Why Multiple Modalities for Developmental Mathematics? Valerie Cope and Eric Kraus April 13, 2013
History of Sinclair’s Developmental Math Quarters Two courses, one modality, S/U Two courses, two modalities, A/B/C/N/F Three courses, three modalities, A/B/C/N/F Semesters Four courses, four modalities, A/B/C/F
Developmental Education Initiative Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Goals were to reduce or eliminate the need for developmental education Included four major initiatives: Boot Camps – math, reading, and English Accelerated Math – now referred to as the Math Academy Accelerated English Early Support Program
Math Boot Camps Ideal for students who need to retake a course or need a refresher course Four different boot camps – one for each math class They are intensive, one-week long courses. At the end of the week, students take the final exam for the course. Sessions offered morning, afternoon, and evening Held at the beginning and end of terms. Cost savings: only one credit hour, covered by financial aid, no additional cost for materials Passing grade in boot camp WILL replace former course content grade
Success Rates: Boot Camps Math BCTrad 085Trad 108 Summer %54%60% Winter %52%55% Spring %52%54% Summer %50%61% Fall %54%55% Winter %51%61% Spring %47%52% Summer % 63%69% Data courtesy of Research, Analytics and Reporting For data-related questions, contact Kevin Jolly
Math Academy Students proceed at their own pace within deadlines, with the possibility of completing two classes in one term Pre-tests allow students to demonstrate competence and skip modules Students complete written and computer work Paper/pencil tests and comprehensive final Staffed by instructors, professional tutors, and student tutors to support students’ learning
Success Rates: Math Academy MM/ 085 Trad/ 085 MM/ 108 Trad/ 108 n* Fall %53%N/A55%83 Winter %52%56%55%107 Spring %52%39%54%272 Summer %50%52%61%108 Fall %54%53%55%300 Winter %51%73%61%253 Spring %47%73%52%200 Summer %63%62%69%42 *n=number of students served in Math Academy Data courtesy of Research, Analytics and Reporting For data-related questions, contact Kevin Jolly
Distance Learning Correspondence courses (VHS tapes) BlackBoard platform w/ on campus testing MyMathLab w/ on campus testing Transition to online testing with MyMathLab
Face to Face (Traditional) Historically low success rates – What factors contributed to this? Experimented with faculty-authored texts, then nationally adopted texts Testing – 5 unit tests plus final in 11 weeks (80%) – 2 unit tests plus final in 8 weeks (60%)
Fall 2012 – Success Data DEV 0022DEV 0024DEV 0026 Dayton Campus63%64%68% WWW73%75%78% Math Academy63%74%78% Boot Camps85%50%100% Data courtesy of Research, Analytics and Reporting For data-related questions, contact Kevin Jolly
Focused Improvements Several Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grants Common text for all modalities Common exit exams across modalities Dedicated advisor MAPs for incoming students
Challenges Enrollment and registration issues Consistent communication across departments Student expectations/behaviors Financial aid
Questions?
Thank You! Valerie Cope Eric Kraus