In a significant move, more than 1,100 professors from the University of California are urging the UC regents to bring back standardized testing for college admissions. This call comes as many educators find themselves reteaching middle-school mathematics to students who have already been accepted into the university system. The professors’ plea was outlined in a two-page letter, highlighting that nearly one-third of students taking calculus at UC Berkeley displayed severe preparation deficits.
Learning Gaps and Standardized Testing
The issue of learning gaps has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many schools were closed for extended periods. In response, numerous universities made entrance exams optional, arguing that these tests were discriminatory against Black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students. However, the unintended consequence has been a notable increase in the number of students requiring remedial math courses before they can tackle university-level precalculus. At UC San Diego, the percentage of such students rose from 0.5% to 8.5% between 2020 and 2025.
Despite the initial push to eliminate standardized tests, there is a growing recognition of their importance. Many prestigious institutions, including Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale, are reinstating these exams to maintain academic standards and ensure students are adequately prepared for higher education. These tests provide a consistent baseline for evaluating student readiness, which is crucial for fields like STEM, where foundational knowledge is essential.
Support for Testing Across Political Lines
Interestingly, even in a predominantly progressive environment like UC Berkeley, where Democrats outnumber Republicans 10-to-1, there is substantial support for the return of standardized testing. An anonymous survey revealed that 83% of faculty members across all departments favor reinstating these exams. This consensus underscores the belief that academic readiness should be prioritized over ideological considerations in admissions processes.
The initial movement to eliminate standardized tests was driven by progressives and teachers unions, who advocated for holistic assessments and classroom-based evaluations. However, the current academic challenges faced by students have prompted a reevaluation of this approach. The professors’ letter emphasizes that the University of California has limited resources and must focus on students who are prepared for the rigors of higher education.
Original reporting: WMAL (Washington DC) — read the source article.
