SUCCESS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL MATHEMATICS IN A SMALL

Transcript:SUCCESS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL MATHEMATICS IN A SMALL:
SUCCESS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL MATHEMATICS IN A SMALL LEARNING COMMUNITY Arlene Rogoff Elizabeth Ramos Union County College From AMATYC News: March, 2009 Rikki Blair – President “Is Developmental Algebra Working?” 57% of all two-year college mathematics enrollments was “precollege level” in fall 2005. This was a 21% increase from fall 2000. Also mentioned in the same article: initiatives like learning communities “have increased achievement of student learning outcomes in mathematics.” National and local studies show the single strongest predictor of retention from first to second year of college is taking and passing a math class in the first year. Beyond Crossroads states: Quantitative Literacy outcomes should be woven into every mathematics course and as many other college courses as possible. Union County College Union County College is the oldest community college in New Jersey. In 2008, Union County College celebrated its 75th Anniversary. Union County College is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution under Title V. Our students come from 80 different countries and speak 334 languages. In 2007, the U.S. Department of Education awarded the college a $2.7 million five-year Title V grant to implement researched-based strategies designed to increase the academic success and retention rate of our students. This new program was implemented in January, 2008 as part of a college-wide initiative within the Center for Student Success. This multi-year project uses a holistic approach to address the academic needs of students during and after their first year. The UCC Foundation will match $125,000 of federal dollars over the five-year period to create an endowment to provide long term fiscal stability and plan for institutionalizing aspects of the grant project. A central component of the program is the establishment of Learning Communities. Designated sections of Developmental Math, Developmental English and English Composition for speakers of other languages are paired with sections of UCC 101 (the First Year Seminar Course.) In September, 2009, a new pairing of Developmental Math and Developmental Writing was established. Another major component is the professional development activities for staff and faculty. Professional Development Teacher Training Workshops Best Practices Workshops Webinars Each year, a speaker of national note will be invited to speak. Some of our speakers have been: Dr. Vince Tinto Dr. John Gardner Dr. Carolyn Hopper Dr. Pat Grove Dr. Wendiann Sethi of Seton Hall University Diane Lerma led an AMATYC MAC2 workshop How is a Learning Community Different From A Traditional Approach? Students are