Algebra Paths

PROCEED DIFFERENTLY! 

Do not use financial aid to pay for remedial (non-college-credit) classes. Dyscalculics and minorities have slim chances of passing remedial and college algebra classes in a lecture format (less than 1% to 8% pass). You probably cannot keep up with the speed, and will struggle for want of just-in-time resources. A self-paced, programmed format is better for anyone with a history of math learning difficulty. Only 50% of all students pass College Algebra. 

A placement test will direct you to enroll in classes that do not count for college credit (or toward your degree) because they are below college level in content. Remedial or developmental or introductory examples include MATH 085, MAT 099, and MATH 1895.  Find a college with a success program for struggling math learners. 

COLLEGES IMPROVE PASS RATES FOR REQUIRED MATH CLASSES

1. Michigan State University Eliminates Remedial Math - 2018

2. Wayne State University in Detroit Eliminates Math Requirement - Inside Higher Ed 2016

3. Retooled Courses Help Students Avoid a Remedial-Math Roadblock to College - EdWeek 2018

4. California Law  AB 705  (2017) Community Colleges must maximize the likelihood that students complete college-level Math/Quantitative Reasoning and English classes within one year. 

5. Math Pathways to Completion (Dana Center, U of Texas, 2017)

COURSE SUBSTITUTIONS FOR COLLEGE ALGEBRA

1. Carnegie Math Pathways - Quantway 1   -   Quantway 2   -   Statway

2. Introduction to Mathematical Thinking by Dr. Keith Devlin, Stanford Univ. via Coursera

3. Learning How to Learn by Dr. Barbra Oakley, Univ. of California-San Diego via Coursera

4. Math for Teaching courses

5. Quantitative Reasoning and Problem Solving courses

6. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - ALGEBRA PROJECT (Math 105) 

   • 4 credits:  Remedial Math + Intermediate Algebra 

   •  free e-textbook with embedded lectures & visualization

   • modular;  ALEKS

   • 2019 U of Wisconsin Math Initiative (Quantitative Reasoning Requirements - Pass Plan)

7. STRAIGHTER LINE

   • http://www.straighterline.com/how-it-works/how-to-earn-college-credits/

   • Prep for College Algebra (Introductory Algebra, MAT 099)

   • Is online, self-paced, & by McGraw-Hill for $49.

   • College Algebra - 2 courses (MATH 101), 3 credits each, by McGraw-Hill.

   • Self-paced is $49;  Self-paced with a professor is $119. 

8. ALEKS: https://www.aleks.com/highered

   • • Pre Algebra and Introductory Algebra (ALEKS)

     • Beginning and Intermediate Algebra (ALEKS)

     • College Algebra (ALEKS)

9. SOPHIA:  College Algebra: $329.   (Free trial)

FREE COLLEGE COURSES

• • Hippo Campus: Algebra

  • Coursera: Intermediate Algebra course from University of California - Irvine.

  • Saylor University:  Free College Algebra Course

  • Dyscalculia.org's List of Free College Courses

ALGEBRA COURSE for LDs from LANDMARK COLLEGE

Improving Mathematics Instruction for Students with Learning Disabilities

Article source: Research.gov -  NSF Award

RDE-DEI: Universal Design in College Algebra: Customizing Learning Resources for Two Year Students with Learning Disabilities (Landmark College)  State: Vermont   Research Areas:Education, Mathematics

Steven Fadden of Landmark College's Institute for Research and Training and his colleagues have developed the Universal Design in College Algebra (UD Algebra) program. UD Algebra aims to improve the outcome for math students with learning disabilities (LD) by developing online learning resources that strengthen their understanding of key algebra topics. With the help of college students with LD, resources have been evaluated for usability and tested to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities and those who use assistive technologies, such as screen readers. Each resource is developed with a variety of content, including text, graphics, symbols, activities and video that guide students through concepts.

UD Algebra also includes a multimedia guide Web site, providing access to professional development materials for instructors, technologists and students, who wish to improve instruction, develop resources or evaluate technologies for learning. Instructor resources include best practices for teaching math to students with LD and the nature of the challenges faced by students with LD when learning math. Technologists and designers are provided with design guidelines, usability findings and design patterns for developing accessible resources for students with LD. The guide also includes rubrics and checklists for instructors and students to incorporate in their own assessment of resources and materials accessibility and usability.

The UD Algebra program has impacted over 350 college students and 15 community college teaching faculty, including a disability serving institution and Hispanic serving institution. Program materials are available to the public on the UD Algebra website: http://usablealgebra.landmark.edu