The meeting convened at 11:00 a.m.
 
Present:  Kathy Bavelas (Gateway), Miguel Garcia (Gateway), Rachael Schettenhelm (Gateway), Mark Leach (Housatonic), Elaine Dinto ( Naugatuck Valley ), Larisa Alikhanova (Three Rivers), Robert Clark (Tunxis)
 
Minutes from the December 3, 2004 meeting were amended to include this semester’s meeting dates and were approved.
 
Recommended software packages/supplements—
Committee members discussed software packages/supplements that they use and recommend: (1) Journey through Calculus CD, by Bill Ralph, Brooks/Cole Publishing Company; software is highly interactive, has powerful computer algebra system and excellent visual animation, presents comprehensive coverage of topics in a single variable calculus course. The Stewart Calculus texts have icons throughout referring to the CD, but it is textbook independent. (2) Interactive Differential Equations CD, by Beverly West, Addison Wesley; CD-ROM contains wonderful interactive differential equations discovery tools; it is easy to use and helps students visualize the mathematics. Product accompanies the Nagle, Saff, Snider text but is textbook independent. (3) Calculus Labs; Kathy B. has redone many of the labs created by Bob Decker and John Williams (University of Hartford); these may be used separately from Journey through Calculus.
 
Conference on Developmental Programs—
Gateway’s college President is concerned with the present process of developmental education and is currently looking for another approach. In addition, the CC Council of Presidents is making plans for a conference on increasing retention and speed of the process of developmental programs. The group questioned if there may be a duplication of efforts between this conference, planned for April or May of 2005, and the upcoming Fall 2005 conference planned by the Math Basic Skills Committee of CT and endorsed by Dr. Estela Lopez, Vice Chancellor of the CSU System.
 
Developmental education is a nationwide problem; there were many AMATYC sessions on new plans/practices at the November 2004 Conference in Orlando. One likely contributing factor is the lack of that fourth year of high school mathematics. Committee members engaged in a discussion of what assistance high school teachers indicated they wanted from college colleagues at the last MBSCC Conference (Transition from High School to College Mathematics, April 13, 2002), what might be included in the upcoming MBSCC Conference, and a possible collaboration with the CC Council Presidents. Miguel will act as a liaison between Gateway’s President (for the CC Council of Presidents) and MBSCC.
 
MATYCONN issues/notes—
Miguel volunteered to host the Spring MATYCONN Meeting at Gateway on April 29. Since the presenter, Harlan Brothers, is a graduate of Gateway, Larisa and Rachael volunteered to assist, and this is a central location, this was the preferred choice of the committee members who plan to attend. Miguel will contact Harlan, and will send Elaine room information; Elaine will let the MATYCONN Executive Committee know of the offer. The group also recommended changing the usual time frame (afternoon through dinner) to begin earlier in the day, and to conclude by middle to late afternoon.
 
Update on Statistics transfer to UConn—
Elaine reported that she and Pat met with Kate McLaughlin for two hours on December 15, 2004. Discussion centered on prerequisites, syllabi/specific necessary content, number of credits, and specific type of technology/software required for transfer. Kate planned to meet with the Statistics Department at UConn at the beginning of the Spring 2005 semester to discuss our questions and concerns.
 
Future meetings—
Spring 2005 meetings are scheduled for February 25, April 1, May 13, at CCSU, Memorial Hall, Nutmeg Room, 10:30-12:30.
 
Agenda items for next meeting include UConn Stats (hopefully with an update from Kate), Pathways Program, MBSCC Conference. Please send other agenda items to Miguel.

Other—
Prerequisite grade for the next sequential math course varies from college to college; differences were discussed.
 
Mark gave a brief report of his involvement in CCSSE (Community College Survey of Student Engagement) and Housatonic ’s results; he will write an article for the Spring MATYCONN Newsletter.
 
The meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by
Elaine Dinto