What to do: Intermediate Algebra Dies

What do we do when we terminate our intermediate algebra course? A new course is necessary, with a focus on reasoning and communication — a more rigorous course (see The Rigor Unicorn). What to do?

I’ve written before about the necessary demise of intermediate algebra as a college course (see Intermediate Algebra Must Die!! and Intermediate Algebra … the Barrier Preventing Progress).

The traditional narrative is that algebra is a barrier to college success. Actually, the barrier is obsolete algebra courses (developmental and pre-calculus) which focus on drill more than understanding, and focus on artificial applications rather than fundamental relationships and concepts. Mathematical Literacy forms a great starting point for a modern curriculum. When we ‘kill’ intermediate algebra, the solution is to offer an algebraic literacy course (see Algebraic Literacy Presentation (AMATYC 2016).

My colleagues continue to show a dedication to a modern curriculum. Within the past 5 years, we have dropped both pre-algebra and beginning algebra courses, and replaced them with a Math Lit class in two formats — regular and ‘with review’ (for students with especially weak numeracy skills). Last month, we made the decision to eliminate our intermediate algebra course.

Temporarily, we will use a revised “fast track algebra” course. That fast-track course has existed for 3 years, side-by-side with intermediate algebra. However, the fast track algebra course still uses out-dated content and lower expectations. Why? Because there are not available algebraic literacy materials. Actually, there aren’t any materials dealing with algebra focusing on communication and reasoning. It’s like the books (and HW systems) are stuck in 1995 in terms of content. [It’s only 1995 instead of 1975 because of a little bit of technology that some books incorporate.]

Our obituary sadly reads as follows:

After a long life, perhaps too long, the intermediate algebra course at ____ will be removed from life support on December 31, 2019, surrounded by many family and friends. Intermediate algebra was preceded on the path to the math after life by basic math, pre-algebra, and beginning algebra. Surviving are a temporary Fast Algebra course, a Math Lit course, and several college level math courses which are also on life support (although unaware of that fact). A memorial service will be held at some time in the future when a modern (current) algebra course can take it’s place to serve our students.

We face this change without a sense of closure. There is some grief at the old course going away (though that was deserved), but there is a dissatisfaction with continuing the same type of algebraic work. We are generally pleased with the learning occurring in Math Lit, and want a similar course to follow it … which might be called algebraic literacy or algebraic reasoning.

This is “our” problem, where “our” refers to faculty involved with mathematics in the first two years. We have not written book materials to support a modern (algebraic literacy or reasoning) course. Publishers have not pursued this, partially because of huge transitions in their “business model”. That is, however, no excuse for our lack of movement. There are smaller publishing companies that could undertake this work (XYZ for example) and we also have options with “OER”.

Is the lonely death of our intermediate algebra due to our disinterest? A lack of understanding? Are the enthusiasts for a modern course all too ‘seasoned’ (ie, old) to have the energy to write stuff? Are the younger professionals only thinking about what they have to teach next week and next semester? There are issues of professional involvement and responsibility behind this lack of newer materials; that is “on us”.

If you have seen value in an algebraic literacy type course, consider developing materials. Network to find like-minded colleagues. Collaboration and technology make the work of developing materials much easier. Where are the people who will create the next level of new materials in developmental and pre-calculus? Are you one of them?

Algebraic Literacy course, Math curriculum in general | Jack Rotman | June 24, 2019 11:12 am

4 Comments

By Susan Jones, June 24, 2019 @ 5:21 pm

I’d be up for collaborating, esp. for something OER. I am not faculty, though.
By Jack Rotman, June 25, 2019 @ 7:34 am

I’m hoping that other professionals are willing to collaborate “in this space”. We can use other perspectives besides faculty.
By Maria Andersen, June 27, 2019 @ 1:17 pm

I’ve been working on such materials for the last few years. You can find what I’ve published here: http://bit.ly/ContempAlgebra
By Jack Rotman, June 27, 2019 @ 2:14 pm

Thanks, Maria. I looked through a few of the documents, and they are interesting.
Overall, my frustration deals more with the algebra text itself … which (of course) should include applications such as those you have. I’m looking for a ‘book’ which presents algebra in a balanced approach (concept and procedure) with the use of technology integrated. By “book” I mean a complete package of learning materials.

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