ACC/Math Issues

Following are some ACC and/or Math Dept. issues that concern me.  Click on them to read some thoughts and observations.

Advising College Algebra students: a case study

Students need strong advising before they enroll in College Algebra, and also on the first day of class, to get them appropriately placed.  I have studied 74 students that were on my College Algebra rolls at various times during the Spring 2002 semester in order to get a feel for how advising affects success.

Math Advising

The Math Department has an "Math Advising Main Page".  Here is an "Alternative Math Advising  Main Page" with links to all the official Math Dept advising files via a different navigational style.  You may find it useful for answering questions about Math advising.

Prerequisite Checking for College Algebra

Abstract:  We are asked to check that our students have the prerequisites on the first day of class.  The prerequisite rules for College Algebra would seem to make an effective check almost impossible.  Anybody got any ideas?

Are ACC students being forced to take math classes they don't need?

Abstract: In an article in the Austin American-Statesman (Dec. 9, 1997), Dr. Frank Friedman is quoted as stating that ACC doesn't want to force students to take classes they won't need.  I believe we need to address this issue, especially with respect to remedial education in mathematics and the general education math requirement.

General Ed Review (Mathematics)

Abstract:  The "General Ed" requirement for mathematics is focusing narrowly on the SACS goal:
"2. Understand numerical data and their implications for daily living."  I believe that this goal should be broadened to include the history, philosophy, and beauty of mathematics.

Highest Priority to Hire

Abstract: Highest Priority To Hire adds an element of quality control to the hiring of adjuct faculty.  How should adjunct faculty be evaluated, and does HPTH measure up?