Math Pathways Administrator's Q&A

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Question 1. Would I lose enrollment by cutting developmental mathematics?
Answer:

• The enrollment shouldn't be a concern. For sure you will lose some students in the developmental courses, but you will get them in the college-level courses. In the case of Minneapolis College, our math enrollment in Fall 21 remains virtually the same as Fall 19 (aka the last pre-pandemic normal year), defying the statewide and college-wide downward trend during the same period. We also reach historic highs in Fall 21 in both the number (>700) and the percentage (75%) of college-level math enrollment.
• (This is politically risky to say, but...) What's more important, student success or the enrollment?

Question 2. Can you share your curriculum and pathway design with my faculty?
Answer:

• We are happy to show your faculty what we do, but use caution before directly transplanting our pathways to your campus.
• A math reform can be successful and sustainable only when it is faculty-driven. We have had our own share of math reforms that faded for the lack of faculty ownership, like the self-paced ALEKS algebra and the Statway. Our new pathways work well for us because they are faculty-driven and home-grown.

Question 3. My math department gives me many questions and reasons that they can't lower the prerequisites. What do I do?
Answer:

• Although I am a mathematician myself, I trust the work to the faculty. Content area faculty are the experts who should be solving the problems instead of throwing them out for the administrators to solve. You can connect your team to those who have had success (like my team) or send them to workshops and trainings. In any case, offer the support but not the solution. (Do I sound like a thesis advisor?)
• On the other hand, the administrators do have clear expectations and should challenge the department when needed. Your math faculty is a group of highly qualified professionals who are well educated, extremely intelligent and absolutely passionate about teaching.  Trust them and support them, and they will get it done.

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