PJC Receives Major Recognition in Math Instruction
PJC RECEIVES AWARD
Shown receiving the Overall Exemplar Award on behalf of Paris Junior College in Dallas were, from left, PJC-Sulphur Springs Center Director and Dual Credit Coordinator Rob Stanley, PJC-Greenville Center Director John Shasteen, Math Division Chair and Instructor Mallie Hood, retired Vice President of Academic Studies Ed McCraw, English instructor Chris Nichols, Financial Aid Director Linda Slawson, Vice President of Student Access and Success Sheila Reece, and Registrar Amie Cato.
Paris Junior College was chosen to receive the Overall Exemplar Award at the 2018 Math Pathways Awards during the Texas Pathways Institute held in Dallas on Nov.14. The award was jointly announced by the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC), the Texas Success Center (TSC), and the Dana Center Mathematics Pathways (DCMP).
Mathematics pathways are a rapidly-growing national movement in colleges and universities to align math courses more closely to students’ intended major and career interests. Research strongly indicates that misaligned and lengthy math course sequences are a leading barrier to students completing college and beginning their careers as prepared workers.
“Texas community colleges are among the vanguard in a movement to redesign the way higher education serves the needs of students,” said Dr. Martha Ellis, director of higher education strategy, policy, and services at the Charles A. Dana Center at The University of Texas at Austin. “Mathematics pathways are a critical element in preparing students to obtain their career goals and empower their future economic mobility.”
The Dana Center Mathematics Pathways developed a set of principles for offering courses within the math pathways model. According to these principles, math pathways-based college programs should provide:
• Multiple pathways with relevant and challenging mathematics content aligned to specific fields of study;
• Acceleration that allows students to complete a college-level math course more quickly than in the traditional developmental math sequence;
• Intentional use of strategies to help students develop skills as learners;
• Curriculum design and teaching based on proven practice.
“We believe the implementation of the four Mathematics Pathways Guiding Principles have been a significant part of our increase in our graduation rate from 19 percent in 2013 to 32 percent in 2017,” said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin.“Receiving the Exemplar Award means a lot to us. Personally, I am thrilled that our faculty and support services staff are being acknowledged for their work and their determination and persistence to improve student success.”
PJC’s work began in 2014 when Ed McCraw, retired Vice President of Academic Studies,implemented the new Mathways initiative, moving PJC away from requiring college algebra of all students and instead aligning the required math with the appropriate field of study. After McCraw’s retirement, PJC Math Division ChairMallie Hood became the initiative’s champion and has continued to drive PJC’s progress.
Elementary statistics and contemporary math were included as options to college algebra, depending on the program, so that mathematics content was aligned to specific fields of study.
In 2016,PJC began implementing Guided Pathways, and the math requirement was placed in the first semester of program maps, allowing students to complete a college-level math course more quickly. This fall PJC implemented the co-requisite model for all students requiring remediation with both algebra-based and non-algebra-based developmental courses.
PJC’s developmental success rate has gone from 46.8 percent in 2013 to 69.2 percent in 2014. The success rate in college level math moved from 40 to 54 percent and continues to increase. Since 2014, PJC has also seen significant increases in the percentage of students completing 15 hours in a semester (51 to 65 percent) and completing 30 hours in one year (16 to 33 percent).
Othersteps PJC has taken include assigning student success coaches to students and requiring meetings for advising to assure the program map is followed and noun necessary course is taken. PJC has also focused on helping students develop skills as learners. Learning Framework is required of all students and they are encouraged to take it in their first twelve hours at the college.
A Math Center was included in the construction of a new Math and Science Building, and it is staffed with student tutors and math faculty. The Math Division has the ability to debate and critique their own practices and data is used routinely in assessment to determine where practices need to be modified to improve student success.
Fourother Texas community colleges were selected as 2018 Math Pathways Exemplars for achieving one of the four principles: Grayson College, San Jacinto College,McLennan Community College, and College of the Mainland.
Two Arrested With 55 Forged Credit Cards At Local Retail Business
A call from a local retail business regarding the attempt to use a stolen credit card led to the arrest of Lisa Michelle Jobe, 39, of Dallas, and Jeannette Lynn Shelton, 59, of Dallas. The two women had 55 forged credit cards in their possession.
Both were arrested for the State Jail Felony. Both are out of jail on bond.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Talco Woman Arrested for Methamphetamine Possession
November 26, 2018 – Stopped for a defective license plate lamp, Melissa Mask Roberson, 48, of Talco, was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, less than 1-gram.
Roberson, stopped on State Highway 11, displayed indicators of criminal activity according to the DPS report. She denied consent to search and a DPS K9 responded and conducted a free air search of the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed a glass pipe containing white residue , a clear baggie containing methamphetamine, and other drug paraphernalia. Her driver’s licenses showed to have multiple suspensions.
Roberson is out of jail on bond.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Local Man Arrested for DWI 3rd or More
Peter Millard Wyman was arrested Sunday evening for Driving While Intoxicated 3rd or More, a state jail felony.
