Advancing a Culture of Care in the Mathematics Classroom: Strategies for Student Success

“We are perfectly designed for the outcomes we see.” This quote accurately sums up the work and efforts of Tallahassee Community College (TCC) in relation to redesigning the student experience and increasing student success rates in mathematics courses. The college’s zip code, 32304, is deemed the poorest in Florida, and 60 percent of students identify as non-White. In an effort to address equity and the academic experience, members of the mathematics department utilized the college-wide CARE model to implement strategies to close equity gaps and utilized alternative assessments to more adequately measure student understanding. Spring 2022 overall course success gaps closed by 4.1 percent due to personalized learning and faculty mentorship. Success rates in college algebra doubled to 80 percent, creating a new model for support. Through this personalized model that provides "just-in-time-support," students are able to make it across the finish line.