This WestEd Perspectives brief addresses long-standing obstacles that limit the effectiveness of postsecondary math pathways, including students stuck in poorly designed course sequences, insufficient faculty and leadership support for instructional improvement, incomplete implementation of effective models.

The brief highlights clear actions education leaders should take: replace prerequisite developmental education with corequisite supports; implement math pathways that build the skills needed for today’s workforce and support smooth transitions from secondary to postsecondary education and into careers; support faculty and staff in using evidence-based classroom policies, instructional practices, assessments, and student supports; and ensure improvement efforts are not siloed.