Below is a new draft of the requested position statement on minimum
mathematics requirements for A.A/A.S degrees. I have included the
recommendation and definitions, but not the rationale. This draft with
rationale is the subject of an open forum at the AMATYC Annual Meeting in
Long Beach, CA in November. The forum is scheduled for Thursday, November
14, 1996 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Hyatt Regency, Beacon B. The position
statement "Guidelines for Internships" sponsored by AMATYC's Faculty
Development Committee (Chair: Peg Pankowski) will be discussed from
7:00-7:45 p.m. The internship document will be voted on the AMATYC's
Delegate Assembly in Long Beach. The position statement on A.A./A.S.
degrees sponsored by AMATYC's Program Issues Committee (Chair: Phil
DeMarois) will be discussed from 7:45-8:30 p.m.
With respect to the draft below, the forum discussion is for the purpose
of gaining input so that development can proceed on a position statement.
This statement will be revised, go through a review process and come
before AMATYC's Delegate Assembly for approval in 1997 or later.
Draft
Minimum Mathematics Requirement for the Associate of Arts (A.A.) and the
Associate of Science (A.S.) Degrees
Recommendation
Mathematics preparation is a vital part of the preparation for life and
work. Therefore, colleges should require students receiving the Associate
of Arts (A.A.) or the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree to have
successfully completed the equivalent of at least one three-semester-hour
college-level mathematics course. "Crossroads in Mathematics: Standards
for Introductory College Mathematics Before Calculus" makes
recommendations for the content, pedagogy, and intellectual development
components of mathematics courses for liberal arts, technical, and
mathematics-intensive programs. Mathematics courses required for the A.A.
and A.S. degree should satisfy the standards recommended in "Crossroads
in Mathematics."
Definition
"College-level mathematics course" is a mathematics course that is above
the level of courses described as part of the Foundation, as defined in
the Preface (page x) of "Crossroads in Mathematics: Standards for
Introductory College Mathematics Before Calculus." Furthermore, a
quantitative course offered by a department other than a mathematics
department may be substituted for a mathematics course only if it is
sanctioned by the mathematics department.
End of Draft
All input is appreciated as this statement is still in the refinement
process. Please attend the forum in Long Beach, if possible, and share
your comments. If you will not be in Long Beach, send me comments using
the contact information below. Thank you.
Take care,
Phil DeMarois
Chair, Program Issues Committee, AMATYC
Phil DeMarois
Mathematics Department (847) 925-6728
William Rainey Harper College FAX: (847) 925-6049
1200 W. Algonquin Rd. e-mail: pdemaroi@harper.cc.il.us
Palatine, IL 60067