1. Top Ten Strategies for Improving Students’ Success Rates
Kathy Yoshiwara
LACCD Math Summit
March 11, 2011

2. 1. Place incoming students at the appropriate level
Design placement tests that reflect the content of our courses, and scale them to desired pass rates.

3. 2.Limit developmental students to 12 units per semester
Many students enroll in too many courses, and hence have too little time to spend on time-intensive subjects such as mathematics.

4. 3. Require an orientation day for developmental students before classes start
Our students need guidance to go over the course syllabus, buy their books and supplies, and become familiar with the expectations of a college course.

5. 4. Institute an earlier drop date: end of the fifth week
Students take too long to commit to their classes.

6. 5.Teach developmental courses at an appropriate level of mathematical sophistication
Provide training and mentoring for new faculty and adjuncts who teach developmental courses.

7. 6. Offer study-skills classes specific to mathematics
Link study-skills classes to developmental math courses. Require at-risk students to take them concurrently.

8. 7. Design courses that utilize immersion and active learning
Support and expand offerings of redesigned courses. Offer professional development training for faculty.

9. 8.Offer developmental math courses as mastery modules
Many students cannot match the pace of a fifteen-week course. Students who pass with a C have only a slim chance of passing the next math course.

10. 9. Establish a math testing center
Mastery and modularized courses are predicated on students progressing at various paces, and repeating material until they achieve a passing grade.

11. 10. Utilize course-specific TA's for both in-class and out-of-class tutoring
Time on task is an excellent predictor of success in math courses. Schedule out-of- class help sessions and "study-hall" for failing students.