Why Multiple Modalities for Developmental Mathematics? Valerie Cope and Eric Kraus April 13, 2013

1. Why Multiple Modalities for Developmental Mathematics? Valerie Cope and Eric KrausApril 13, 2013

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. Success Rates: Boot Camps Data courtesy of Research, Analytics and Reporting For data-related questions, contact Kevin Jolly

6. 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

7. Success Rates: Math Academy *n=number of students served in Math Academy Data courtesy of Research, Analytics and Reporting For data-related questions, contact Kevin Jolly

8. Distance Learning • Correspondence courses (VHS tapes) • BlackBoard platform w/ on campus testing • MyMathLab w/ on campus testing • Transition to online testing with MyMathLab

9. 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%)

10. Fall 2012 – Success Data Data courtesy of Research, Analytics and Reporting For data-related questions, contact Kevin Jolly

11. Focused Improvements Several Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grants Common text for all modalities Common exit exams across modalities Dedicated advisor MAPs for incoming students

12. Challenges Enrollment and registration issues Consistent communication across departments Student expectations/behaviors Financial aid

13. Questions?

14. Thank You! Valerie Cope valerie.cope@sinclair.edu Eric Kraus eric.kraus@sinclair.edu