Structured Learning Assistance FAQs
- What are "enhanced" core courses?
Enhanced sections of core mathematics and English courses are
designed for those students who enter APSU with ACT/SAT scores, which
formerly would have placed them in developmental courses that carried no
university-level credit and, therefore, did not apply toward a degree.
The enhanced core courses meet 3 hours each week. In addition, students
enrolled in enhanced courses must participate in Structured Learning
Assistance (SLA) two hours each week. This approach is an approved
alternative to the TBR A-100 guideline that addresses requirements for
students who have low ACT/SAT or COMPASS scores in mathematics, English,
and reading. By enrolling in enhanced sections of core English and
mathematics courses, students will accomplish two goals: (1) complete
the core requirement in mathematics and English; and, (2) satisfy the
TBR requirement to address mathematics and/or writing deficiencies.
- What is Structured Learning Assistance (SLA)?
Structured Learning Assistance (SLA) provides additional instruction
related to an enhanced course and engages students in activities to
address mathematics and writing deficiencies that impair their chances
to successfully complete core mathematics and English courses. Student
leaders, who conduct the SLA workshops, attend each meeting of the core
classes that are paired with the SLA sections for which they provide
leadership, design the workshops, and work regularly with the course
instructor.
- Who must enroll in SLA supported Courses?
Students with the following ACT, SAT, or COMPASS scores in
mathematics and English must enroll in enhanced sections of mathematics
and English core courses in order to comply with the Tennessee Board of
Regents A-100 Guideline.
| Subject |
ACT |
SAT |
COMPASS |
TBR Approved Placement |
Math |
Under 15 |
0-340 |
Pre-Algebra: 0-29 Algebra: 0-19 |
Remedial math (DSP 0700) followed by MATH 1010E or
1530E |
|
15-18 |
350-450 |
Pre-Algebra: 30-99 Algebra: 20-49 |
MATH 1010E or 1530E |
English |
Under 15 |
0-380 |
0-37 |
Remedial writing (DSPW 0700) followed by ENGL 1010E |
|
15-18 |
390-450 |
38-74 |
ENGL 1030E |
- Do students have to pay extra for SLA?
Students pay no additional tuition for Structured Learning
Assistance. However, students may need to purchase materials required
for the workshop instruction, which is designed to prepare them for
university –level classes.
- What benefits do Enhanced Mathematics and English Courses supported
by SLA offer?
Replacing the requirement for non-university-level courses with
enhanced sections of core courses offers students these advantages:
- Reduces the time spent in earning a degree: Students remove deficiencies
and complete core course requirements at the same time by participating in 3
hours of lecture and 2 hours of SLA each week for one semester. Thus,
students address the same deficiencies while enrolled in a core course that
previously required at least 3-6 hours of non-university level course work
before students could enroll in core mathematics and English courses.
- Reduces the tuition cost to students: Students no longer pay tuition for
courses that do not apply toward graduation. They pay only the tuition for
the core class.
- Increases opportunities for success: SLA supports course instruction
with individualized instruction and group activities led by an SLA leader,
which maximizes the opportunities for students to understand all course
concepts and to achieve course objectives.
- What happens in SLA workshops?
The SLA Leader assists students as they work to improve their study
skills and understanding of course concepts. Workshop activities may
include:
- Instruction on learning styles and study skills that apply to
mathematics and/or writing.
- Computer-based individualized instruction to address mathematics
deficiencies.
- Additional writing activities accompanied by peer review.
- Small group activities for students to explore and discuss important
concepts covered in classes.
- Instruction on test taking strategies.
- Test reviews.
The SLA Leader has demonstrated academic success in mathematics
and/or English and is recommended by departmental faculty for this role.
The student leader receives additional training on how to conduct
workshops. The SLA Leader attends each class meeting of the supported
course and meets with the professor on a regular basis to discuss
workshop content.