High School Math Placement for Equity and College Readiness

Math placement practices and policies determine which students have access to advanced mathematics courses in high school and thereby influence their preparation for college. Over the years, states and school districts have experimented with different approaches to enhance access and eliminate barriers. Math placement in middle school often determines students’ course opportunities in high school. Researchers have investigated the impact of these placement initiatives on student outcomes, particularly for students who have historically been excluded from advanced mathematics, as well as the unintended consequences of these efforts. In this session, researchers highlighted promising policies, implications for implementation, and areas for further study.