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?
Starting from scratch
Studied successful
countries
Researched
brain-based learning
Used lessons from
RVC redesign
Talked to affected
disciplines
Incorporated many
contexts including
science
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
MLCS
Quantway
Statway
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
Quantway,
Statway, etc.
PMGE
& MLCS
High level of rigor
Inclusion of algebra
Broad vs. narrow goals
Challenges to
implementation
Materials
Adjuncts
Training
Implementation options:
replace beginning algebra
Intermediate
Algebra
Prealgebra
STEM &
non-STEM
College
Level
Math
MLCS
Non-STEM
College
Level
Math
(Statistics, Liberal
Arts Math)
Implementation options:
augment traditional sequence
Beginning
Algebra
Prealgebra
MLCS
Intermediate
Algebra
STEM &
non-STEM
College
Level
Math
Non-STEM
College
Level
Math
(Statistics, Liberal
Arts Math)
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
For More Information
kathleenalmy@gmail.com
http://almydoesmath.blogspot.com