Dear College Algebra Student,

Note: This is a reminder for those of you who have not yet taken the Placement Test or not achieved a high enough score and First Notice for those who recently enrolled in Math 1513 for spring 2012. If you have completed the Placement Test with an acceptable score by this morning, see the last paragraph.

A placement testing system is being implemented for enrollment in courses such as Math 1513 College Algebra. Because you are enrolled in this course for spring 2012, you are required to take the placement test before your first class meeting. It is recommended that you take the exam as soon as possible.

The exam uses a system called ALEKS and is online. You may take it from any location where there is a suitable computer with internet access. The results of the exam will give you an evaluation of your preparation for Math 1513. In order for the information to be accurate it is important that you follow the directions and that you do not use any external aids or assistance.

The exam is designed to evaluate preparation for a range of mathematics courses and is denoted within ALEKS as Assessment for Preparation for Calculus. For Math 1513 a score of 30% or above is considered adequate preparation. Students scoring below 25% or not taking the exam will be required to do some additional work during the first few weeks of class to improve their skills and knowledge of the prerequisite material. This additional work will be incorporated into the course grade for these students.

Students who take the placement exam and wish to review and retake the placement exam prior to the start of classes, may do so. Prior to retaking the exam it is recommended that the online Learning Modules in ALEKS be used for review. Access to these modules is provided through the same login that is used to access the placement exam. A student who is able to achieve a score of 25% or above after reviewing will be exempted from the additional work. Retakes should be at least 24 hours apart and at most two retakes (a total of three attempts) will be considered.

Go to http://www.math.okstate.edu/aleks_fall2011 for additional information and detailed instructions for accessing the exam. To avoid problems read that webpage thoroughly and follow the directions.

If you have trouble logging in, contact the OSU IT helpdesk.

I have sent email to students who achieved the required score by early this morning and have removed them from this email list. Individual instructors will be receiving score information throughout the week.

From this time on you should contact your instructor for information on the

additional required work and scores. This is the last planned mass emailing.

Dale Alspach Department of Mathematics Oklahoma State University