A new program aimed at helping Hispanic students in mathematics has shown significant improvements. The Acceleration in Mathematics (AIM) program first launched in 2012, and is designed to help students who scored one or two levels below college algebra complete required math credits in one semester. This bold initiative effectively eliminates a requirement of two or more semesters of college preparatory math.

1. googlepress.co
http://googlepress.co/2015/09/revolutionary-math-program-at-san-jacinto-college-creates-a-success-pathway-for-hispanic-students/
Rebekah September 3,
2015
Revolutionary Math Program at San Jacinto College Creates a
Success Pathway for Hispanic Students
Houston, TX / A new program aimed at helping Hispanic students in mathematics has shown significant
improvements. The Acceleration in Mathematics (AIM) program first launched in 2012, and is designed to help
students who scored one or two levels below college algebra complete required math credits in one semester. This
bold initiative effectively eliminates a requirement of two or more semesters of college preparatory math.
The AIM program immerses students in a math-rich environment with ample support. AIM has two instructors
available at all times; this ensures every student is actively engaged in learning and maintains appropriate class
material. Teamwork combined with educational psychology creates positive peer pressure among the students to
succeed. AIM also provides extra learning support including video lessons and reviews. Students with testing anxiety
receive regular testing opportunities and continuous review of previous skills. Student skill levels are maintained at
high levels following this system.
According to Dr. John P. Anderson, San Jacinto College mathematics professor, “Students that have completed the
AIM program have achieved a 60 percent success rate, which is 20 percent above traditional math courses.”
Since 2012, more than 1,500 students have gone through the AIM program with 50 percent of them being Hispanic.
Julia Garcia, is a 31-year-old wife and mother of two boys and is actively pursuing a nursing degree. Julia’s parents
immigrated from Zacatecas, Mexico. She is the first in her family to graduate from high school and pursue a college
degree. Julia was terrified about math before entering college. Barely passing her required math classes was her
biggest fear, but she ultimately earned an A in the program.
Julia credits the mandatory daily tutoring for her successful completion of the AIM program. Her 12 year-old son also
played a big role in her persistence and success. “My son would be vigilant as I crammed for a test and my
cheerleader for high scores,” said Garcia. “His excitement was contagious; it became a ritual to celebrate together
whenever a significant achievement was made.”
JohAnna Hunter is a 27-year-old student veteran representing another demographic that AIM helps in completing an
associate degree. JohAnna had no intentions of college but chose to enroll at San Jacinto College. AIM and its
instructors proved a real lifeline for JohAnna and successfully passed the math gateway challenge. The confidence
transferred to her other classes, and she has maintained a high GPA while in school.
Statistics indicate that 67 percent of students in the country’s community colleges require developmental math. In
Texas, 44 percent of students struggle to meet the requirements for college-level math. AIM solves that problem and
supplies the increasing demand for students in STEM fields, science, technology, engineering, and math. These
programs are vital for economic success of Texas.
In 2014, AIM was recognized as “Innovation of the Year” by the League for Innovation within the Community College.
Additionally, San Jacinto College has presented AIM and its successes at many regional, state, and national
conferences. The AIM initiative is a by-product of the New Mathways Project, an innovative program created at the
Charles A. Dana Center of the University of Texas at Austin.
About San Jacinto College:

2. Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow,
San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The
Achieving the Dream Leader College is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000
students in more than200 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation.
Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries
in the region. San Jacinto College graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San
Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.
For more information about San Jacinto College, please call 281-998-6150, visit www.sanjac.edu, or follow us on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/SanJacintoCollege.