The Mathematics Intensive Summer Session (MISS) program at California State University was established to address a nationally shared concern for the shortage of young people opting for careers in Science, Mathematics and Engineering. Designed particularly to serve females and underrepresented ethnic groups, arenas in which the shortage is particularly acute, MISS has been providing an intensive mathematics experience primarily for underrepresented young women for the past 17 years. For four weeks during the summer, high school girls attend MISS classes in college preparatory mathematics at the Algebra II level and above.
Institution:
California State University - Fullerton
Academic Level:
Baccalaureate
Issue Area:
College Prep
Issue Area:
Retention
Year:
2008
Designation:
Examples of Excelencia
Designation:
Finalist
Key Personnel:
Pagni, Dr. David
Address:
California State University, Fullerton
Address 2:
PO Box 6850
Address 3:
800 N. State College Blvd
City:
Fullerton
State:
CA
Zip:
92831 Goal/Mission:
The long-term goal of MISS is to encourage young women to take and complete calculus at the college level, thus creating access for them to university majors, such as Chemistry, Engineering, Geology, Biology, Physics and Mathematics. Short-term, the aim of MISS is to support these students in their study of mathematics by bolstering their essential understanding of mathematics and assisting them in the successful completion of the requisite courses for college admission.
Outcome:
While growth varies from year to year, on average there has been a 55% mean improvement rate in elementary algebra skills among MISS students; 67% mean improvement rate in intermediate algebra skills; 19% mean gain in students’ attitude toward mathematics; and 18% mean gain in students’ self-concept in mathematics. These figures were derived from the pre- and post- tests administered during the program each year. As a result of participating in MISS, follow-up questionnaires indicate that 99% of the students we are able advance to college, with 34% attending California State University, Fullerton. Fifteen percent have chosen a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) major. In the Student Evaluation of Program questionnaires, students have stated they gained much from the program; they were very interested in the program; and they had a positive attitude toward MISS. Also a 2007 Semi-Finalist.
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