Melodie Baker, Just Equations’ national policy director, was recognized in a Los Angeles Times article for her work on expanding math opportunity for students who lack access to advanced math courses.
The Times article highlights the recent decision by the California Institute of Technology to provide alternative routes to proficiency in calculus, physics, and chemistry for students who don’t have access to those courses in high school.
“Brilliant students exist in every single part of this world and in every single community, and this idea that families have to choose the future of their kids and where they’re going to go for college based on their ZIP code seemed so unfair,” said Ashley Pallie, Caltech’s executive director of undergraduate admissions. “We need to continue opening this door of opportunity.”
Pallie and her colleagues told the Times that the idea for the policy change was sparked by Baker’s February presentation at a workshop on equity hosted by the National Association for College Admission Counseling. After Baker highlighted the lack of access to calculus for many students, Pallie and her team began to rethink their requirements.
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