UC Professors Call for Return of Standardized Testing

A Berkeley mathematics professor, Zvezdelina Stankova, has raised concerns about the lack of preparedness among college students. The University of California’s ‘test-blind’ policies are cited as a major issue. Stankova, who teaches large classes of up to 1,400 students, notes that many arrive lacking basic math skills.

According to Stankova, students often require lessons in fractions and basic algebra, knowledge expected from middle school education. To address this issue, Stankova and other faculty members are pushing for a reinstatement of SAT and ACT requirements in admissions.

Former UC president Janet Napolitano led the move to phase out these standardized tests in 2020, citing ‘equity’ concerns. However, Stankova argues that the absence of standardized testing has led to a steep decline in math readiness among students. Data from 2018 to 2020 shows that 71% of Calculus I students were prepared, while recent data indicates a decrease in readiness, with only 44% meeting the mark in 2023.

“After UC adopted test-blind admissions, the picture changed dramatically,” Stankova wrote.

The change has resulted in professors needing to reteach basic concepts, delaying more advanced coursework. An open letter from UC STEM faculty rejects the notion that eliminating the standardized math requirement increases equity. They assert that the SAT/ACT is essential for identifying and addressing preparation gaps.

The University of California is responding by reviewing its standardized testing policies to better evaluate student readiness. This shift comes as many elite universities reconsider their test-optional policies. Columbia University, for instance, has decided to reinstate standardized testing requirements as of next year.

This call for action highlights broader concerns about student preparedness in academia, exacerbated by the removal of standardized measures.