Inside Higher Ed Reports on Wentworth’s Innovative Math Changes

Wentworth Institute of Technology is taking innovative steps to make STEM majors more accessible by introducing a new foundational math course, as recently reported by Inside Higher Ed.  

Recognizing that traditional calculus requirements can create obstacles for aspiring STEM students, particularly those from underresourced backgrounds, Wentworth has removed precalculus as an admission prerequisite. 

In its place, the university now offers "Foundations of Calculus," a four-credit, first-semester course. This program is specifically designed to equip students who haven't completed calculus with the necessary skills to succeed. The course integrates lectures, hands-on labs focused on engineering problem-solving, and valuable peer tutoring. 

According to the article, early results from this initiative are promising. Students enrolled in the "Foundations of Calculus" course have demonstrated passing rates on par with national averages. Importantly, their success rates in subsequent calculus courses are comparable to those of their peers who entered with first-term calculus. 

Read the full article at Inside Higher Ed.