General chemistry is a known career gateway course that is also identified as high-risk (DFW rate exceeding 30%.) Since 2007, the reported SAT (reading + math) scores for the state of Texas have steadily fallen from a high of 999 to an all-time low of 944. Solving this problem requires a multifaceted approach. Pilot study results (Fall 2016-Summer 2017) from 2,127 students at six Texas universities indicated that general chemistry students' arithmetic skills without the use of a calculator had a higher correlation to their course grades than when calculators were used. In light of this finding, the MUST (Math-Up Skills Test) [Hartman & Nelson, 2016] was used again in the fall 2017 and paired with the DAT (Diagnostic Algebra Test) [Cooper & Pearson, 2012] to further investigate general chemistry I students' numeracy ability and how students' success is impacted. Over 90% of the population graduated from Texas high schools and 98% claim to have taken at least one high school chemistry course. With this common profile, why are not more students succeeding in gen chem I and ending their quest for a STEM degree?

Arithmetic skills and algebraic competency for STEM advancement

255th National Meeting (2018)

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