Developmental Math
with ALEKS (MATD 0421)

This class was last offered Summer 2021.

Developmental Math with ALEKS (MATD 0421)

Do you enjoy learning with technology?  Are you strong in some areas of math, but need help in others?  Maybe you simply need a refresher before taking College Algebra or Math for Business & Economics, or are you repeating Elementary Algebra but don’t need to start at the beginning again.

MATD 0421 may be the ideal choice for you!

What is MATD 0421?

MATD 0421 is a course designed to prepared students for MATH 1314 College Algebra, MATH 1414 College Algebra for Precalculus, or MATH 1324 Math for Business & Economics. It will meet the needs for any student that is working at the Elementary Algebra or Intermediate Algebra level. Unlike the traditional courses with a set curriculum, MATD 0421 will allow students the opportunity to complete as much developmental math as they are able in one semester. In a single semester students may be able to complete more than one level of developmental math and also allows students to spend more time working on certain topics.

Who should take the course pairing?

• Students who have a degree plan that requires MATH 1314 College Algebra, MATH 1324 Math for Business and Economics, or MATH 1414 College Algebra for Precalculus.

• Students who score less than 944 and have an ABE score of 5 on the TSI 2.0 assessment.

• Students who score 336 - 343 or score below 336 with an ABE score of 3 - 5 on the original TSI assessment (TSIA).

How is this course organized?

Students will attend class in one of the ACCelerators at the Highland, Round Rock, or San Gabriel campuses working on ALEKS software. Students must attend class at a designated time and location. Students must work additional hours with ALEKS outside of class as well. Each student will have an instructor of record and will also have access to tutors who will be working in the room. The ALEKS software can also be used on tablets or mobile devices.

What books do I need?

There is no textbook to purchase; instead, all students will pay an ALEKS materials fee each semester. This materials fee includes access to ALEKS for one semester when registered for an ACC ALEKS course, the e-text and resources.  

What can I do before the first day?

There is a Prerequisite Review for this course. Use this to test your background knowledge and help you recall forgotten math skills.

What happens on the first day?

There will be instructors, tutors and staff to help you log on to the ALEKS software. The first thing that you will do is an online diagnostic which will give you credit for the math topics that you already know. Once the diagnostic is complete ALEKS will generate a learning "pie" individualized just for you!  After that, you will concentrate on the topics you have not yet mastered.

Working through your ALEKS pie

Once ALEKS has created an individualized pie for you, you're ready to take off!  With the help of the software and the guidance of your instructor and tutors, students will be taking an active role in their math learning.  Students are encouraged to work as hard as they are able and accomplish as much as possible within the semester.  Who knows, you may find yourself completing your developmental math sooner than you expected, saving you time and money!

What happens in the next semester?

Students who successfully complete all objectives in MATD 0421 and pass the final exam will be TSI complete and be able to register for MATH 1314, MATH 1414, MATH 1324 or a Non-STEM first semester math course.  Students who DO NOT complete all 12 objectives in MATD 0421 will enroll in the appropriate corequisite course per the Exiting MATD 0421 flow chart.  Students who did not successfully complete MATD 0421 may repeat MATD 0421, if they wish to continue working in ALEKS or enroll in another appropriate level course.

Course placement upon leaving MATD 0421 is determined by the student's mastery level (objectives completed) within ALEKS and passing score on a course readiness exam, NOT solely by the course grade earned.  Individual advising notes input by instructors at the end of the semester in Degree Map indicate each students math eligibility based their ALEKS work. 

These are new and exciting times in ACC's developmental math program and we know you will have many questions.  Take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, perhaps we already have an answer.  You may also contact Math Program Specialist, Christie Allen-Johnson at callenjo@austincc.edu.