The Math Learning Gap: Preparing STEM Technicians for the New Rural Economy

• Main Authors: Hobart L. Harmon, Sandy C. Wilborn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: National Rural Education Association 2018-11-01
• Series: The Rural Educator
• Subjects: math education; rural education; technician occupations; workforce development
• Online Access: https://www.jhseonline.com/index.php/ruraled/article/view/257

The Rural Math Excel Partnership (RMEP) identified math competencies used by technicians in the workplace compared to standards of learning required in the public school curriculum. A modified DACUM process revealed 39 math competencies used by technicians in STEM-related occupations of the rural region. Group interviews with faculty in three community colleges helped substantiate math gaps. A project math specialist and team of teachers identified four types of learning gaps: (1) math competencies not included in state standards; (2) math competencies included in state standards taught prior to Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and Algebra Functions and Data Analysis (AFDA) courses; (3) math competencies included in high school state standards that students struggle to learn; and (4) math competencies community college students struggle to learn. Implications include five lessons learned in the gap analysis process and six questions for guiding future innovation and research.