Developmental Math Fall 2014

Math Essentials (MTE)You spoke and we listened!

Click here for a 15 minute narrated video of the PowerPoint.

What are Developmental Math courses?

• Developmental Math courses are prerequisites to entry-level college math courses.

• The Virginia Placement Test (VPT) must be taken by new students to see if any Developmental Math courses are needed. The VPT is free, and can be taken in the Testing Center on either campus.

• Course material is divided into nine separate units, referred to as modules. The VPT allows you to test out of modules you have already mastered.

• By dividing material into modules, students only need to complete material not already mastered and that is required for their curriculum. This will reduce the amount of time needed to prepare for the entry-level college math course in an academic program.

• A student who provides official evidence of a satisfactory mathematics score of 520 on the SAT or a mathematics score of 22 on the ACT taken within the last two years is not required to take JTCC Developmental Math courses.

Structure of Developmental Math:• Math Essentials (MTE) courses will be offered for Developmental

Math. Each MTE is a 4-week course that covers one module for one credit.

• Both live-lecture and video-lecture courses are offered, and both use computer-based software to complete all assignments.

• Students are strongly encouraged to spend additional time each week in the Math Lab, which is staffed by instructors who will answer any questions. There is a Math Lab on the Midlo and Chester campuses.

• A maximum of four MTE courses can be taken in one semester: one each in the first 4-week session, the second 4-week session, the third 4-week session, and the fourth 4-week session.

• Click here for the Master Developmental Math Faster flier. (Use Slide Show mode for link to work.)

MTE Courses

The course name corresponds to the module number. Go to the Schedule of Classes and look under Math Essentials . Each MTE course is 1 credit.

MTE 1 Module 1 - Operations with Positive Fractions MTE 2 Module 2 - Operations with Positive Decimals and PercentsMTE 3 Module 3 - Algebra Basics MTE 4 Module 4 - First Degree Equations and Inequalities in One VariableMTE 5 Module 5 - Linear Equations, Inequalities, and Systems of Linear Equations in Two VariablesMTE 6 Module 6 - Exponents, Factoring, and Polynomial EquationsMTE 7 Module 7 - Rational Expressions and Equations MTE 8 Module 8 - Rational Exponents and Radicals MTE 9 Module 9 - Functions, Quadratic Equations, and Parabolas

Registering for the correct MTE course(s): See a counselor or your advisor for help.

Step 1 Establish a “Target Class”. Your Target Class is the entry-level college math class needed for your program of study. Once you know the Target Class, find out what modules are prerequisite.

Step 2 Decide which modules you have credit for already:a) New and returning students: Credit from the Virginia Placement Test (VPT)

Returning Students:b) Credit from prior MTH 2/3/4c) Credit from a specific Pearson test

Step 3 Choose a delivery method and register for MTE courses.d) Delivery method: choose on-campus (live or video lecture) or virtual (online). e) Register for MTE course(s) still needed to meet the prerequisite.

Click here for MTE Advising Worksheet.(Use Slide Show mode for link to work.)

Step 1

Establish a “Target Class” to find out which modules are prerequisite.

Important question to ask: Does the degree/major a student will be pursuing require a lot of math, such as engineering, science, pre-med, or business?

• A student will need Modules 1-5 before taking MTH 158.• A student will need Modules 1-9 before taking MTH 163/166.• If a student is not planning to transfer to a four-year college and

a student’s degree program lists MTH 120 or MTH 103, then the student will only need Modules 1-3.

• If so, then the student will need Modules 1-9.• If not, then the student will probably only need Modules 1-5.

There are some exceptions to this, so a student must check with their advisor about the transfer college requirements.

Step 2

Decide which modules you have credit for already.

a. Credit from prior Developmental Math courses:

If you took classes prior to Spring 2012, look on MyTyler unofficial transcripts to see if you have an ‘S’ in any classes below.

