Emerging Policy Issues in Pre-Transfer Mathematics

Beth Smith, ASCCC Vice PresidentPhil Smith, ASCCC At-Large

RepresentativeNovember 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:

– 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 Equivalentto Int Alg

Intermediate Non-STEMAlgebra

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