DEVELOPMENTAL READING
GATEWAY TO COLLEGE PROGRAM
SPRING 2010 SYLLABUS
DREA 0090, DREA 0091, DREA 0093
INSTRUCTOR: Judy Brewster
OFFICE: N-108 – Phone: 972-680-7129 OFFICE HOURS: As scheduled by students
DEVELOPMENTAL READING COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
This course offers basic reading skills training through the use of whole language development. This course is designed for students who assessment scores indicate special needs. (3 LEC) Coordinating Board Approval Number 3201085212
DREA 0090: Developmental Reading (3)
This course presents basic reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. Basic study skills are introduced (3 LEC) Coordinating Board Academic Approval Number 3201085212
DREA 0091: Developmental Reading (3)
This course continues the development of reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. Study skills are also included. (3 LEC) Coordinating Board Academic Approval Number 3101085212
DREA 0093: Developmental Reading (3)
This course offers further development of reading comprehension, vocabulary and study skills. (3 LEC)
Coordinating Board Academic Approval Number 3201085212
DEVELOPMENTAL READING COURSE OBJECTIVES
I. General Objective:
To generate a positive attitude toward the reading process through the changing of reading habits; to change reading weaknesses into strengths, to let students become aware of learning techniques (survival skills) which enable any person, student or otherwise, to become more successful in real life learning situations.
II. Specific Objectives:
A. To increase students’ reading efficiency through concentrated exposure to selected reading skill building materials. This includes increasing students’ vocabulary, retention of information and reading speed. TSI preparation for improvement in comprehension is a primary concern.
B. To enhance students’ study skills. Study skills are those areas of student ability, other than knowledge of subject material, which a student needs in order to survive in college. Study skills include such things as note taking, test taking, college behaviors and effective listening habits.
C. To teach students role efficiency: Included is an understanding of the higher educational system – degree requirements, enrollment procedures, relating instructor teaching styles to students’ learning styles, services available to the student, etc. Also, related to role efficiency and perhaps more important, are various survival habits or positive approaches to learning of which the successful college student should have a knowledge.
III. Procedures and Activities:
A. Pre and Post-testing to determine students’ beginning and ending reading efficiency and study efficiency.
B. Flexible reading rate activities.
C. Critical reading assignments.
D. Comprehension and analytical reading assignments.
E. Activities related toward developing a positive attitude toward self in general and the academic situation specifically.
F. Various format and informal presentations on reading, study and role efficiency.
G. Final exam and evaluation of the activities listed above.
Although reading involves mastery of specific skills, it is to be viewed as a total integrated process. Achievement of the following objectives will be measured by the PRE-THEA READING Exit Test. Due to varying student needs and characteristics, instructional time spent on each skill may vary.
SKILLS TO BE MASTERED
VOCABULARY SKILLS - Students will be able to:
1. identify the meaning of unfamiliar words by using contextual clues;
2. recognize and state the meaning of a variety of important roots, prefixes and suffixes;
3. use a dictionary or glossary to determine word meaning and
4. differentiate between the connotation and denotation of words.
COMPREHENSION SKILLS - Students will be able to:
1. locate stated main ideas in paragraphs and articles;
2. identify and classify supporting details in a paragraph, article or chapter;
3. recognize the sequence of events in a selection;
4. follow printed directions;
5. distinguish between facts and opinion;
6. make logical inferences from information read;
7. recognize summary paragraphs in a reading selection;
8. visualize when reading descriptive, narrative and process writing;
9. draw reasonable conclusions from reading and
10. paraphrase and summarize key ideas in paragraphs, articles and chapters.
CRITICAL READING AND REASONING SKILLS - Students will be able to:
1. outline a textbook chapter’s main ideas, secondary ideas and supporting or significant ideas;
2. use effective listening techniques;
3. use study time efficiently and effectively;
4. use a study reading method to anticipate questions about content and to answer those questions;
5. use basic note-taking techniques to take notes from written material;
6. employ test taking strategies to prepare for and take exams and
7. interpret maps, charts and textbook illustrations.
RATE FLEXIBILITY SKILLS - Students will be able to:
1. preview material for a great impression of its organization and importance;
2. improve rate through skimming and scanning written material and
3. use a flexible rate, adjusting speed to the purpose and difficulty of a reading task.
READING APPRECIATION:
Students will be able to demonstrate positive attitudes towards reading and studying.
IV. SUMMARY:
Reading is a learned skill; however, efficient and effective reading skills are learned and achieved in direct relation to the amount of effort a student exerts. As any other skill, competency and quality of work cannot be maintained unless the skill is practiced. In general, a student can expect to take from this course what he/she puts into it for success.
