Emerging Policy Issues in
Pre-Transfer Mathematics
Beth Smith, ASCCC Vice President
Phil Smith, ASCCC At-Large
Representative
November 9,2012
What was the original
math entrance
requirement for
Harvard?
• 1745 both Harvard and Yale required
“common Arithmetic.”
• 1847 Algebra through simple equations.
• 1896 “Elementary Algebra through
Quadratics” and “Some Geometry”. Geometry,
Trigonometry, Logarithms added later.
• Entrance currently is 3 years of high school
mathematics typically the Algebra, Geometry,
and Algebra II/Trig sequence.
What If Students Don’t
Complete the High
School Coursework?
Challenges in Development Math
• Low success rates for all students
• Achievement gaps by race/ethnicity
raise equity and access issues
Various approaches tried:
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Programmed instruction
Discovery method
Calculator
Multimedia
Online
Embedded Tutoring
Ethnomathematics
Contextualized basic skills
Technology-enhanced
Applied problem emphasis
No magic bullet yet found
Another Approach - Based Upon 2 Ideas
• Many exit points hypothesis (the basic skills
sequence is long and has many exit points;
structurally this may discourage students from
college study.)
• Does every major need the
same developmental math?
Discipline Consensus?
No
Service Discipline Consensus?
No
What’s the Issue?
STEM
Equivalent
to Int Alg
Intermediate
Algebra
Non-STEM
CSU Executive Order 1033 – B4
Quantitative Reasoning (2008)
“Courses in subarea B4 shall have an explicit
intermediate algebra prerequisite, and
students shall develop skills and
understanding beyond the level of
intermediate algebra. Students will not just
practice computational skills, but will be able
to explain and apply basic mathematical
concepts and will be able to solve problems
through quantitative reasoning.”
UC Transfer Course Agreement (2012)
• UC continues to require intermediate algebra
or its equivalent as a prerequisite for
transferable math courses, including statistics.
The community colleges will determine
equivalence of prerequisite courses. Please
note in your TCA submissions that the
prerequisite(s) includes intermediate algebra,
and if your campus offers any alternative (i.e.,
equivalent) course(s), be sure to list the
alternatives as well.
CCC Definition of Intermediate Algebra
or Equivalent
• Title 5 §55063 defines graduation requirement
in mathematics as obtaining a satisfactory
grade in Intermediate Algebra or another
course at the same level, with the same rigor
and with Elementary Algebra as a
prerequisite.
Common Core State Standards
• Defines non-STEM students preparation as
Intermediate Algebra
• Defines STEM students preparation as
Intermediate Algebra on steroids (+ sign used
to define the additional skills and knowledge
necessary for students pursuing further
education in STEM fields)
ASCCC Policies
• Endorsed the ICAS Math Competencies
(aligned to CCSS)
• Established CB 21 definitions of Beg and Int
Alg
• Established the math graduation requirements
to distinguish college work from high school
achievement
ASCCC Resolutions
• Many on the topic of preparedness of high
school students and partnering with K-12
teachers to improve instruction and
messaging to students
• S11 9.06 which says the ASCCC supports
gathering data from pilot studies and
innovative curriculum in basic skills
What’s Within the Purview of the
ASCCC?
• NOT - Articulation is the purview of the
universities
• NOT - micromanage discipline curriculum.
• Encourage dialog within disciplines, including
professional organizations, service disciplines,
GE committees, etc.
• Facilitating needed policy changes based on
discipline consensus