 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Developmental Mathematics @ CSUN
Developmental Math Program
The DMP offers two developmental mathematics courses. Students are placed into courses based on their score on the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) http://www.asd.calstate.edu/performance/elm_2. exam.
- Students who scored below 34 on the ELM (given after March 2003) start in Developmental Mathematics I, Math 092. Math 092 is a Basic Math/Pre-algebra course. Math 092 is a 3-unit course.
- Students who scored 34 or above but below 50 on the ELM, or those who successfully complete Math 092, take Developmental Mathematics II, Math 093. Math 093 is an Elementary Algebra course. Math 093 is a 5-unit course.
- Students who scored 50 or above on the ELM or are ELM exempt can enroll in Math 102, Math 131, Math 140, and/or Math 210.
Both Math 092 and Math 093 are offered on a Credit/No Credit basis only. Units earned in Math 092 and/or Math 093 do NOT count toward a bachelor degree at CSUN.
Successful completion of Math 093 allows students to enroll in Math 102, Math 131, Math 140, and/or Math 210.
Frequently Asked Questions (“FAQ’s)
Q: What does “ELM” mean?
A: “Entry Level Math”
Q: Is the ELM test an admission test?
A: No. The ELM is a placement test designed to determine a student’s proficiency in mathematics. The results of the ELM will not affect a student’s admission to any CSU campus.
Q: Can a student who has not yet been admitted take the placement test?
A: Students should take the ELM upon completion of Algebra II or a higher-level mathematics course. If a student passes the ELM as a high school junior, that student will not have to repeat the placement test upon acceptance to the CSU provided he or she has taken a math course during the senior year of high school. If the placement test is not passed earlier, students should take the ELM at the earliest opportunity after admission. Students must take the placement test before they can enroll.
Q: When is the ELM placement test given?
A: The ELM placement test is given periodically throughout the year. There are three system-wide administrations, when the ELM is given on all campuses on the same date. In addition to the three system-wide administrations (late March, early May, and late June), each campus establishes several additional dates to accommodate local needs. System-wide and campus dates are published each year and are included in materials sent to applicants. Information about test dates and test registration can be obtained from testing offices on CSU campuses (see the list at the end of this document). A full listing of campus test dates is also available online at http://www.ets.org/csu/testdate.html.
Q: Suppose a student has scored 550 on the math part of the SAT. Does the student still need to take the ELM?
A: No. A student who meets the below criteria is considered to have demonstrated proficiency in mathematics and is exempt from the ELM test.
- 550 or above on the Mathematics section of the College Board SAT I: Reasoning Test;
- 550 or above on the Mathematics Level IC or IIC of the College Board SAT II: Mathematics Test;
- 23 or above on the ACT Math test given October 1989 or later; or
- 3 or above on an AP mathematics test (Calculus AB, Calculus BC, or Statistics).
Q: Whatabout the CSU/UC Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project (MDTP) tests? Does a student who does well on these tests need to take the ELM placement test?
A: Yes. The MDTP tests are diagnostic tests while the ELM examination is a placement examination. However, the MDTP tests are rigorous, and a student who scores well on the MDTP Intermediate Algebra examination should do well on the ELM placement test.
Q: What should students do who are uncertain whether they are required to take the ELM placement test?
A: Talk to the Admissions Office or the Testing Office.
Q: May students use calculators during the ELM placement test?
A: No. Beginning with the March 23, 2002 test, calculators will no longer be allowed for the ELM placement test. The questions on the ELM do not require involved computation. Rather, the placement test includes problems that emphasize quantitative reasoning and problem-solving.
Q: Why is math being tested?
A: With science and technology playing an increasingly important role in our society, all college-bound students must have an adequate grasp of mathematics. More and more undergraduate majors require some proficiency in math, and many require either statistics or calculus, or both. These majors include agricultural science and management, business and administration, economics, engineering, environmental sciences, medical physics, nursing, physical sciences, psychology, and pre-medical/pre-dental programs.
Q: How does the ELM relate to the graduation requirements of a campus?
A: Basic mathematics provides the necessary background for the CSU general education quantitative reasoning requirement which consists of a course at the level of college algebra or higher. Such a course is required for graduation from the California State University. Successful completion of the ELM requirement is prerequisite to that course.
Q: How should a student prepare for the ELM?
A: Studies have shown that students who do not continue to use the math that they have learned may have trouble recalling simple principles. Students with fewer than three years of college preparatory mathematics (who are not regularly admissible to the CSU) or those who have not used their math knowledge in some time will probably need additional work and review. An algebra review text or learning assistance center may be helpful in preparing for the placement test.
Q:Should a student who has completed at least three years of math in high school be ready for college-level math?
A: Yes. But students who have not had recent practice using their math skills will still benefit from a review. All students are encouraged to take mathematics in their senior year of high school.
Q: What happens if a student does not demonstrate proficiency on the ELM?
A: The CSU requires all students who do not demonstrate proficiency on the ELM to be placed in appropriate remedial or developmental programs/activities during the first term of enrollment and each subsequent term until they demonstrate competence. The placement test is designed to help CSU campuses offer students the help they may need. A low score on the ELM means that a student probably needs extra help in order to do well in general education courses that require entry-level mathematics skills.
Q: Do students who receive a low score need to pay for extra help?
A: Probably not. Each campus offers different services for students who need help in basic mathematics. For example, some campuses offer pre-baccalaureate course in the mathematics department while others have established remedial education courses in the continuing education program. Some campuses offer tutorial programs using graduate students and peer tutors. Some campuses are developing modularized programs, structured to parallel topics covered by the ELM placement test; others are exploring programmed instruction, especially using interactive computers. Some campuses are developing modules that review specific topics that may be taken as directed study to prepare for courses in quantitative reasoning. A few campuses offer review courses for ELM preparation in continuing education courses. Finally, many campuses have well-developed learning assistance centers that are able to assist students.
Q: What happens if a student is out of the country on the first test date available?
A: Such a student must take the placement test at the next opportunity. It is to a student’s advantage to take the placement test as soon as possible. All students must take the placement test before enrollment will be permitted.
Q: Does a student need to take the ELM at the campus the student plans to attend?
A: No. A student may take the test at whichever campus is most convenient. The resulting score will be sent to the appopriate campus.
Q: How do students receive their ELM scores?
A: Test scores are mailed to the address provided by the student on the day of the test.
Q: How long are the ELM testing materials and scores retained by ETS?
A: ETS retains answer sheets and test books for 18 months. Although answers (not test books) are available for review at the ETS office in Oakland, they may not be returned to students. ELM scores are retained by ETS for the life of the program and are available from 1983 to the present.
Q: How do I find out which math classes are required for my major?
A: Please refer to the advisement sheets prepared by the Developmental Mathematics Program. Also, be sure to talk to the academic advisor in your major department prior to making any class decisions.
Here are some addresses for your reference:
Developmental Mathematics Program
Student Services Building ("SB"), Room 402
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8358
Phone: (818) 677-2231
Student Services Building ("SB"), Room 225
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8240
Phone: (818) 677-2369
Faculty Office Building ("FOB"), Room 114
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8295
Phone: (818) 677-2187
