Remedial Mathematics and
Producing a STEM Competent Workforce
Alex Smith
AMS Workshop for Department Chairs and Leaders January 8, 2013
What is the Content of Remedial Math?
• Elementary Algebra: Whole numbers, integers and introduction to algebra, fractions and equations, decimal numbers, ratio-rate-proportion, arithmetic with polynomials
• Intermediate Algebra: real number system, linear equations and inequalities, operations on polynomial and rational expressions, factoring, solutions of quadratic equations, introduction to functions
• Does it include “College Algebra?”
How is Remedial Math Situated Institutionally?
• Does not exist (selective admissions)
• Referral of undergraduate to courses at Community College or Technical College
• Curriculum and instruction controlled by the
Department--cost recovery model
Institutional Policies • Do remedial credits count towards graduation?
• Do remedial credits count toward student’s
“full time load?” (Financial aid implications)
• Do grades in remedial class affect student gpa?
Placement
• Notices of AMS-Nov 2011: Ahlgren and Harper