MLCS (Mathematical Literacy for College Students) is a one-semester math course designed to prepare developmental learners for liberal arts math, statistics, or intermediate algebra. It focuses on developing flexible problem solving skills over filling gaps. The course uses active, engaging lessons and balances direct instruction with group work. It aims to help students see algebra as a useful tool. Materials for MLCS were developed through initiatives to create alternatives to traditional remedial math courses and are available through Pearson Education. The course and its flexible design and materials can be adapted to fit different school and state requirements.

1. WHAT IS
MLCS?

2. IMAGINE

3. Imagine a class
that looks
forward to
college level work
instead of
backward at high
school.
A class with the
goal of
developing
flexible problem
solvers instead of
filling skill gaps.

4. Imagine a class
that only takes
one semester and
allows students
to get ready for
liberal arts
math, statistics,
or intermediate
algebra.
A class that gives
students options
in case they
change their
majors.

5. Imagine relevant,
interesting
content designed
to engage and
challenge the
developmental
learner.

6. Imagine relevant,
interesting
content designed
to engage and
challenge the
developmental
learner.

7. Imagine relevant,
interesting
content designed
to engage and
challenge the
developmental
learner.

8. Imagine a
classroom that is
active, filled with
conversations
about
mathematics.

9. A class where
students work on
a variety of
problems
including open-
ended problems
that take time to
solve.

10. Imagine a math
class where
students see
algebra as a
useful
tool, instead of a
set of procedures
to mimic.

11. Imagine a class
with balanced
instruction,
alternating
between whole
Direct group direct
Group Work
Instruction instruction and
small group
explorations.
A class where
technology is
used as an
instructional
tool, not as a
replacement for
instructors.

12. Is this just a
lofty dream or is
this possible?

13. MLCS
Mathematical
Literacy for
College
Students, or
MLCS, is such a
course.

14. MLCS was
developed
through
AMATYC’s New
Life Initiative and
is related to the
Carnegie
Quantway
Initiative.

15. We have been
developing a
version of this
course since
2010. Our work
Kathleen Almy is based on the
work Kathleen
did with the
Heather Foes AMATYC and
Carnegie
Initiatives.
Pilots began at
our school in fall
2011.

16. Our goal was to
create a course
that works for
students and
instructors. We
have created
materials that
support any level
of instructor with
detailed
notes, answers,
prompts, rubrics,
and more.
We made the
materials flexible
so that schools
can add or delete
topics to their
liking.

17. These materials
will be available
through Pearson
Education and
will be titled
Math Lit.
The text uses a
broad range of
problems and
contexts to
engage the
developmental
learner. It is a
living
textbook, where
students write on
the pages that
include
theory, exercises,
and problems.

18. Student success
is built into the
course in its
design,
development, les
sons, and
assessments. All
lessons that
address student
success also
include a
mathematical
objective.

19. Students are
taught to be
 Flexibility
flexible problem
solvers who
persist when
 Persistence challenged. They
learn multiple
ways at looking
 Agility at problems.
They read
 Literacy articles,
developing
literacy as well as
mathematical
literacy.

20. Student also
learn algebraic
skills along the
way and use
+
MyMathLab to
develop mastery
with them.
Paper conceptual
homework
accompanies
most
assignments to
connect and
apply the ideas
learned.

21. MLCS has four
areas developed
in an integrated
fashion, moving
through all four
areas in each unit
but delving
deeper as the
units progress.
Throughout the
text geometry
and statistics
appear often to
connect and
extend ideas.

22. Technology is
used as it is in the
workplace:
whatever makes
sense at the time.
That could be a
calculator but
often it is mental
math or Excel.
MyMathLab
supports
instruction but
does not replace
it.

23. Together, these
aspects combine
 Engagement to form a rich
course that is
engaging for all.
 Standards More than
that, it provides
 Rigor appropriate
preparation for
non-STEM
courses while
maintaining
standards and
rigor.

24. Because states
and schools vary
in their
requirements and
goals, the course
3 is flexible.
It can be taught
4 as a 3 credit
course or as
much as a 6
5 credit course if
desired. Most
schools use 4
6 credits.
MLCS can be
integrated into a
developmental
math program in
several ways.

25. Although MLCS
is not identical to
beginning
algebra, it can
replace beginning
algebra in a
program.

26. MLCS can
support an
emporium with
once-weekly
problem solving
lessons.
Regardless if a
student has
already learned a
skill being
addressed in a
lesson or has yet
to learn it, they
will be engaged
and challenged.

27. MLCS can
augment a
sequence
creating STEM
and non-STEM
pathways.
This is the most
common use of
the course.

28. High schools can
also use MLCS as
a fourth year
course to support
students in
college readiness
and possibly
avoid placing into
developmental
math.
The course and
Math Lit text
embody the goals
of the Common
Core.

29. Interested?
We will help you
develop the
course on your
terms, for your
school and state.
EMAIL: Workshops are
also available to
train faculty.
KATHLEENALMY@GMAIL.COM
Materials are
currently
available for
class testing and
use. Contact
your Pearson rep
for a sampler of
the Math Lit
book.

30. IMAGINE