What is ALEKS?

Southeastern Louisiana University accepts ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning
(ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses. ALEKS PPL is
a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student’s 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 students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten
topics. Students then have the opportunity to reassess and improve their placement.

ALEKS consists of three parts:

• An Initial Placement Assessment

• The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review

• Access to 4 additional Placement Assessments

 

Southeastern Louisiana University encourages each student to spend time in the Prep
and Learning Module, even if the desired score is achieved, because time spent in
ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades.

What is the purpose of placement testing? The Placement Assessment results will be used to determine the most appropriate courses
for each student as they move forward with college coursework. After taking a Placement
Assessment, students should meet with their advisor to review their results and enroll
in the best classes based on their scores.

This is a “Placement Assessment,” not a test. The difference is that a Placement Assessment
is designed to determine what a student knows and what a student needs to work on.
At the end of the ALEKS PPL Assessment, a student will have a much better sense of
his/her strengths and weaknesses in math. Students then have a chance to brush on
topics that may have been forgotten or haven’t been practiced for some time.

Be honest. It is important that the Placement Assessment is taken seriously and each student
gives it an honest effort so that the Placement Assessment truly reflects their current
level of knowledge and math preparedness. There is no benefit to cheating on the Placement
Assessment – the only result will be that a student enrolls in a class that is too
difficult, or not challenging enough, potentially costing time and money. Therefore,
while taking the Placement Assessment, students should not consult any outside sources
for help (friends/family, internet searches, textbooks, notes etc…). The purpose
of the Placement Assessment is to give an accurate measure of a student’s current
mathematical knowledge state so that he/she will be successful in mathematics courses.

 

Possible Higher Math Placement with ALEKS Scores effective Fall 2024
Math ACT	ALEKS Score	Eligible to Enroll in this Mathematics Course**
Below 19 or no ACT	0 – 34	1001 or 1002
	35 or higher	1050 or 1070/1080
19–21	46 – 60	1050 or 1610
22–24	61 – 75	1050 or 1610 or 1750
25–27	76 – 100	Contact the Mathematics Department or your advisor

 

 ^**The specific course in which a student should enroll is dependent upon the student’s
major.