College of Western Idaho (CWI) has been named the 2025 Beacon Award recipient by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The award recognizes institutions that demonstrate innovation and measurable impact on student success. CWI earned this honor for its “Strengthening Math Pathways Through Mastery, Support, and Coaching” initiative, a comprehensive effort to improve student readiness and completion in gateway math.
The initiative is led by CWI’s Math Solutions Center (MSC) which was created in 2015 and serves as the central hub for the College’s math redesign and student support efforts. Before the redesign, only 31% of students who began developmental math completed a gateway course within one year. Students enrolled in remedial math faced low pass rates, particularly in an emporium-style model that lacked structure and engagement.
Strengthening Math Pathways
In response, CWI implemented a student-centered approach grounded in equity and data. The College created structured course pathways and shifted the model to live, lecture-based instruction supported by mastery-based learning.
CWI also expanded co-requisite course options such as College Algebra Plus (MATH 143P), allowing students to enroll directly in a gateway math course while receiving concurrent academic support. In-person courses now include direct instruction, while asynchronous sections are built around high-quality video lessons. All formats emphasize foundational algebra skills essential for success in gateway math. The redesign also incorporates a strong emphasis on soft skills including time management and academic confidence building to support independent learning.
A major component of the initiative is CWI’s Math Coaching Model (CMC). After completing placement testing, students meet individually with Math Coaches to review results, plan math pathways, and receive proactive outreach throughout the term. All placement testing is now centralized in the MSC to create consistent, personalized support from the start of a student’s math journey.
Results Show Strong Gains
The new structure is delivering strong results. After implementing course due dates and additional academic support, pass rates for Introductory Prep Math (MATH 097) increased from 40% in Fall 2022 to 65% in Fall 2024. Across the full sequence, pass rates also improved significantly: Expanded Prep Math (Math 099) increased from 39% to 81%, and Advanced Prep Math (Math 098) increased from 59% to 65% over the same period. In addition, the percentage of students progressing from remedial math to completing a gateway math course within one year rose from 31% to 47% between 2022 and 2024.
The initiative is led by Dean of Science, Technology and Math, Kae Jensen, and Math Solutions Center Manager, Jennifer Miller, whose leadership has been crucial to the redesign and its measurable gains. The work has been successful thanks to a full team of MSC employees and college-wide support for interventions developed through assessment review and continuous improvement.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students in creating pathways that remove barriers and support success,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Denise Aberle-Cannata. “At CWI, we innovate with purpose, making sure every student has the guidance, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve their goals.”
The Beacon Award is presented annually to NWCCU-member institutions that demonstrate excellence in student achievement and success through distinctive, measurable, and replicable innovation.
