Second Chance Math Program

Having trouble with Math? PPCC has designed a program called Second Chance which provides students an opportunity to prepare for the Accuplacer math test in order to pass into their next course after being unsuccessful in a previous math course. 

The course also is designed for students to brush up in preparation for their Accuplacer math assessment which will place them into their first math class at PPCC.

It is a between-semester Continuing Education class.

Frequently Asked Questions about Second Chance

1. How do I register?
   It is not possible to register online.  Please fill out a Registration/Class Adjustment Form in F-200 at Centennial or W-119 at Rampart Range.  Follow the examples they have there to complete the form.  Then take it to enrollment.
2. How do I pay the registration fee of $55?
   You may go to any PPCC cashier’s window to pay your bill.  It must be paid before you can start classes.
3. Who exactly can participate?
   Anyone who wants to cover Mat 030, Mat 060, Mat 045, Mat 090 or Mat 077 material.  Prep courses can be set up for College Algebra, Statistics, PreCalc, and Calc I, if requested.
4. Where and when are the sessions?

Dec 12 – 22, 2010
Centennial       B203A	8:00 – 10:15 am	Gaurav Bhagat
Centennial       B203A	6:00 – 8:15 pm	Marilyn Frydrych
Rampart Range  W113	9:00 – 11:15 am	Cindy Pelka
Downtown       S204	8:00 – 10:15 am	Karen Summerson
Jan 3 – Jan 13
Centennial       B203A	8:00 – 10:15 am	Gaurav Bhagat
Centennial       B203A	6:00 – 8:15 pm	Marilyn Frydrych
Rampart Range  W111	9:00 – 11:15 am	Sandra Shappell
Downtown   S204	8:00 – 10:15 am	Karen Summerson

5. Is there a grade at the end of these sessions?
   No
6. What happens to my grade I will get this semester in my math class?
   It will stay on your transcript.  However, if you pass the Accuplacer, you can go on to your next course even with your previous grade still on your transcript.
7. Can I register late?  What if I’m still studying for finals the week of Dec 12?
   You may register late.  Just come to class when you can during the week of Dec 12 with a 6-week ALEKS code in hand.
8. How do I qualify to pass on to my next course? 
   You must pass the Accuplacer test with a score that allows you in to that course.
9. What if my poor grade from the fall semester gets me into financial trouble or academic probation or suspension?  Does successfully completing the Accuplacer before Jan 16, 2012 put me in good standing again?
   No, not automatically.   However, if you contact Marilyn Frydrych (Marilyn.frydrych@ppcc.edu or 502-3304) she will contact the necessary people to get you back in good standing.
10. Where do I pick up an ALEKS code and what does it cost?
    You can purchase it from any PPCC bookstore for $47.
11. What is ALEKS?  How does it differ from MyMathPlus? 
    ALEKS is a web-based interactive math program much like MyMathPlus which uses assessments to ascertain where you have weaknesses.  It will begin by filling in those weaknesses.  Then it uses assessments every ten hours you are on the computer to determine which new problems you are ready for.    It also uses the assessments to see if you are retaining new material.  If not, it will have you go back over the material before going on.  If you get the same type of problem wrong repeatedly, it will automatically back you up to the material it feels you are lacking before giving you that problem again. 
    MyMathPlus, on the other hand, is programmed by the instructor to keep up with the timing in the class syllabus.   Students are asked to do homework problems whether or not they have mastered the background to do them.
12. Do I receive any special instruction on how to prepare for the Accuplacer other than studying math material?
    We will give a list of web sites where you can practice the types of questions you are likely to encounter on Accuplacer.  It’s up to you to practice.
13. When am I ready to sit for the Accuplacer?
    This needs to be worked out with your instructor.  You will be expected to reach 95% completion of the ALEKS program.  100% is better.  Then your instructor will verify that you actually have practiced some Accuplacer style questions.  Only when you have the instructor’s approval should you actually take the Accuplacer test.
14. Why is the registration fee so low?
    Since it’s a Continuing Education course, we can keep the registration fee low.
15. Can college level students participate?
    Yes.  There are courses for preparing for College Algebra, Statistics, PreCalc, Calc I, and Calc II.
16. How much time outside the daily two hours and a quarter in class is needed to succeed?
    Your outside time is dependent on your goals.  Some students have looked at the course as a full time job.  They put in 8 hours a day 6 days a week.  One student brushed up on Mat 030, Mat 060, Mat 090, and Mat 077 all during one Christmas break.  She passed into Mat 121 and was successful.
17. Can I participate if I can only attend two or three days a week?
    We don’t recommend this, but if you have the initiative to work at home during the days you are unable to attend class, we would welcome you into the program.  If you get stuck, switch to a different topic to work on until you can get your questions answered in class.
18. Do other colleges offer this option?  
    This type of program started about 5 years ago in New Jersey.  We were the first in Colorado.  PPCC coined  the “Second Chance” name.  The name and program is spreading across the nation.
19. How long has PPCC run a Second Chance program?
    Our first Second Chance was during the Christmas break in 2008.
20. There’s a lot of material in Mat 077.  Can I really get through it all in four weeks?
    The ALEKS Mat 077program has been set up with little review.  However, if you come to the class with weaknesses in the prerequisites, ALEKS will not let you go on to new material until you've mastered these prerequisites.  You may find yourself reviewing for longer than you would want.  It's up to you adjust your homework hours accordingly, so you can finish.
21. What if I want to review material I learned years ago in high school before I sit for the Accuplacer?
    This is an excellent way to review what you once knew.  It fills in holes that you might have so that you can better succeed in the course where Accuplacer places you.
22. If I just squeaked through my last math course with a C, could I benefit by enrolling in Second Chance?
    Yes, absolutely.  Unfortunately, very few C math students pass their next course.  They have too many weaknesses.  ALEKS is very effective at identifying and providing practice to overcome these weaknesses.

Frequently Asked Questions about Second Chance