No matter what path students pursue in postsecondary education and in life, they need to be able to problem-solve and think critically. The study of mathematics involves more than learning how to solve equations—it teaches skills and habits of mind that are an essential part of the formula for students to succeed in further studies and in their careers. Requiring all students, regardless of the degree or certificate they are seeking, to take at least some math is one way postsecondary institutions ensure that students master these skills.
To ensure that students are exposed to the math content they need, institutions have created math pathways by aligning the math students study with the knowledge and skills required for their program of study. Creating these pathways was an important start. But many institutions still have policies and structures in place for math pathways that inadvertently close doors and prevent students, particularly those interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, from accessing some programs of study.
Along with specific recommendations for math courses in the STEM pathway, Formula for Success outlines math pathways 2.0 and the steps math faculty and college and system leaders can take to build on the work they have already done and are doing to support student success through math pathways and advocate change at their institutions.
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Formula for Success outlines the next phase of math pathways work, including revising policies and structures to ensure that all students, particularly those from groups who have been historically excluded, have access to all programs of study and the aligned math pathways.
Formula for Success outlines the next phase of math pathways work, including revising policies and structures to ensure that all students, particularly those from groups who have been historically excluded, have access to all programs of study and the aligned math pathways. These steps include:
- Ensuring that the designated entry-level, credit-bearing (or gateway) course for each math pathway covers the necessary knowledge and skills for the corresponding program of study.
- Revising the placement process so that students start by identifying their goals and choose a program of study based on those goals, then defaulting students into the appropriate gateway math course for that program of study.
- Providing the supports students need to succeed in the gateway course and beyond.
Implementing these action steps will remove barriers and open doors for students, helping them meet their individual goals and ultimately leading to institutions, systems, and states meeting their completion and equity goals.
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