Turning Math on Its Head: Promising Practices for Institutionalizing Math Pathways From the New Mathways Project (NMP) Evaluation

Colleges across the nation are introducing and expanding math pathways models, which differentiate between developmental and college-level math content and instruction in order to fit students’ career needs. The adoption of math pathways represents a radical reframing of math—with a particularly steep learning curve for college advisors and faculty.

In this session, MDRC researchers, college staff, and the Dana Center shared challenges and successes of implementing the NMP at colleges in Texas. Presenters focused on several key topics, including effective student recruitment and enrollment strategies; building new systems for identifying students’ math needs; strategic partnerships between faculty and advisors; and ensuring math pathways alignment at the community college and with four-year transfer institutions.

Participants

Elizabeth Zachry Rutschow, MDRC and CAPR

Jenna Cullinane, Dana Center

Russell Self, Trinity Valley Community College

Elena Serna-Wallender, MDRC