1. Thinking about offering Algebraic Literacy? So are we!
Brian Mercer Dave Sobecki

2. Old Course Sequence
Some bs about the journey math has been on in the last 6 years…

3. Lib Arts Math or Intro to Stat College Algebra or Pre-Calculus
Old Course Sequence
Pre-Algebra
Beginning Algebra
Intermediate Algebra
Lib Arts Math or Intro to Stat
College Algebra or Pre-Calculus

4. Lib Arts Math or Intro to Stat College Algebra or Pre-Calculus
Old Course Sequence
Pre-
Calculus
Lib Arts Math or Intro to Stat
College Algebra or Pre-Calculus

5. Course Sequence – First Revision
Pre-Algebra
Math Literacy
Lib Arts Math or Intro to Stat
Beginning Algebra
Intermediate
Algebra
College Algebra or Pre-Calculus

6. Course Sequence – Current Version
Pre-Algebra
Math Literacy
Lib Arts Math or Intro to Stat
Intermediate
Algebra
College Algebra or Pre-Calculus

7. Course Sequence – Next Version
Pre-Algebra
Math Literacy
QR or Intro to Stat
Algebraic Literacy
College Algebra or Pre-Calculus

9. Mathematical Literacy
Topics chosen to prepare students for General Education Mathematics and Statistics, and life
Numeracy, functions, data analysis
Reading, writing, technology
Group-based problem-solving pedagogy

10. Math Literacy Goals Alternate but still challenging path
Math in context
Develop critical thinking
Create a more engaging classroom experience
Trade algebra for understanding and critical thinking

11. A Traditional Classroom

12. A Math Literacy Classroom

13. Algebraic Literacy A better version of Intermediate Algebra STEM focus
Math in context with strong procedural support and practice
Develop critical thinking
Create a more engaging classroom experience
Group-based problem-solving pedagogy?

14. Algebraic Literacy Goals
Numbers and Polynomials
Functions
Geometry and Trigonometry
Modeling and Statistics

15. Sample Lessons
First, a look at what makes math literacy math literacy

16. Sample Lessons

17. Sample Lessons

18. Sample Lessons

19. Sample Lessons Dunno. I hope so.
So can you really do the same thing with the topics Brian described for Algebraic Literacy?
Dunno. I hope so.

20. Sample Lessons

21. Sample Lessons

22. Sample Lessons

23. Sample Lessons

24. Sample Lessons

25. Sample Lessons

26. Sample Lessons

27. Sample Lessons

28. Sample Lessons

29. Discussion Questions Are you considering offering and AL course?
What sort of obstacles are in place to prevent you from offering an AL course?
What concerns do you have about offering AL?

30. Thank you! Brian Mercer Dave Sobecki
Student stories.
Brian Mercer Dave Sobecki

31. The following slides might be used…

32. Productive Struggle
Real problems don’t follow cookie-cutter patterns; they take work
Take responsibility
Persistence will pay off

33. Stick With It!
“Too many initiatives have come and gone before someone stuck with them long enough to make them work.”
-Hunter Boylan at NADE/AMATYC Summit 2016

34. Sell it!
You must believe in the course and be confident to sell it to students. They still may not love it, but they’re more likely to suck it up and do it if they know you have thought out reasons.

35. We Have a Window of Opportunity!
More excitement and less fear
AMATYC POSITION STATEMENT  
“Prerequisite courses other than intermediate algebra can adequately prepare students for courses of study that do not lead to calculus.”
I would have been (I was) one of the ones who would have poo-pooed the idea in my department.
We can talk about lowering standards or we can talk about a more appropriate course. More and more people are in the camp of being excited for changes.
We have the support of national organizations.