Overview
All SPU students are required to complete a Ways of Knowing in Quantitative Reasoning course as a part of the Exploratory Curriculum. This general education requirement is fulfilled by taking approved courses in mathematics or statistics. Furthermore, mathematics serves as a critical foundation for success in many majors.
Prior to enrolling in any college level mathematics or statistics course at SPU, you must meet certain . In order for you to be successful in math courses, it is important to ensure that your mathematical skills and background are sufficient for success in the particular course that you plan to register for. You can demonstrate your level of preparation for math courses in several different ways:
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- scores on SAT, ACT, AP, CLEP, or IB exams,
- previously earned credit for college-level math courses, or
- completion of the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment.
What is ALEKS?
ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ uses the ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) system to determine readiness for college-level mathematics courses. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map your mathematical strengths and weaknesses. The Placement Assessment is up to 30 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the Placement Assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for you to review and refresh your knowledge on forgotten topics. You will have the opportunity to retake the assessment up to four times to improve your placement.
Results from the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment will be used to determine the most appropriate mathematics or statistics courses for you as you move forward with college coursework. After taking a Placement Assessment, students should meet with your academic counselor or faculty advisor to review your results and enroll in the best classes based on your scores.
ALEKS is a “Placement Assessment,” not a test. The difference is that a Placement Assessment is designed to determine what you know and what you need to work on. At the end of the ALEKS PPL Assessment, you will have a much better sense of your strengths and weaknesses in math. You then have a full year of access to the learning modules to brush up on topics that may have been forgotten or haven’t been practiced for some time.
Do You Need to Complete the Placement Assessment?
Before starting on the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment, let's check whether or not you actually need to complete it. Begin by determining your current Math Placement Level by completing the following steps:
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- Log into your account.
- Go to your Degree Check at Banner > Student Menu > Academic Records Menu > UG Degree Check.
- . The Placement Level should be listed as 0, A, or B.Your Test ScoresYou can find your Math Placement Level toward the bottom of the page under
Answer the questions below to determine if you need to take the ALEKS Placement Assessment:
What is your current placement level? (Click on one option below)
Placement Level 0 or Placement Level A
Have you completed any college-level coursework in mathematics that has not yet officially been transferred to SPU?
Yes.
You may not need to complete this assessment, depending on how that coursework transfers. Consult with your academic counselor or faculty advisor for additional advice.
No.
Do you have any test scores (such as SAT, ACT, AP Precalculus, or AP Calculus) that have not yet been submitted to SPU and might impact your Math Placement Level?
Yes.
You may not need to complete this assessment, depending on the details of your test scores. Consult with your academic counselor or faculty advisor for additional advice.
No.
You should complete this ALEKS Math Placement Assessment.
Placement Level B
Do you plan to take a precalculus or calculus course? Calculus and precalculus are required for students in certain STEM majors such as engineering majors, computer science, data science, and biochemistry.
No.
You do not need to complete this assessment unless you later determine that you need to take a course in calculus or precalculus.
Yes.
Have you previously completed college-level coursework in calculus or precalculus or its equivalent through an AP test with a score of 4 or higher?
Yes.
Assuming that your previous coursework transfers to SPU as equivalent to our MAT 1110 (Precalculus) or MAT 1234 (Calculus I), you do not need to complete this assessment. Consult with your academic counselor or faculty advisor for additional advice.
No.
You should complete this ALEKS Math Placement Assessment.
If You Need to Take the Placement Assessment
Access to the ALEKS Placement Assessment is through Canvas. Log in to your SPU Canvas account and look in your Dashboard for a course named "SPU Math Placement and Learning". Follow the instructions is that course to get started on your Placement Assessment.
If you need to take the Placement Assessment based on the criteria listed above but do not see the "SPU Math Placement and Learning" course in your Canvas dashboard, contact your academic counselor or the Math Department at math@spu.edu for assistance.