Federal grant supports Penn College math curricula redesign

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Pennsylvania College of Technology a Title III Strengthening Institutions Program Grant to implement a redesign of its math curricula that is poised to become a national model for best practices.

For the first year of the five-year project, Penn College has received $416,236. Over the course of the project period, extending through the 2027-28 academic year, the grant will award the college $2,140,307, which is 100% of the total cost of the initiative.

Titled “Improving Success and Retention for Underserved Students at Penn College,” the project is geared toward strengthening the institution to better serve students, specifically those in developmental math courses. As gateways to most STEM majors, math courses are crucial for preparing students for sustainable, highly needed careers supporting the American workforce and economy.

“The awarding of the grant is a testament to our unwavering commitment to student learning,” said Joanna K. Flynn, vice president for academic affairs and provost. “This funding reinforces our dedication to providing transformative educational experiences, equipping our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen paths. We embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm, reaffirming our mission to cultivate future leaders and innovators. I extend my appreciation to the faculty and staff who have contributed to this endeavor, exemplifying our collective dedication to student success.”

Grant funds will be utilized for personnel, classroom equipment and professional development expenditures. 

In addition to hiring a math coordinator, project coordinator and professional math tutors, the project will enhance classrooms by creating three “smart rooms,” featuring a range of audiovisual technologies supporting the integration of online learning. The “smart rooms” and seven additional classrooms will also receive wall-to-wall whiteboard installations to promote collaboration and student engagement during lessons.

“We’re aiming to create a more engaging and interactive math classroom experience, specifically designed for our technology-focused students,” said Ed Owens, associate professor of mathematics and math coordinator for the grant. “Classroom practices are being adapted to focus even less on traditional lecture, with students collaborating more in small groups, actively engaging and brainstorming ideas on whiteboards. This hands-on approach encourages movement, interaction and discussion, similar to the lab experiences of technical students. By incorporating active learning elements and providing support from faculty and support services, we believe this approach will not only enhance students’ math comprehension but also foster a stronger sense of community and teamwork in the classroom. I’m excited for the fall semester when we’ll start piloting this active and engaging instructional method in some of our classes.”

Throughout the project, faculty and tutors, as well as select staff from the college’s Michael J. Hudock Sr. Center for Academic Excellence, will receive professional development training focused on cultural competencies, active and student-centered learning and engagement, and collaborative coaching. Attendance at national conferences will also be supported.

While most of the focus will be on developmental math courses MTH 004 and MTH 005, the project will also address students’ reading skills as they relate to the mathematics applications in their coursework.

Though many faculty will be incorporating active-learning strategies in their mathematics courses as part of the effort, faculty joining Owens in curriculum construction are LeAnn M. Henry, assistant professor of mathematics; Tiffany D. Schwanger, instructor of mathematics; and Shelley L. Litz, assistant professor of reading. 

Penn College has a proven track record in increasing students’ math scores. In 2016, a pilot project focusing on college algebra and trigonometry introduced a lab component and other collaborative learning techniques. This plan produced a rise in test scores of striking proportions. The endeavor attracted attention from other colleges and universities seeking to replicate its success, and ultimately led to the addition of a lab component for all college algebra and trigonometry courses.

To learn more about Penn College’s math courses, contact the School of Business, Arts & Sciences at 570-327-4521.

For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free at 800-367-9222.