Breaking Down Barriers: How a New Approach to Math Placement Has Led to Increased Student Pass Rates

For many students, taking a college-level math course is the thing they dread the most. But thanks to new initiatives and personalized outreach, CNM is helping change that narrative.

“Equations are only one part of what makes math intimidating; the other is the story students tell themselves before they even take a math class,” says Angie Alley, Associate Dean for CNM’s School of Math, Science and Engineering. “With the help of new tools and our outstanding faculty, we are creating a more personalized math experience for students that reminds them they have agency along the way.”

Improved Placement Software

The first shift CNM made was replacing the Accuplacer placement exam with the ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (ALEKS PPL) software. The software has several benefits including:

• Adaptive test questions
• Recognition of common math mistakes
• Spanish language option
• Individual learning modules

These features allow students to feel more confident while taking the test and give them the resources they need to boost their math skills. ALEKS PPL can also more accurately place them into a math course that meets their needs.

“The Accuplacer was better at placing students in either developmental (remedial) math or college level math, but was not always in specific math courses,” says Alexandria Vigil, a CNM Math Instructor. “Now students are more accurately placed and receive a personalized study guide, allowing them to improve the skills they need most and potentially test into a higher-level course with just a little extra practice.”

Increased Support with Math 0999 and Math My Way Lab

Student support doesn’t stop with the ALEKS placement test learning modules. To help students prepare to retake the ALEKS test if needed, students can enroll in Math 0999. This five-week, one-credit hour course provides in-person instruction on the growth areas identified by the ALEKS placement exam.

This combination of individualized learning plans plus instructor support has proven to be successful.

“Every student is different. Some jump several course levels after taking the course and working through their individualized plan and some stay at the same level, but they leave feeling more confident and grateful for the support,” says Jenny Ross, a CNM Math Instructor. “This is important because we know that when students pass their first math class, they are about 70% more likely to persist and enroll in more CNM courses the next term and 65% more likely to be enrolled in courses at CNM one year later.”

Along with the Math 0999 course, the Math My Way Lab was developed to provide students with another space to receive math support at times that were most convenient to them. The lab is open from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. every weekday with at least one instructor available to assist students with math homework.

“We know students can’t always come to campus during normal business hours, so the Math My Way lab is meant to put the agency back in their hands by being open for extended hours,” says Alley. “We also make sure to have snacks and drinks on hand, so students know they are coming to a place that will accommodate not just their academic needs, but their personal needs as well.”

Individualized Communication and Outreach

The final piece of this framework is individualized communication to students about their options when it comes to math courses. By coordinating efforts with academic advisors and faculty, students have a clearer picture of how to approach their math courses from the beginning.

“We’ve provided advisors with guides and resources so they can recommend more individualized course pathways to students from the beginning of their time at CNM,” says Alley. “I’ve also started reaching out to students who have dropped their math class to remind them of the various supports available to them, so they know dropping a math class doesn’t have to mean the end of their academic career.”

Looking Ahead

As these efforts continue to grow, Alley, Ross, and Vigil look forward to continued student success and persistence. They’re also committed to continuing to find new and innovative ways to shift the narrative surrounding math.

“It’s exciting to see a student realize that they understand fractions or integers or another concept they’ve never quite been able to grasp,” says Vigil.

“I’m thrilled to be able to help guide all of the amazing math faculty we have and encourage them to keep thinking about how we can rethink our approach to math,” says Alley. “Their expertise plus my increased focus on relationship building and interpersonal communications is coming together to create a great recipe for success.”