July 11, 2013Tinley Park, Illinois
Math Literacy
An Accelerated Pathway for Developmental Math
Kathleen AlmyRock 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 OptionIn 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.
GoalsCreate an appropriate prerequisite for non-STEM courses
Update content
Balance instruction
Differentiate pathways
Build college readiness
Prepare for workforce
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
Pathways: A National Movement
One semester DM coursePreparation for multiple outcomes
One semester DM courseLike a quant lit course, just-in-time DM
Two semester DM + CL courseSatisfies 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
Prealgebra MLCS
Intermediate Algebra
STEM & non-STEM
College Level Math
Non-STEMCollege Level Math
(Statistics, Liberal Arts
Math)
Implementation options: replace beginning algebra
Prealgebra
MLCS
Intermediate Algebra
STEM & non-STEMCollege Level Math
Non-STEMCollege Level Math
(Statistics, Liberal Arts
Math)
Beginning Algebra
Implementation options: augment traditional sequence
OutcomesAlthough 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.