July 11, 2013 Tinley Park, Illinois Math Literacy An Accelerated Pathway for Developmental Math Kathleen Almy Rock Valley College

The Problems  Large number of students place into developmental math (non-college level math)  Most of those who do, place into beginning algebra  Most students only need statistics or liberal arts math to graduate  Dev math can be a bog for students, making degree completion a challenge.

A New Pathways Option In one semester, Math Literacy for College Students gives a student at the beginning algebra level the mathematical maturity to be successful in statistics, liberal arts math, or intermediate algebra. It aligns with the Common Core.

Goals Create an appropriate prerequisite for non-STEM courses Update content Balance instruction Differentiate pathways Build college readiness Prepare for workforce

More than skills 30% of what is 42?

What do students need when they get to college level math?

Reading skills Critical thinking Numeracy skills Algebraic base Function knowledge Technologically competent Not intimidated by problems with words What do students need when they get to college level math?

Studied successful countries Researched brain-based learning Used lessons from RVC redesign Talked to affected disciplines Incorporated many contexts including science Starting from scratch

Looking forward to college readiness Emphases: contextual problems realistic applications unexpected algebra

Snapshots

New student experience Engagement Connections Deliberate practice See handout for objectives

Pathways: A National Movement MLCSQuantwayStatway One semester DM course Preparation for multiple outcomes One semester DM course Like a quant lit course, just-in-time DM Two semester DM + CL course Satisfies a statistics requirement

Illinois and Pathways: PMGE Preparatory Mathematics for General Education 3-4 semester hours Non-STEM intermediate algebra Designed to develop conceptual understanding and problem solving ability Satisfies the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice Approved this spring by multiple IL organizations MLCS is one modality of implementation of PMGE

Pathways: Nationally vs. Illinois PMGE & MLCS Quantway, Statway, etc. High level of rigor Inclusion of algebra Broad vs. narrow goals

Challenges to implementation Materials Adjuncts Training

Prealgebra MLCS Intermediate Algebra STEM & non-STEM College Level Math Non-STEM College Level Math (Statistics, Liberal Arts Math) Implementation options: replace beginning algebra

Prealgebra MLCS Intermediate Algebra STEM & non-STEM College Level Math Non-STEM College Level Math (Statistics, Liberal Arts Math) Beginning Algebra Implementation options: augment traditional sequence

Outcomes Although sample sizes are small… 55-70% pass MLCS No statistically significant difference in Gen Ed math or Stats based on prerequisite (algebra or MLCS) MLCS students pass traditional intermediate algebra at a higher rate than beginning algebra students. Longterm tracking will continue for several more years.

Questions

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