17. What are covered on the placement test?

1. There are 25 multiple-choice questions on the test, ranging from arithmetic to intermediate algebra.   Since intermediate algebra is the prerequisite for college algebra, it will be helpful to note that the topics included in intermediate algebra are: linear and quadratic equations, absolute value equations, and inequalities, linear and nonlinear inequalities, properties of exponents, rectangular coordinate systems, lines, circles parabolas, systems of equations, polynomials and rational expressions, and functions. 

17. We should choose assign problems only from those listed on the assignments sheet provided by the MSU math Department?

1. The general assumption is that students will be expected to be familiar with the types of the problems listed. Therefore, choosing problems from the sheet is a practical idea. However, this is not to suggest that teachers shouldn't assign additional problems of their choice to broaden student experience. 

17. One of my students hasn't met the requirements to take the class for dual credit (she took the placement test and didn't make the required score and hasn't made a 22 on her ACT). However, if she makes at least a 22 on her ACT in October, could she then pay for the course and have it count for dual credit.

1. In order to be consistent, only students who have met the placement requirement early on will be allowed to enroll in a dual credit math class.  SMSU students are not allowed to sit in a class for a long period of time before deciding to enroll. 

17. Is section 7.7 Systems of Inequalities required for both options (see Fall 2005 Course Assignments)?

1. Yes. 

17. Where do we park when we come to MSU for the placement test?

1. A Visitor Parking Lot is immediate to the north of our building, Cheek Hall. You will find this lot by going to http://www.missouristate.edu/map/CampusMap.asp and clicking on the SE Corner. 

17. I can see both my class roster and my mid-term grade roster.  The class roster has six students and the mid-term grade roster has only two.  Should I be concerned about the fact that only two are listed on the grade roster?

1. Only the first-time students will be on the mid-term roster. If a student has taken a course previously from MSU, he/she is no longer considered as a first-time student.  All students will appear on the course grade roster. 

17. Is this something we have to do (for the Oct grades) if we teach College Algebra as a year-long class?

1. Use the best information you have, something like (or close to) your first quarter grades. 

17. Can I get a Missouri State email address?

1. Yes, you can request a Missouri State email address by going to the link in the upper left bar of the Faculty Advisor Resource Center. 

17. Do you have any copies of past final exams which have been published and will not be used again? If not, fine.  If so, is there any chance I could get copies of some past final exams?

1. Past finals are not given out. There is a sample final exam review on the web. Instructors will also have a chance to view the final when it is ready. 

17. I have a student who is currently enrolled for dual credit with college algebra. She is probably going to drop the college portion of the course. She asked if she could take it again next year for college credit. What are your thoughts on that?

1. Yes, her eligibility does not expire.

17. I was checking my class rosters on the web page and noticed that my College Algebra grades from last semester are still labeled as Incomplete.  I believe I emailed the grades to you a while back. Please check into this.

1. For some reason they do not go back to update the grades on the class rosters, even if the grades have actually been entered. To find out for sure, use the Find A Student option on the Faculty/Advisor Resource Center to select a student of your choice and then bring up his/her Transcript. You can directly enter his/her SSN to bring up the transcript if you know this number.

(Revised 2/28/06)