Identifier

etd-07062015-144155

Degree

Master of Natural Sciences (MNS)

Department

Natural Sciences (Interdepartmental Program)

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to create a non-traditional Advanced Mathematics course paired with Math XL® for School (MXL) for senior-level students with low ACT Math scores. The Advanced Math course was created with the purpose of helping students increase their ACT Math scores and preparing them for first-year college math, College Algebra. The course was taught at a private high school in Louisiana for the 2014-2015 school year and is attached to this thesis as an appendix. Upon completion of this course, the participating students achieved an average increase of 3.1 points in their ACT Math scores. After a review of the ACT score data for the graduating class of 2014 in Louisiana, it is clear that a course of this design is a necessity for college readiness. This thesis discusses the aforementioned ACT data and the statistics on the number of students who enroll in and complete remedial college courses. Additionally, the thesis discusses the creation of the Advanced Math course and its resources, a description of the course, and a brief description of a few other ACT preparation programs. The appendix of this thesis includes Binder #1, which contains the blank resources for notes, test reviews, and chapter tests that students use throughout the school year. This binder also contains a tentative calendar for the year and a description of each chapter and section. Binder #2 contains the teacher edition of Binder #1 and is not included in the appendix. Binder #3 and Binder #4 contain the MXL assignments for the ACT Prep fall semester and the Pre-College Algebra spring semester. Like Binder #2, these binders are not included in the appendix but are available upon request.

Date

2015

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Neubrander, Frank

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.2932

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