Tyler Junior College (TJC) designed a foundational industrial mathematics course focused on the necessary mathematics skills and competencies to meet the economic development needs of the community and the training requirements of local industry.

This brief examines the foundational mathematics needed to prepare individuals for success in entry-level and middle-skilled production and assembly jobs in the manufacturing industry. Mathematics is a core component of manufacturing, a field that covers a wide range of sectors including automotive and aeronautic, chemical, medical, food, computer and electronics, machinery, and more. This brief explores the limited industry guidance that identifies which mathematics competencies are required for entry-level and middle- skill manufacturing production jobs and how to prepare workers for upward mobility.

Implementation teams from six states gathered together in Fall 2018 to discuss progress and continuous improvement for mathematics pathways as a part of the Mathematics Pathways to Completion (MPC) project. This 26–minute video discusses normative practice at the MPC event, focusing on a state–level understanding of normative practice.

This 13–minute video, led by Susan Bickerstaff of CCRC, discusses five themes that emerged as a part of evaluating the MPC project.

Six states gathered together in Fall 2018 to discuss progress and continuous improvement for mathematics pathways as a part of the Mathematics Pathways to Completion (MPC) project. This 13–minute video walks through the 3 essential elements of telling your story related to mathematics pathways in an effective and memorable way.

Across the nation, institutions are implementing one–semester co–requisite models, which refer to the practice of placing students directly into college–level courses regardless of preparation, and providing them with supports for just–in–time instruction. One four–year institution — University of Central Arkansas — implemented and scaled corequisite models for its Quantitative Literacy and College Algebra courses that led to significant student success and completion rates nearing 90% for underprepared students.

Across the nation, institutions are implementing one–semester co–requisite models, which refer to the practice of placing students directly into college–level courses regardless of preparation, and providing them with supports for just-in-time instruction. A two–year institution in Oklahoma — Tulsa Community College — combined its institutional initiatives in order to quickly and effectively implement and scale co–requisite supports across its campuses to support underprepared students in completing their first college–level coursework.

A common concern among those considering mathematics pathways is the degree to which students who begin their college-level work in non-STEM pathways might be hindered if they switch to a STEM major. This brief summarizes numerous studies examining the prevalence of students who changed majors from non-STEM to STEM fields and provides recommendations for serving those students.

If an institution has multiple mathematics pathways in place and the ultimate goal of reform is to better meet the needs
 of students, then an essential element in the implementation process is guiding students into the path that is best suited
 to their educational goals. But what is the best way to communicate to freshmen—many of whom might already be feeling overwhelmed—what their course choices are and what the consequences of those choices might be? One college found success in an elegant, innovative solution. 
 This summary is part of the Charles A. Dana Center’s “Notes from the Field” series, which highlights examples of innovative practices from colleges, universities, and systems.

All systemic change depends upon the hard work and commitment of the people who are on the front lines. Engaging these stakeholders in a positive and effective process is a key leadership challenge. In the case
 of implementing mathematics pathways, many leaders are concerned about how to support mathematics faculty in the change effort. Metropolitan Community College–Kansas City took a strategic approach to supporting and engaging faculty in mathematics pathways. 
This summary is part of the Charles A. Dana Center’s “Notes from the Field” series, which highlights examples of innovative practices from colleges, universities, and systems.