grade of F or PR will be posted. Eligibility for a PR will be based on the student having met the attendance requirements, successful completion of at least two modules, and whether or not the student has received a grade in the course previously.
9. Communications and email
Announcements about the course, special sessions, changes in schedules or procedures, and so forth will be communicated by your instructor, on the jscc.mylabsplus® site, or via your JSCC email. Any questions you have about the course, or about your progress in the course should be directed to your instructor.
If you have any problems or any general questions, you should first contact your instructor. You can also talk with any SMART Math staff, or Claude Bailey, Assistant Dean of Sciences.
10. Changes in this syllabus will be provided in writing by your Instructor.

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