A Berkeley mathematics professor expresses concern about students’ readiness for college. Professor Zvezdelina Stankova, in an op-ed for the San Francisco Standard, highlights the issues caused by the University of California’s progressive “test-blind” policies. She states these policies have been detrimental.
Stankova finds many students severely unprepared when they reach college. “Three days a week, I stand in front of large lecture halls,” she observes, “and by the second week, I know who’s struggling.” Some students lag five to eight years in mathematics. Instead of discussing advanced topics, office hours focus on middle school-level fractions and basic algebra.
Stankova and UC faculty members have called for the return of SAT and ACT in admissions. This plea follows the actions of former UC President Janet Napolitano, who, in 2020, led the removal of standardized tests partially for “equity” reasons. Stankova points out consequences, highlighting the lack of a uniform academic benchmark since then.
According to Stankova, a shift occurred after UC’s adoption of test-blind admissions. The data reflects a decline in math readiness among students. From 2018 to 2020, 71% of tested Calculus I students were ready or nearly ready, with 0.14% below basic algebra. However, from 2021 to 2023, only 51% showed readiness, dropping to 44% in 2023. Notably, 17% failed all eight tested topics in 2023.
Professors feel the impact in classrooms, witnessing students struggle with foundational material. They often pause teaching to cover basics instead of advancing to complex topics like differential equations.
An open letter from UC STEM faculty, dated June, disputes that “equity” is compromised by math requirements. It argues that neglecting readiness assessments doesn’t remove barriers; instead, it magnifies barriers in the classroom. Professors assert that an admissions process ignoring foundational readiness fails vulnerable students. They call for honest evaluations of students’ needs within California’s higher education system.
In response, the UC announced a review of its standardized testing policy. University President James B. Milliken emphasizes college preparedness as a critical issue. The administration aims to support recommendations for strengthening student readiness and success at UC.
The discussion rises as elite universities shift away from test-optional policies, a trend popular during what some call the “Woke 1” era around 2020. For instance, Columbia University plans to reinstate standardized testing for undergraduate applicants next year, joining other Ivy League institutions in this move.
Moreover, Berkeley has not responded to requests for comments on the matter. The concerns extend beyond California, reflecting broader issues of underprepared students at elite institutions nationwide.