A New Law aims to Expand Access to STEM. What Troubles Some Educators?

Assembly Bill 1705 encourages community colleges in California to bypass prerequisites and directly enroll more students in calculus, aiming to reduce racial disparities in college achievement. Supporters, including some faculty, believe this approach will help more students succeed in calculus. However, some math professors are concerned that students may be unprepared for advanced math courses, which could lead to higher failure rates and ultimately harm the very students the law intends to help. A roundtable discussion on the impact of this law will take place on Nov. 19, featuring community college faculty, administrators, and policy advocates.