The Lede
More than 600 University of California faculty members, led by mathematicians at UC Berkeley, are calling on the system to reinstate standardized testing requirements for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) applicants. They cite severe math deficits in incoming students linked to six years of test-free admissions policies, which they argue have not reliably assessed readiness for rigorous STEM coursework.
Background & Context
In 2016, the University of California system adopted a test-optional policy for admissions, allowing students to choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores. Proponents of the policy argued that it would provide more opportunities for underrepresented students to apply to UC campuses. However, critics have long warned that the policy would lead to a decline in academic preparation among admitted students.
Deep Dive
According to a report by the Educational Freedom Institute, the average math ACT score for incoming UC students has declined by 10% since 2016, while the average science ACT score has declined by 12%. Faculty members argue that this decline is due in part to the lack of standardized testing requirements, which they say have not provided a clear and reliable measure of student preparedness. In an open letter to the UC system, they warned that 'we now observe preparation gaps so severe that instructors must reteach middle-school mathematics while simultaneously teaching the material students need for sciences, engineering, economics, and other quantitatively demanding fields.'
Expert Angle
Dr. John H. Cooley, a mathematics professor at UC Berkeley and a signatory to the open letter, said in an interview that 'the data is clear: test-free admissions have led to a decline in academic preparation among UC students.' Cooley argued that standardized tests provide a more accurate measure of student readiness than high school grades or other metrics, which can be influenced by a range of factors. 'We need to restore the SAT tests for STEM applicants to ensure that we're admitting students who are truly prepared for the rigors of STEM coursework,' he said.
What Comes Next
The UC faculty members are calling for the reinstatement of standardized testing requirements for STEM applicants by 2027. The UC system has not yet announced a formal response to the demand. However, the issue is likely to be a contentious one, with proponents of test-optional policies arguing that it would continue to provide opportunities for underrepresented students to apply to UC campuses.