TEXTBOOK:
REA GATEWAY TO COLLEGE INSTRUCTION REQUIRED TEXT IS: The Reader’s Handbook; Great Source; Houghton-Mifflin Publisher
GRADING POLICY : 0300 * DREA 0090 * DREA 0091 * DREA 0093 *Students will be evaluated according to their effort as demonstrated to the instructor, the completion of assigned work and their demonstrated exit competency criteria referenced score on the Pre-THEA Reading Exit Test. Grading Rationale: Exit Competency and Grade Earned
DREA 0300: Passing THEA Score
A = 12+
B = 11
C = 10
E = 9 or fewer
F = 9 or fewer and incomplete work with 5 or more absences
DREA 0090 – Passing THEA Score
A = 14+
B = 13
C = 12
E = 11 or fewer
F = 11 or fewer and incomplete work with 5 or more absences P – THEA Score
DREA 0091 – Passing THEA Score
A = 16+
B = 15
C = 14
E = 13 or fewer
F = 13 or fewer and incomplete work with 5 or more absences P – THEA Score
DREA 0093 – Passing THEA Score
A = 18+
B = 17
C = 16
E = 15 or fewer
F = 15 or fewer and incomplete work with 5 or more absences
GRADE REPORT (2004-2006 Eastfield College, Dallas County Community Colleges Catalog, page 60)
Grade reports are no longer mailed. Convenient access is available online or by telephone. Students
must use student identification number when logging in to E-Connect or calling DCCCD Touch Tone
Services. Website address is http://econnect.dcccd.edu/. Telephone number is (972)613-1818.
STUDENT PLACEMENT AND PROGRESSION THROUGH THE PROGRAM
Students are placed in DREA 0090, 0091, 0093 OR 0300 based on their scores on a placement test such
as SAT, ACT, ACCUPLACER or other State mandated instruments. A student must successfully
complete the DREA course and all other higher-level DREA courses until the State standard is met.
Successful completion of each course is determined by a Department Exit Test. When a student passes
the Exit Test at the end of the semester, he/she will then enroll in the next level DREA course.
If a student does not pass the Exit Test, he/she will continue in the same course to continue developing
reading skills.
DEPARTMENT EXIT TEST FOR ALL DREA STUDENTS
To qualify for the Exit Test, a student must meet course deadlines, attend class and successfully
complete the coursework. Deadlines and attendance requirements are set by the instructor and
successful completion of coursework is determined by the instructor. Gateway to College DREA Exit Test will be given the week of May 3 – May 7 (MTWRF). THERE IS NOT A MAKE-UP TIME FOR THE EXIT TEST. Students who pass the Exit Test will receive a grade (A, B, C) and will enroll in next level DREA course. Students who do not pass the Exit Test will receive a grade of “E”. The “E” grade is a non-punitive grade for students who completed their coursework and have shown improvement in reading skills throughout the semester. They need additional improvement in specific skills before taking the next scheduled Exit Test. Students who qualify for, but do not take the required Exit Test will receive an “E” for the semester. Students who do not qualify to take the Exit Test will receive a course grade of “E” or “F” depending on the degree of improvement they have achieved and the amount of work they have completed. Students who do not qualify to take the Exit Test will repeat the course before being scheduled for an Exit Test.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
(2004-2006 Eastfield College, Dallas County Community Colleges Catalog; page 58) Students are expected to regularly attend all classes in which they are enrolled. Students have the responsibility to attend class and to consult with the instructor when an absence occurs. Instructors are responsible for describing attendance policies and procedures to all students enrolled in their class. If a student is unable to complete a course (or courses) in which he/she is registered, it is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from the course by the appropriate date. (The date is published in the academic calendar each year and in each semester’s class schedule.) If a student does not withdraw he/she will receive a performance grade – usually a grade of “F”.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS/OBSERVANCES
Students who will be absent from class for the observance of a religious holiday must notify the instructor in advance. Students will please refer to the college catalog section on Student Responsibilities. Students who are absent from class for the observance of a religious holiday may take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence if, not later than the 15th day of the semester, the student notifies the instructor(s) that he/she will be absent for a religious holiday. Sec. 51.911 TX Educ. Code.
