This brief focuses on the important role that math requirements contribute to inequity in access to college, in particular the value placed on calculus, even though it is not an essential course for students who are seeking non-STEM degrees. The boost earned by students who are fortunate enough to have access to calculus, a benefit unequally…

This keynote address explores the history and role of college math requirements with a focus on ensuring math courses serve to expand students' horizons, rather than serve as gatekeepers. It discusses the advent of general education math courses, which brought more students into math departments, which ultimately contributed to broadening the…

Decisions about who gets admitted to college, especially to selective institutions, are the result of a complex mix of policy and practice, and math expectations are part of that mix. Regardless of whether calculus is necessary for a student's college major, entrenched beliefs about calculus as a sign of rigor can play a significant role in…

Calculus is a stepping stone to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees and careers, but countless college students abandon their STEM ambitions after an encounter with calculus--or to avoid taking the intimidating course altogether. While traditional approaches have focused on prerequisite courses--which often repeat high…

The mid-20th century push for high school calculus nurtured generations of future STEM professionals. While the growth of high school calculus is often seen as an educational success story, the emphasis on calculus has also exacerbated opportunity gaps along racial and socioeconomic lines, and crowded out other important math topics that are…

The goal of this report is to shed light on how counselors view the persistent attachment to calculus in college admissions. This report examines how high school counselors interpret admissions offices' expectations, driving their advice that students maximize calculus opportunities. The conclusions are based on a survey and interviews conducted…

Initiatives to modernize mathematics pathways through high school and college have opened up new opportunities for students to deepen their quantitative literacy skills in ways that are relevant to their educational and career interests. New pathways in areas such as statistics, data science, and quantitative reasoning--together with postsecondary…