New Student Programs
New Student Programs

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.
      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.