Augusta State University Department of Learning Support

Preparing Students for Success



The purpose of the Learning Support Program at Augusta State University is:



1. to provide access to post-secondary education to citizens of the CSRA who otherwise would not be admissible to Augusta State University;

2. to provide a curriculum that develops students' abilities to compose lucid prose, that develops students' abilities to preform appropriate mathematical operations, that develops students' abilities to read text critically, and that develops students' abilities to study effectively and to make use of campus resources that can aid their learning;

3. to ensure proper placement by assessing each learner's level of preparedness for college course work;

4. to provide a teaching/learning environment that sustains instructional excellence and promotes high levels of student achievement; and

5. to enhance the retention of students who are admitted through University College/Learning Support.

What are Learning Support courses? Learning Support courses are designed to provide instruction in the fundamental skills of English, mathematics, and reading that are necessary for academic success at the college level. The Learning Support Department at ASU offers multiple courses in each of the basic skills areas to meet the academic needs of incoming students. Class size in these courses is regulated to maximize student-teacher and student-student interaction and to provide for individualized instruction based upon student need. A variety of instructional strategies including individual and group work, student-teacher conferencing, laboratory exercises, multi-media presentations, tutoring sessions, and computer-assisted instruction are incorporated to facilitate optimal learning, retention, and transfer of newly acquired skills.

How are students placed in Learning Support courses? Placement in one, two, or all three areas of Learning Support is based on student performance on the Collegiate Placement Examination (CPE) or, for international students, on the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students seeking admission to ASU who do not have SAT/ACT scores, who have SAT/ACT scores below the level specified for admission to the institution, who have a calculated Freshman Index below institutional requirements, or who are college preparatory English and/or math deficient are required to take the CPE to determine appropriate placement in college level or Learning Support course work. The following CPE scores place students in Learning Support course work:

Area Course CPE Score Range

English:

ENGL 0097: 62 - 71

ENGL 0099: 72 - 77

Mathematics:

MATH 0096: 59 - 65

MATH 0097: 66 - 74

MATH 0099: 75 - 82

Reading:

READ 0097: 62 - 72

READ 0099: 73 - 76

The following TOEFL scores place students in ESL Learning Support classes:

Area Course TOEFL Score Range

ESL English:

ENGL0090 500-549

ENGL0091 550-599

ESL Reading:

READ0090 500-549

READ0091 550-599

Why do some students need to take Learning Support courses? There are many reasons why a student may need to enroll in Learning Support courses. As career and academic goals change, students who did not plan to attend college may discover, upon graduation from high school, that a degree or at least some college level course work is required or preferred for their chosen careers. However, they may find that their high school course work did not prepare them for the rigors of the college level curriculum. In addition, poor performance in college preparatory courses in high school may reflect undiagnosed gaps in basic skills instruction. More mature students, students who have been out of high school for at least five years (frequently referred to as nontraditional students), may find that some of the basic skills necessary for success in the college classroom have atrophied with time and need to be honed to ensure academic success. Students who were unable to complete high school, but have acquired a GED, may need additional instruction in fundamental skills. These preparatory deficiencies frequently can be remediated through Learning Support courses without delayed entry into postsecondary education.

What are the advantages of Learning Support courses? Learning Support courses provide a springboard for academic success for the underprepared or nontraditional student. The small class size, ability-level grouping based on placement testing, and dedicated faculty create a learning environment that facilitates a successful transition into the academic life of the institution. The variety of instructional techniques and strategies utilized, a complement of student support services, and individual evaluation and prescriptive assignments provide an instructional format that accommodates all learning modalities. In addition to the specific content of each area, faculty provide instruction and mentoring on attitudes and behaviors that contribute to overall academic success.