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Structured Learning Assistance FAQ
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- 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 (DSPM 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 1010E |
Student whose admission assessment scores place them in enhanced sections of English
and/or mathematics will not use COMPASS as an additional assessment.
- 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.
- Who is the SLA Leader?
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.
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