DROP POLICY
2004-2006 Eastfield College, Dallas Community Colleges Catalog, page 58) To drop a class or withdraw from the college, students must follow the prescribed procedure. It is the student’s responsibility to drop or withdraw. Failure to do so will result in receiving a performance grade, usually a grade of “F”. Should circumstances prevent a student from appearing in person to withdraw from the college, the student may withdraw by mail or by writing the College Registrar. A drop/withdrawal request by mail must be received in the Registrar’s Office by the semester deadline. No drop or withdrawal requests are accepted by telephone. Students who drop a class or withdraw from the College before the semester deadline will receive a “WQ” (Withdraw) in each class dropped. If students are unable to complete this course, they must withdraw from it by April 15. See “Refund of Tuition” for possible eligibility of a refund.
STOP BEFORE YOU DROP
For students who enrolled in college level courses for the first time in fall of 2007, Texas Educational code 51.907 limits the number of courses a student may drop. Students may drop no more than 6 courses during their entire undergraduate career unless the drop qualifies as an exception. The campus counseling/advising center will give students more information on the allowable exceptions. Remember that once students have accumulated 6 non-exempt drops, they cannot drop any other courses with an “N”. Therefore, students should exercise caution when dropping courses in any Texas public institution of higher learning, including all seven campuses of the Dallas County Community Colleges. For more information, students may access: https://www1.dccd.edu/coursedrops.
INCOMPLETE GRADES
2004-2006 Eastfield College, Dallas Community Colleges Catalog, pg 60) An incomplete grade of “I” may be given when an unforeseen emergency prevents a student from completing the work in a course. The “I” must be converted to a performance grade (A-F) within 90 days after the first day of classes in subsequent regular semester. If the work is not completed after 90 days, the “I” is converted to a performance grade, usually an “F”. An Incomplete Contract is used to assign an incomplete grade and states the requirements for the satisfactory completion of the course. An Incomplete Contract is used to assign an incomplete grade and states the requirements for the satisfactory completion of the course. The Incomplete Contract must be agreed upon and signed by the instructor, the student and the Division Dean and submitted with the final grade report. When an Incomplete Contract is submitted without the required signatures, the instructor must include a statement indicating that the student is aware of and agrees with the Contract.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY: STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the contents and provisions of the District’s policy, procedures and regulations concerning student conduct. All students shall obey the law, show respect for property constituted authority and observe correct standards of conduct. In addition to activities prohibited by law, the following types of behavior shall be prohibited.
Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of these rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by college polices. Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion.
Cheating on a test shall include the following:
a. Copying from another student’s test paper
b. Using test material not authorized by the person administering the test.
All forms of academic dishonesty, including cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism and collusion:
d. Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test without permission from the test administrator
e. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing or soliciting, in whole or in part, the contents of a test
f. Unauthorized transporting or removal, in whole or in part, of the contents of a test
g. Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for one’s self, to take a test
h. Bribing another person to obtain a test or information about a test
“Plagiarism” shall be defined as: appropriating, buying, receiving as a gift or obtaining by any means another’s work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one’s own written work.
“Collusion” shall be defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for fulfillment of course requirements.
Students should be aware of disciplinary actions for all forms of academic dishonesty, including cheating,
fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism and collusion. In this course a student will
receive a grade of “0” on any assignment or test if he/she is guilty of cheating, plagiarism or collusion.
Students are encouraged to not put themselves in a situation that would result in such action. (At instructor’s discretion.) The Eastfield College Catalog and the DCCCD Catalog contain the entire Student Code of Conduct, which is also on the Internet at http://dcccd.edu. (2004-2006, Eastfield College, Dallas County
Community Colleges Catalog, pages 228-229)
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Eastfield College has a zero tolerance policy on sexual harassment. All students shall report complaints of sexual harassment informally to the College’s Human Resources Director or formally to the Vice Chancellor of Educational Affairs.
STANDARD OF CONDUCT/CLASSROOM CONDUCT
No cell phone use is permitted in the class and phones should be turned off. Pagers and other
electronic devices should be turned off unless the instructor permits them to be used. Students
may be asked to leave the classroom if in violation of this policy. No food or drinks are allowed in the
classroom with the exception of bottled water. All rules, regulations and guidelines promulgated in the
2004-2006 Eastfield College, Dallas County Community Colleges Catalog, (Pages 227-236), Code of
Student Conduct will be followed.
FINANCIAL AID
If students are receiving Financial Aid grants or loans, they must begin attendance in all classes to be certified as attending class. Students may not drop or stop attending any class without consulting the Financial Aid Office. Changes in a student’s enrollment level and failing grades may require that the student repay financial aid funds. Failure to contact the instructor will result in the student’s name being submitted to the Financial Aid Office as a “non-attendee”.
