Improving calculus I in community colleges: It takes a [multidisciplinary] village

In 2010, the Mathematical Association of America began a 5-year study of Calculus I, a critical gatekeeper for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers. The study, titled Characteristics of Successful Programs in College Calculus, included case studies of successful Calculus I programs conducted by multidisciplinary research teams. The purpose of this article is to present the community college case study findings and to highlight the benefit of the multidisciplinary research teams. Using multiple lenses and analytical frameworks, the study identified factors that jointly contributed to Calculus I program success, including high-quality instruction, academic and social support for students, loose course coordination, a culture of faculty autonomy and trust, and attention to course placement and transfer policies. The findings suggest areas of focus for faculty, administrators, and other stakeholders working collectively to improve Calculus I in community colleges. These include faculty professional development to improve interactive lecture, strategic use of outcomes assessment, and attention to institutional placement and transfer policies.