I don't say this because I am in a turf battle with the research
institutions over who gets the pleasure of teaching the underprepared. I
say this because the 2-year institutions are committed to teaching and
reward teaching, not research, and these people need the best teachers they
can get their hands on. In addition, in a two-year college, freshman level
classes are often smaller than in a research institution and students can
get personal attention. That's the reality of the situation.
In addition, I think it as absolutely appropriate to start with Calculus 1
at Georgia Tech. This is a school for people interested in math and the
sciences. If they can't start with Calc. then they might want to reconsider
their major because they've just added a year to the amount of time they
will be in college. Georgia Tech is being honest about their demands and
their expectations.
One last remark and then I'll lurk some more. The Algebra I we had in high
school should not be College Algebra and certainly is not at our
institution. The Algebra I and II in high school are what we call
developmental studies. Many students were only required to take one year
of high school and didn't envision a time when college was required in order
to get an interview. Therefore, they thought they were taking a lot of math
when they elected Algebra I over General Math. I would also note, if your
institution is teaching first year hs work and calling it first year college
work, I think you should rethink your curriculum.
Whew! Sorry to be so wordy.
Roberta
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Roberta S. Lacefield
RSL094@fox.way.peachnet.edu
Waycross College
2001 S. Georgia Pkwy
Waycross, GA 31503
(912) 285-6027
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Note: The opinions expressed here are constantly mutating and
may already have changed by the time you read this.