DESCRIPTION

Mt. SAC's Math Academy is a developmentally-focussed learning community in 
which students in cohort groups complete both beginning and intermediate 
algebra in a single semester.  Three clusters of 30 students each are enrolled in 9 
weeks of Math 51 followed by 9 weeks of Math 71, and all 3 clusters meet in an
aggregate group of up to 90 students once weekly in a "Community Class". The 
community class meets 2 hours per week and is team-taught by Math faculty and 
counselors.  This class addresses content-specific study skills, time 
management, and learner self-assessments, but also structures rotating group 
experiences to forge strong connectivity between students as members of a 
mutually-supportive and responsible community.
     
In addition to the activities of the community class, other learner support services 
are integrated into the content.  These include counselors assigned to each of the 
cohort groups, peer advisors who have previously completed the program, and 
Supplemental Instructors who conduct both in-class and outside study sessions.  
         
The extensive data we have collected on this effort was used to justify an 
expansion program using a similar delivery model to link developmental Math and 
English courses.  This program is receiving institutional funding and support, 
based largely on the demonstrated success of the Math Academy Experience.

RESOURCES FOR DOWNLOAD

• >> Math Academy Prospectus  (Document, 439.01 KB)
• >> Math Academy Comparison Data Spring 2002 - Spring 2004  (Excel, 10.00 KB)

EVIDENCE OF IMPACT/SUCCESS

We have conducted the program for three semesters with nine different Math 
faculty.  Data has been collected on success and retention, as well as qualitative 
data about the nature of the experience from the students' perspective.  In every 
one of the nine cohorts tracked to date, both success and retention rates have far
exceeded those of comparison groups taught by traditional methods.  In fact, 
Math Academy success (completing BOTH algrebra courses) in ONE semester 
is, on average, 2 - 2.5 times greater than success rates for students completing 
the same courses over the span of one year!

TARGET STUDENTS

• At Risk
• Academically Disadvantaged
• Students in High Risk Courses
• Basic Skills Students
• Underrepresented Students