Finding Aid of the Ralph H. Willis Western Carolina University High School Mathematics Contest Collection, PC.7032
Abstract
The Ralph H. Willis Western Carolina University High School Mathematics Contest Collection
documents the history of the mathematics competition from its beginning as a regional
competition in 1971, to the regional test site for the statewide competition it is
today.
The contest was created to stimulate interest in mathematics, raise mathematical competence
in North Carolina students, and to honor and provide appropriate recognition to outstanding
students in the western region of the state. It also provided an opportunity to stimulate
teacher interest by providing a ground for exchanging ideas about the teaching and
learning of mathematics.
The collection consists of correspondence, memorandums, minutes, programs, lists of
participants, winners, programs, exams, results, analysis, press releases, published
articles, and photographs.
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Ralph H. Willis Western Carolina University High School Mathematics Contest Collection
- Call Number
- PC.7032
- Creator
- Willis, Ralph H.
- Date
- 1971 - 2010
- Repository
- Western Regional Archives, State Archives of North Carolina
Biographical/Historical
Beginning in the early 1970s, regional math contests were organized by Campbell College (now Cambell University) in Buies Creek, and Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. In the following years, additional regional contests were established at colleges and universities. They differed in format and were conducted independently of one another.
In 1977, the president of the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCCTM) and the director of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Mathematics Division voiced support for a math contest in which all students in North Carolina could participate. An ad hoc committee was created via NCCTM to organize a state contest and to work with colleges and universities interested in setting up additional regional testing sites.
In April 1979, tests were administered at 9 locations across the state - East Carolina University, Wayne Community College, Atlantic Christian College, Campbell College, Elon College, Pfeiffer College, Wingate College, Appalachian State University, and Western Carolina University.
Sixty-nine students from 38 high schools advanced to the second round at Research Triangle Park, thus the first state math contest exam took place May 24, 1979. The competition was later moved to the McKimmon Center at North Carolina State University until it found its permanent home at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham. Soon after the first comprehensive contest, additional exams were added in Geometry, Algebra I and Algebra II at some regional locations.
Students are allotted 80 minutes to complete the exam, which is comprised of 40 multiple choice questions. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships to the top five finishers. The top 20 finishers are eligible to advance to the American Regions Mathematics League Meet. Many students credit the contest with helping to steer their academic interests and fostering a nurturing community of math enthusiasts from across the state.
Contents of the Collection
1. Western Carolina University Mathematics Contest
Scope and Content:
Box 1: 1971 - 1979
Box 2: 1980 - 1989
Box 3: 1990 - 1999
Box 4: 2000 - 2010
2. Western Carolina Univeristy Mathematics Contest Articles
Scope and Content:
Box 1 : 1971 - 1978
Box 2 : 1979 - 1983
Box 3: 1984 - 1990
Box 4: 1991 - 1998
Box 5: 1999 - 2005
Box 6: 2006 - 2010
3. State Mathematics Contest
Scope and Content:
Box 1 : 1979 - 1983
Box 2: 1984 - 1987
Box 3: 1988 - 1991
Box 4: 1992 - 1997
Box 5: 1998 - 2002 A
Box 6: 2002 B - 2006
Box 7: 2007 - 2010
4. Correspondence, 1971 - 2010
Scope and Content:
Box 1: 1971 - 1977
Box 2: 1978 - 1983
Box 3: 1984 - 1990
Box 4: 1991 - 1993
Box 5: 1994 - 1997
Box 6: 1998 - 2003
Box 7: 2004 - 2010
5. Tests
Scope and Content:
Box 1:
Algebra I, 1971 - 1992
Algebra I, 1993 - 2010
Algebra II, 1971 - 1990
Algebra II, 1991 - 2010
Comprehensive Test, 1971 - 1982
Comprehensive Test, 1983 - 1998
Comprehensive Test, 1999 - 2010
Geometry, 1971 - 1982
Geometry, 1983 - 1996
Geometry, 1997 - 2010
Box 2:
Answer Keys
Test Results Composites - Algebra I
Test Results Composites - Algebra II
Test Results Composites - Comprehensive Exam
Test Results Composites - Geometry
Regional Maps
Test Prep Guide, Algebra II Division, 1971 - 1980
Test Prep Guide, Comprehensive Exam, 1971 - 1980
6. Miscellaneous
Scope and Content:
North Carolina Mathematics League, 1981-1982
North Carolina Mathematics League, 1982-1983
North Carolina Mathematics League, 1983-1984
Western Carolina University Analysis of Mathematics Contest Exams, October 1984 -
February 1985
Western Carolina University Analysis of Mathematics Contest Exams, October 1985 -
February 1986
Western Carolina University Analysis of Mathematics Contest Exams, October 1986 -
February 1987
A Forty-Year History of the WCU High School Mathematics Contest
State Mathematics Competition Committee Rosters
Miscellaneous
Subject Headings
Acquisitions Information
Donated by Ralph H. Willis, 2016