REPEATABILITY ISSUE
Effective for Fall Semester 2005, the Dallas County Community Colleges will charge a higher tuition rate
to students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. All third and subsequent attempts of the
majority or credit and Continuing Education Workforce Training courses will result in higher tuition to be
charged. Developmental Studies and some other courses will not be charged a higher tuition rate. Third attempts include courses taken at any of the Dallas County Community Colleges since the Fall 2002
semester. For complete information and updates, go to: http://www.dcccd.edu/ThirdCourseattempt/.
EMERGENCY & INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURES
In case of emergency (which may include power or air condition outages, fires, etc.) or inclement weather conditions, Eastfield students should listen to KEOM-FM Radio Station – 88.5 – as the primary media source. In partnership with the Mesquite Independent School District, Eastfield College Administration will notify KEOM immediately after a decision is made to cancel classes on any given day of inclement weather or for emergency purposes. Students may also monitor the local radio and television stations. The earliest an announcement may be broadcast on KEOM Radio is 6:00 A.M. Students may also refer to the Eastfield College web page: www.eastfieldcollege.com for the inclement weather announcement under News/Features.
STUDENT E-MAIL
Privacy issues prevent instructors from discussing student work or grades on commercial e-mail
accounts. If students wish to send papers as attachments to an e-mail (and the instructor permits it), or if
students have a question about their grades, they must open a student e-mail account. Student accounts
are free. Students may set up an account by going to www.dcccd.edu and click on Student Services
Online Services and Student Netmail. Passwords may be obtained in L-108.
PRINTING ON CAMPUS
Printing in the Computer Lab (L-108) Library, and Learning Assistance Center will cost 5 cents a page.
Students must bring a $1.00, $5.00, $10.00 or $20.00 bill to the lab to create an account. Accounts must
be created before attempting to print. No change is made in the lab. Once, the money is in the bill
acceptor, it cannot be retrieved. Cash refunds are not possible. Accounts stay active as long as the
account has remaining value.
TEXAS SUCCESS INITIATIVE (TSI) INFORMATION
The policies and procedures regarding the TSI are made by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which is the state agency responsible for administering the law. These policies are published by the THECB. On the Eastfield campus, a students’ best source of information about TSI is found at:
1) The Eastfield Advising Center (972)860-7106 or
2) The Eastfield Testing and Assessment Center (972)860-7011
The TSI requires every incoming student to be Assessed prior to enrollment to determine college readiness in Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Students who are determined not to be college ready must take the Developmental Education courses necessary to achieve college readiness.
GATEWAY TO COLLEGE
*ADDENDUM TO EASTFIELD, DALLAS COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGES
DEVELOPMENTAL READING DEPARTMENT’S
SYLLABUS is provided for additional information in coordination with the Gateway to College Program.
GATEWAY TO COLLEGE PROGRAM AT EASTFIELD COLLEGE
Gateway Foundation curricula consists of a four-course structure designed to focus on mastering a set of sequenced, complimentary academic objectives while developing sound study habits, academic growth, and self-efficacy.
DEVELOPMENTAL READING FOUNDATION COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to prepare students for college-level reading and help them hone their skills as productive students. Successful completion provides them with the skills to be prepared for college level reading, writing and other classes.
OUTCOME INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
1. Conference with instructor
2. THEA Practice Book Completion
3. Classroom discussions / small group activities
4. Comprehension responses
5. Written summaries / responses
6. Reading journals with responses
7. Quizzes and Exams
8. Projects and Presentations
GTC ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS
To be successful in this course, students must attend class and be on time. All classes begin and conclude promptly. Attendance will be taken at every class. If students are going to be absent, they must notify the resource specialist before class begins or as soon as possible in the event of an emergency.
Students who will be absent from a class for the observance of a religious holiday must notify the instructor in advance.
GTC LATE WORK POLICYs
Assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late work will only receive half credit unless previous arrangements have been made. If students are absent, they are expected to turn in assignments by the next Monday following the absence or they will be considered late work and receive half credit.
ASSISTANCE AND HELP
Students who need help should contact the instructor for assistance. If students have a disability, they should contact their resource specialist who can provide accommodations to help them succeed. The instructor will be available for individual assistance before class and other arrangements can be made if necessary.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING, MENTAL OR PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Students requesting accommodations due to the presence of a disability must identify themselves in a
timely fashion and demonstrate/document the need for accommodations through the Disability Services
Office (DSO). For information regarding the rights and responsibilities of student with disabilities, contact (DSO) at 972-860-8340 voice/TDD.
SYLLABUS REVISION
The guidelines in this syllabus may be changed, deleted or amended any time by the instructor. It is possible that some changes in the course outline or class policies will be made during the semester. Any changes that are made to the class policies or course outline will be announced in class.
