The Problem: math is a roadblock for students
Students too often fail to progress through required “gateway” math courses that are key to future success. Many students enroll in remedial math, for example, but 70 percent fail to ever enroll in credit-bearing math courses. And of those who do enroll, nearly half fail.
For many students, this is simply because their math pathway is irrelevant: Most students’ majors do not require Calculus, yet they are by default placed in a course (Algebra) aimed at preparing them for Calculus. As a result, many students aren’t as engaged in their coursework because they don’t find it relevant.
The solution: Rethink how math is delivered.
Rethinking math pathways ensures that students’ math courses are relevant to their program of study. Crucially, students typically find this coursework more accessible and interesting – helping them better succeed not just in math, but in their majors and careers as well.
To facilitate student success, many institutions in several states are now implementing:
- Statistics-focused pathways for social science majors;
- Quantitative reasoning or mathematical methods pathways for humanities and fine arts majors;
- Algebra and Calculus pathways for STEM and business majors; and
- Successfully redesigned pathways that are readily transferrable across institutions.
Working with AMPSS, your institution or state can:
- Get ready access to resources and support for evaluating, planning, redesigning, and implementing math pathways that improve student success;
- make useful connections with other institutions in your state and elsewhere to learn best practices and help ensure seamless transfer;
- join a community of institutional leaders, mathematicians, and policy and curriculum experts (or deepen your engagement in it).
Get Involved
Reach out to learn how your institution, organization, or state can get involved with AMPSS to facilitate student success and degree completion.