The Importance of Rigor in the High School Mathematics Curriculum for Success at the College Level
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Authors
Mark, Zena Blake
Issue Date
2011
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Following the implementation of the Kalamazoo Promise, the city of
Kalamazoo was seeing a new population of students going to college. Students
who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to attend. With this came the
need to increase the likelihood of student success in higher education.
The HHMI summer algebra camp and KDO were created as a response to
this issue. They were created with the belief that if students could acquire the
skills needed to help them perform well in their math classes; they would be able
to be successful in higher education. The targeting of middle school students was
essential because, that is the time when many students close the door on math.
And when they close that door, they are closing the door on physics, chemistry,
biology, etc. Camp and KDO are designed to keep students motivated about
math. The development of healthy habits starts now. The development of
beneficial relationships with people that can serve as role models and help these
students get to where they need and want to be starts now.
In this paper, we will answer two questions: Why the focus on math, and
why the focus on preparation for intense curriculum. I will examine literature on
the subject and talk with past participants of the camp and KDO, to see what
impact their experiences in these programs have had in their lives.
The camp could have been focused on anything. It could have been an
English and reading. It could have been a camp focused on community service
or leadership skills. But why math? As it turns out, there is much evidence that
points to the importance of mathematics education and intensity of curriculum.
Description
32 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.