In Part Three, the author reviews the basic ideas presented in Parts One and Two while arguing why the traditional equation-solving developmental algebra curricula is not a good choice for implementing neural response strategies presented in the first two parts. He continues by showing that the developmental algebra student audience is simply…

In 2005 the Lumina Foundation awarded the Alamo Community College District (ACCD), including Palo Alto College, a grant to explore institutional effectiveness with a primary focus on serving student groups that traditionally have faced significant barriers to success. As a result of the award, ACCD staffed an umbrella initiative called "Achieving…

The nation is facing a crisis in its community colleges: more and more students are attending community colleges, but most of them are not prepared for college-level work. The problem may be most dire in mathematics. By most accounts, the majority of students entering community colleges are placed (based on placement test performance) into…

I recently had the opportunity to teach a developmental mathematics class at a community college, something a little different from what I usually do as a mathematics teacher educator at a university. I welcomed the chance to examine the curriculum and try some new approaches. In particular, I wanted to explore the development of some fundamental…

Learning is obviously a student responsibility... the learning environment is obviously the responsibility of faculty (supported by the institution). "Beyond Crossroads" (Chapter 4) lists recommendations and standards in both areas. Current approaches to developmental mathematics offer methodologies that address those standards and bring a…