• An ‘S’ in MTH 2 gives credit for Modules 1-3• An ‘S’ in MTH 3 gives credit for Modules 1-6• An ‘S’ in MTH 4 gives credit for Modules 1-9

Note: If you successfully passed MTH 2/3/4 more than 5 years ago, you are strongly encouraged to take the VPT and use those scores for placement.

Step 2b. Check the Virginia Placement Test scores

• The Virginia Placement Test (VPT) has been used for Math Placement since November 2011.

• You were given a handout after finishing the VPT that listed the Modules for which you got credit. If you lost the handout, you must go to a counselor or your advisor to get that information.

• If you took a placement test prior to November 2011 and have not enrolled in a Developmental Math class, you must take the VPT and use those scores for placement. This is free, and done at the Testing Center on either campus.

(Use Slide Show mode for link to work.)

c. Verify any modules you got credit for by taking a Pearson test

and scoring 75% or higher from Spring 2012-Summer 2014.

Live Lecture on campuso All students in the classroom are in the same module.o An instructor will prepare and deliver a lecture on all content.o Students will work in groups, as well as do assignments using computer-based

software.o Choose section numbers 01-29. Examples: MTE 5 – 03A, MTE 5 – M19B

Video Lecture on campuso Students watch a video lecture and read the textbook to master material in a

specific module. o Students work independently, doing assignments using computer-based software.o An instructor is in the classroom to help as needed.o Choose section numbers 31-99. Examples: MTE 5 – 37A, MTE 5 – M62B

Video Lecture online (virtual)o Identical to on-campus except the instructor is available online.o The final test must be proctored on campus. o Choose section numbers with an N. Examples: MTE 5 – N01A, MTE 5 – N05B

Step 3 Choose…

Register for MTE course(s) still needed to meet the prerequisite.

• Each MTE course is 1 credit.

• Students on Financial Aid that are taking courses during the 16-week semester must register for all MTE courses at the beginning of the semester.

• The course name corresponds to the module number. Go to the Schedule of Classes and look under Math Essentials .

Useful Links

Click here for a pdf of MTE courses available in Fall 2014. (File/download/print)

Click to watch a video to see how to go to the Schedule of Classes and make sure you register for the proper MTE in the correct four-week session.

Students on Financial Aid that are taking courses during the 16-week semester must register for all MTE courses at the beginning of the semester.

Financial Aid will not pay for a BSK: Module 0 course.

Students who fail an MTE course will only “risk” 1 credit at a time.

Students who fail an MTE course will have to be closely monitored by their math instructor and Admissions and Records to properly change their schedule to repeat a failed course.

If students try to change their own schedule, they will end up paying out of pocket. Do not do this!!!

The MTE swap must be done by Admissions and Records personnel using a special process, so students should NOT follow the swap guidelines in the Student Services brochure.

Financial Aid Implications of MTE

Links used in this PowerPoint (Use Slide Show mode for links to work)

Click here for the Master Developmental Math Faster flier. (File/download/print)Click here for MTE Advising Worksheet. (File/download/print)Click here for a pdf of MTE courses available in Fall 2014. (File/download/print)Click here to watch a video on how to register on the JTCC Schedule of Classes.Click here for a 15 minute narrated video of this PowerPoint.

If you have any questions, please contact a

Math Department Co-Chair

Sue McBride on the Midlothian campus at smcbride@jtcc.edu Dr. Jodie Miller on the Chester campus at jmiller01@jtcc.edu

For Students: Why Do Math First?

• Math abilities bring your performance in science and business courses up to a whole new level. Why not learn something so helpful as soon as possible?  Take the math placement test and then complete your required math courses one right after the other.

• Avoid unpleasant confrontations with reality during your “last” semester. Students who put off math until the last possible moment may put themselves under a lot of unnecessary stress. Failing means not graduating at this point!

• Why work so hard on the basics in your Developmental Math courses and then allow your skills to grow rusty before taking MTH 158/163? Dive right in while your math skills are at their peak!