Oct 04, 2024  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Learning Support Programs


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Learning Support Mathematics
(901) 333-4474 • Fax (901) 333-4537



Learning Support Reading and Writing
(901) 333-5208 • Fax (901) 333-5212


The Learning Support Math Department and the Learning Support Reading and Writing Departments offer courses that prepare students for college-level courses. Based on ACT sub scores, SAT sub scores, ACCUPLACER test scores, SAILS competencies, and overall High School GPA, some students may be required to enroll in these courses. Students may enroll in college-level courses while taking Learning Support courses but should select courses that do not require skills in which they are currently deficient.
 
The Learning Support Reading, Writing, and Math Program at Southwest follows the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) policy, Community College Learning Support: 2.03.00.02
Placement
Placement into Learning Support Math (MATH 0100 , MATH 0101 , MATH 0410 , MATH 0530 , and MATH 0810 ), Learning Support Reading (READ 0810 ), and Learning Support Writing (ENGL 0810 ) is based on the same policy for all Tennessee Board of Regents institutions. Students are placed in learning support classes based on the following criteria as outlined by TBR Policy No. 2.03.00.02- Exhibit 1:
 
List of Valid Assessment Methods according to TBR Policy 2.03.00.02
  1. ACT
  2. SAT
  3. Completion of Learning Support Competencies through the Seamless Alignment and Integrated Learning Support (SAILS) Program
  4. ACCUPLACER
  5. High School GPA
Approved Cut Scores for Placement into College-Level Courses
The cut scores identified below are those approved for placement into college-level courses at TBR community colleges and are not used for admissions decisions.
 

 

Subject Area1

 

ACT

 

SAT2

 

ACCUPLACER

(Next Generation)

 

SAILS3

 

High School

GPA 4,5

 

Writing

 

18

 

Critical Reading 490

 

250

 

Successfully completed four identified writing competencies

(Exhibit 6) through SAILS English

 

3.6

 

Reading

 

19

Critical Reading 500

 

250

Successfully completed four identified reading competencies

(Exhibit 5) through SAILS English

 

3.6

Mathematics

 

Math 1010 or Math 1530

 

19

 

Math 500

 

250

Successfully completed statistics associated math competencies (Exhibit 4) through SAILS Statistics

 

3.6

 

Mathematics

College-level, pre-requisite course for College Algebra

 

Other entry-level college courses requiring 19 on the
math sub-section of the ACT

 

19

 

Math 500

 

250

 

Successfully completed five identified math competencies (Exhibit 4) through SAILS Math or through SAILS Statistics and SAILS Algebra

 

3.6

Notes

1 Students with a subject score that is equal to or greater than the listed cut score will be exempt from learning support and placed into college-level courses. If a student presents multiple scores for the same assessment method (e.g., ACT subject scores from two test attempts), the highest score should be used to determine placement.

2 SAT concorded cut scores are based upon 2016 Revised SAT scores.

3 Students must complete SAILS Statistics prior to completing SAILS Algebra.

4 Institutions should place students with a high school grade point average (GPA) of 3.60 or higher out of corequisite learning support and into college-level courses. Colleges should use the cumulative high school GPA on a 4.0 scale calculated with internal quality points awarded for advanced placement, honors, or other similar courses, according to the Uniform Grading Policy adopted by the State Board of Education. Colleges should use the in-progress/seventh-term GPA if the final GPA is unavailable upon placement.

5 For dual enrollment, high school students enrolling in college-level math, reading, or writing courses must meet the placement requirements listed above, consistent with TBR’s policy on Early Post-secondary Opportunities (2.01.00.05). For dual enrolled

students with high school GPAs of 2.80-3.59 and no other assessment scores that would place them into college-level courses, enrollment in college-level math, reading, or writing courses shall be allowed upon recommendation of the student by their high school.

If a student wants to challenge his or her initial placement, an alternative test is available. The challenge of placement in mathematics must be done before enrolling in the first LS course in the subject area. Contact the Testing Center at the Macon Cove Campus, (901) 333-4170, or the Union Avenue Campus, (901) 333-5127 to make an appointment for the appropriate challenge test. A fee is charged for the test. For additional information regarding Learning Support Math placement, contact the Mathematics Department at (901) 333-4474. For additional information regarding Learning Support Reading or Writing placement, contact the Languages and Literature Department at (901) 333-5208.

Class Attendance

Students in Learning Support courses are expected to attend every scheduled class regularly and punctually. If an illness or emergency results in an absence, the responsibility for determining the extent of what has been missed and for making up all assigned work rests with the student. Absences may adversely affect the course grade or may result in a grade of “F” for the course.

Grading

Minimum standards for successful completion of Learning Support courses will be a grade of “P.” All credit hours earned in courses designated as Learning Support will be in addition to the hours required for degrees or certificates.

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