More than 500 faculty members from the University of California (UC) system have signed a letter urging the reinstatement of SAT and ACT mathematics requirements for admissions. The professors report that many incoming students lack basic math skills, necessitating the re-teaching of middle school mathematics. They argue that the removal of standardized testing has resulted in significant preparation gaps, making it challenging to teach advanced material in STEM fields. The letter highlights concerns about declining graduation rates and the potential impact on California's STEM workforce. UC's decision to eliminate standardized testing was influenced by a 2019 lawsuit that claimed such tests disadvantage low-income students of color and students with disabilities. A report from UC San Diego indicated that between 2020 and 2025, approximately one in eight incoming students demonstrated math skills below the middle school level.
California Professors Call for Reinstatement of SAT/ACT Math Requirements
Over 500 UC professors have requested the reinstatement of SAT and ACT math requirements, citing the need to re-teach basic math to incoming students. They express concerns about the impact of this lack of preparedness on graduation rates and the future of California's STEM workforce. The call for reinstatement follows the UC's decision to eliminate standardized testing as part of admissions criteria due to a lawsuit regarding equity in education.
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Unprepared college students forced to relearn 'middle school mathematics,' California professors reveal
California Professors Call for Reinstatement of SAT/ACT Math Requirements
