1. WHAT IS
MLCS?

2. 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.

3. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

11. Mathematical
Literacy for
CollegeStudents,
or MLCS, is such
a course.MLCS

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

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

14. 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.

15. 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.

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

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

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

19. 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.

20. 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.

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

22. MLCS
Math Literacy for
College Students
A course that is
designed to create
a new experience
and a new
pathway for the
developmental
math student