He was being stopped for following too closely behind a SUV. Wyman, 52, of Sulphur Springs pulled off State Highway 11 onto the improved shoulder acting as if he was going to stop. He then got back in the driving lane and continued into the turning lane. He then turned into his residence. A field sobriety test was performed and Wyman was found to be intoxicated. He refused to give blood or breath. A blood warrant was obtained and he was taken to the local hospital for the test.
Wyman is in Hopkins County Jail held on a $10,000 bond.
Wildcats Continue to Win With 61-59 Tournament Victory
Wildcats senior post Xavier Cork rebounded a missed Wildcats’ shot and put it in the basket right before the final horn to give the Wildcats a 61-59 win over Prestonwood Christian Academy Saturday (November 24) at the Duncanville Hoopfest.
After the Lions tied the game with a three pointer with about 20 second left in the game, the Wildcats worked for the last shot. A Keaston Willis shot bounced off the rim but Cork grabbed the rebound and put the ball in the basket just before the horn sounded. The big shot allowed the Wildcats to escape with the win after giving up a 59-50 lead in the last couple of minutes of the game.
The Wildcats got off to a solid start in the game jumping out in front 7-0. Then Prestonwood rallied back and began to hit some shots. The Wildcats led 16-14 after the first quarter. They held on to the two point lead at the half, 29-27 and after three quarters, 43-41. The Wildcats built the lead in the fourth quarter before the Lions roared back late.
Willis led all scorers with 22 points. Cork finished with 14 points. Sadaidriene Day Day Hall scored 12 points. Cameron Kahn had 7 points and Jeremiah Roland scored 6 points. With just over a minute left in the game Hall was involved in a collision under the basket and fell hard to the floor. He suffered a laceration on his chin that required several stitches to close.
The win gives the #15 ranked Wildcats a 4-0 season record. The Wildcats play next at Paris Tuesday night.
Author of “Thorns of a Reformation Rose” to Appear in Book Signing at Good News!
Author Jeanne Loidolt will appear at Good News Christian Bookstore inside the VF Factory Outlet in Sulphur Springs, Texas on Saturday December 1. Her first full-length novel, the historical fiction work is entitled “Thorns of a Reformation Rose”. Loidolt will have copies of her Christian-based book, which is set in France involving a Queen and Protestant Huguenots during the Reformation Movement.
Jeanne lives in Emory, Texas on a quiet, peaceful farm with her husband, Dick. She is retired from a career as a legal executive assistant in Dallas. Jeanne is a mother of three sons and a daughter. She enjoys staying in touch with ten grandchildren. She keeps busy in her church and her artistic passion is water color and oil painting, although her attention has been dedicated to writing “THORNS OF A REFORMATION ROSE.” Of course, Jeanne has other ideas for more historical fiction stories. Find out more at her website jeanneloidolt.com.
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Why You Should See the New Grinch Movie
By Savannah Owens
This version of the Grinch is definitely a modern take on the classic story we all know and love. Benedict Cumberbatch serves up a Grinch different from what you’re used to, but in a good way. He’s more of a lovable hero that you want to root for as he plots and plans. Then there’s the dog of all dogs, Max, who almost steals the show with his cheery disposition, and helpful attitude. This movie really highlights the relationship between man…er…Grinch and his dog.
Cindy Lou-Who is refreshing, tougher, and sassier than the traditional depiction of the character. She reminds young girls that they can accomplish anything with the help of their (somewhat quirky) friends and family. Donna Lou-Who is a realistic, strong single-mother, who keeps her family together even when life gets crazy. The relationship of mother and daughter highlights family values through the love and support of that they give each other.
This movie is a reminder of what Christmas is truly about-kindness, friendship, and helping those less fortunate during the holidays. The humor is fit for the whole family and will keep you laughing through the whole film. The Music offers a modern twist on classic songs you love. And stay for the credits, there are some cute mini-scenes.
Fans of the classic film or the Jim Carrey live action version, will appreciate this fresh take on a holiday favorite. If you’re feeling a little Grinchy, get into the holiday spirit, with this fun family focused film. Click here for showtimes.
Wildcats Game Change for Duncanville Hoop Fest
There have been some changes for the Wildcats’ basketball game in the Duncanville Hoop Fest. The game is still scheduled for Saturday (November 24) at 10:30 a.m. The Wildcats, ranked #15 in Class 5A in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Poll, will now be playing Prestonwood Christian Academy of Plano and the game will now be in Gym #2 at Duncanville High School’s Sandra Meadows Arena.
Originally the Wildcats were scheduled to play Dallas Woodrow Wilson. Since those two teams are scheduled to play in Sulphur Springs on December 4, both teams asked Hoop Fest officials if they could have another opponent. So the Wildcats now face Prestonwood Christian Academy. The Wildcats come in with a 3-0 season record with wins over three Class 6A schools, Plano East, Rockwall Heath and Rockwall. Rockwall was the #2 ranked team in Class 6A when they played the Wildcats Monday night (November 19).
