K–12 Dive reports on the mismatch between many high schools’ emphasis on calculus and college admissions math guidelines highlighted in Just Equations’ latest report, Calculating the Odds.
There’s a mismatch between what math courses students are encouraged to take in high school to gain admission into college versus what they are interested in and actually plan to study in college, said Veronica Anderson, co-author of the report. A previous study found admissions counselors believe AP Statistics carries the least amount of weight in college admissions compared to other advanced math courses.
“There are some states trying to address math pathways in K–12 education to create more options, but again these beliefs are strongly held, and it’s kind of tough to do that,” Anderson said.
The report also recommends schools focus on student well-being when students prepare for college, adding that high schools can limit the number of AP courses offered or the number of those classes students are allowed to take.
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