ALEKS Process
Students admitted to the Mayfield College of Engineering require a strong foundation in Math due to the prerequisites of the curriculum. Therefore, progress and academic performance are heavily impacted by engineering students’ math preparation and placement.
ALEKS-PPL allows us to place students accurately at the right math level based on students’ math knowledge and skills. However, this is not the main capability this student success tool provides students. The main contribution of ALEKS to students is offering the opportunity to enhance their math proficiency by creating online learning modules customized to each student based on the student’s math proficiency. Therefore, to increase our engineering students’ math preparation and consequently, their chances of academic success (e.g., retention, time to graduation) all Mayfield College of Engineering students who are
(a) “College-ready” based on TSI,
(b) are not transferring math credits from a higher education institution, and
(c) are not transferring AP math credits will be placed into mathematics according to Placement Path 2 (ALEKS-PPL) of the Tarleton Mathematics Placement Policy.
Placement Path 2 (using ALEKS)
Steps:
- Take an initial diagnostic assessment through ALEKS
- Spend 10 hours in the ALEKS modules based on your performance
- Take another assessment through ALEKS – this attempt will be your official “placement test”
If you are satisfied with your performance, then you are done. (See the placement scores below.)
If you are not satisfied with your performance, then spend another 10 hours in the ALEKS modules based on your performance, then take another assessment through ALEKS.
You may continue this cycle for up to 5 total assessments through ALEKS (including the initial diagnostic assessment).
Placement Scores
76 or higher – can be placed into MATH 2413 (Calculus I)
61 or higher – can be placed into MATH 2412 (Precalculus)
61 or higher – can be placed into MATH 1316 (Plane Trigonometry) or into MATH 1325 (Math for Business & Social Sciences II)
Notes:
Scores on the mathematics assessments through ALEKS are out of a maximum of 100.
ALEKS assessments are taken remotely using online proctoring software. Contact your academic advisor for more information.
For more information about ALEKS, please see the following: https://www.mheducation.com/highered/aleksppl.html.
Some programs may require a different number of hours in the ALEKS modules between assessments. See your academic advisor for more information.
ALEKS-PPL Math Placement and Preparation Program
Admitted
“Student A” is admitted to Tarleton State University.
Letter Sent
ALEKS letter is sent to “Student A” explaining the math placement and enhancement program.
Registration
“Student A” reviews and understand the ALEKS program and registers for an orientation plus registers to take ALEKS online proctored placement test (Last Test) at least 4 days before the registered orientation. “Student A” asks any questions or requests any support needed.
Evaluation Test
“Student A” takes ALEKS evaluation test (Test 1) to determine the “Student A’s” math strengths and weaknesses and gives a test score between 1-100 points.
Learning Modules
ALEKS produces online learning modules especially designed to help “Student A” address math weaknesses and improve math abilities.
Study the Modules
“Student A” studies the online learning modules produced by ALEKS. A minimum of 10 hours of study are required to take the placement test. More than 10 hours of study may be necessary if the the evaluation test score was below 50 points. More evaluation tests and learning modules are possible. These will be produced to continue supporting “Student A’s” math learning progress. A maximum of two more evaluation tests can be taken. “Student A” can study for hundreds of hours if needed – there is no maximum.
Placement Test
“Student A” takes the online math proctored placement test (Last Test).
Orientation
At orientation, “Student A” is registered into the math course that fits “Student A’s” math abilities.