Transforming Mathematics Education: The Lasting Legacy of Dr. Marilyn P. Carlson

Transforming Mathematics Education: The Lasting Legacy of Dr. Marilyn P. Carlson

In the expansive field of mathematics education, few figures have left as profound an imprint as Dr. Marilyn Paula Carlson. A Professor of Mathematics Education at Arizona State University (ASU), Carlson has shaped the trajectory of mathematics instruction in the United States through groundbreaking research, curriculum innovation, and an enduring commitment to mentorship and equity in learning.

A Rural Beginning, a National Reach

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Carlson's journey to national prominence began in the heart of the Midwest. Raised on a farm and graduating from a high school class of just 38 students, Carlson's early education offered few signs of the impact she would eventually have on national mathematics standards. Yet, even in her teenage years, she demonstrated a rare dual excellence, competing at national levels in both track and field and basketball. At the University of Central Missouri, she became the first female student to earn a full athletic scholarship, all while graduating cum laude with a degree in mathematics and physical education.

Merging Athletic Discipline with Academic Rigor

Carlson's transition from athletics to academics saw her earning an M.S. in computer science and a Ph.D. in mathematics education from the University of Kansas. She began teaching at Haskell Indian Nations University and later became a vital part of ASU's mathematics department. Her early experiences with underserved student populations informed her lifelong focus on accessibility, effectiveness, and innovation in mathematics instruction.

Reforming First-Year Mathematics at Scale

One of Carlson's most influential contributions has been the reform of first-year mathematics instruction. As Director of First Year Mathematics Programs at both the University of Kansas and ASU, she spearheaded curriculum reforms that significantly boosted student success rates. Her leadership earned the Governor's Spirit of Excellence Award and the President’s Medal for Team Excellence at ASU.

Pathways to Precalculus Reform

Perhaps Carlson’s most transformative work is her decades-long research into precalculus and beginning calculus instruction. Supported by multiple National Science Foundation grants, Carlson led the development of the "Pathways Precalculus" curriculum. This research-based instructional suite has reached over 20 universities and colleges, dramatically increasing student understanding and course pass rates. Unlike traditional materials, Pathways emphasizes conceptual understanding and covariational reasoning, equipping students to grasp complex mathematical ideas with clarity and confidence.

The impact of this work is measurable. Studies show passing rates increased by as much as 42 percent compared to traditional curricula. Yet Carlson is careful to stress that the curriculum alone is not the answer. Her case study, published in 2024, details how sustained professional development for instructors is key to effective implementation.

A Model for Mentorship

Carlson has also distinguished herself as a prolific mentor. As advisor to 18 doctoral students and committee member for 23 others, she has cultivated a new generation of mathematics educators and researchers. Her former students hold positions across academia and industry, contributing to educational policy, curriculum design, and teacher training at national and international levels.

Policy and Leadership Contributions

Beyond her research and mentorship, Carlson has influenced national education standards and policy. She served on the National Research Council's Committee on the Advanced Study of Mathematics and Science and contributed to the College Board's AP Precalculus Framework. She has helped shape the Mathematical Association of America’s placement tests, ensuring they reflect deep, conceptual learning rather than rote memorization.

A Prolific Scholarly Legacy

Carlson’s scholarly output is equally impressive, including over 100 peer-reviewed publications and serving as the lead developer on several widely used assessment instruments, such as the Precalculus Concept Assessment instrument (PCA), and the Mathematical Association’s Calculus Concept Readiness (CCR) and Algebra, Precalculus Concept Readiness (APCR) exams. Her research has been cited extensively, reflecting its foundational role in shaping contemporary mathematics education theory and practice.

Recognition and Awards

Her accolades span both academic and athletic domains. She has received the NSF CAREER Award, the MAA Selden Award for Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education, and ASU’s Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award. She was also an All-American track and field athlete, earning multiple top placements in national championships and leaving a lasting legacy at Central Missouri, where she was inducted into the university's Hall of Fame.

Now in her 70s, Dr. Carlson remains a vital force in mathematics education. She continues to investigate mechanisms for supporting instructors and doctoral students in becoming leaders in adopting research-based materials and pedagogies. She is also actively exploring new avenues for disseminating the Pathways Precalculus innovation and model for instructional reform.

In a field that has long struggled to make mathematics concepts accessible to all students, Carlson's work offers a roadmap forward: rigorous research, practical tools, and a belief that every student can learn mathematics deeply and meaningfully. For those invested in the future of STEM education, her contributions are not just inspiring�"they are indispensable.