UTSA | Catalyst 2020-2021
Counting on Student Success New initiatives change the structure of how mathematics is taught at UTSA By Robert Salinas
The Department of Mathematics is transitioning to an
A weekly earnings summary issued by the U.S. Bureau of
evidence-based approach of optimal instruction. The
Labor Statistics in October showed that full-time workers
department looked at patterns taken from UTSA student
holding at least a bachelor’s degree earned an average of
data, including every single student and course for the
$664 more per week than high school graduates without
past 10 years. This data showed the department what
a college degree.
direction to take to generate the highest rates of success for students by pinpointing what works and
The value of mathematics is tied not only to career
what does not.
success—it can substantially improve everyday life and mental wellness. Math is used when comparing prices at
Research demonstrates that mathematics is the single
a store, calculating a tip, and budgeting our finances.
largest point of failure for most university students.
Math also makes cooking easier when converting units
Students who fail or have difficulty passing math courses
or changing a recipe serving amount.
are substantially more likely to drop out or change majors. The inverse is also true: Students who are successful in
Dr. Juan Gutiérrez, chair of the Department of Mathematics,
foundational math courses are most likely to graduate in
has begun the process of rolling out new initiatives aimed
any given major. Ultimately, mathematics is the driver for
at creating an environment more conducive to success in
student degree completion, which has repeatedly been
math and, by extension, success in all other subjects and
shown to improve students’ employment prospects and
degree completion. These initiatives can be categorized
increase their earning potential.
as the vertical alignment of the curriculum and course coordination.
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