Increased Enrollment of Latino and Black Students in Advanced Math Classes Sparks Interest: Is It a Model to Follow?

 

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In a state that has grappled with anti-diversity legislation and attempts to stifle discussions on systemic racism, a new law in Texas is making waves, potentially offering Latino and Black children new opportunities in advanced math courses.

Only a few states have taken the bold step that Texas did this year. Under a law signed by Governor Greg Abbott in May, school districts and open-enrollment charter schools are now required to automatically enroll sixth graders who score in the top 40% of the math portion of the state standardized test, STAAR, in advanced math courses. This move is a significant departure from the previous practice of relying on teacher and counselor recommendations or the initiative of students and their families.

In the Dallas school system, this policy shift has yielded encouraging results. The share of Latino sixth graders enrolled in honors math has surged from one-third to nearly 60%. Similarly, Black sixth graders' enrollment has risen from about 17% to 43%, and for white students, the gains are even more impressive, jumping from half to roughly 82%.

Historically, biases about the abilities of Latino and Black students in advanced courses have acted as barriers to their participation. This change in Texas is often referred to as an "opt-out" law or policy because qualifying students are automatically enrolled but can choose to opt out if they feel unprepared.

While Texas is still developing implementation rules for the new law, some school districts, like Hays Consolidated Independent School District near Austin and San Antonio, have been ahead of the curve. They have been using an "opt-in" policy since 2018, which goes beyond the state law by considering additional factors like performance on the MAP Growth test and teacher recommendations. This approach has led to a significant increase in the percentage of rising sixth graders in advanced math classes.

Education experts have noted that this policy shift has the potential to reduce racial disparities in advanced math enrollment. Often, more affluent or white and Asian families are aware of the benefits of advanced courses and actively seek them out, while many other families are not as informed about these opportunities. Opt-out policies aim to level the playing field and ensure equity.

Algebra, seen as the gateway to higher math courses and STEM fields, has long been a point of contention. A 2018 federal report highlighted that only about a quarter of all eighth graders were enrolled in Algebra 1, with disparities among racial groups. However, opt-out policies have shown promise in addressing these disparities.

While barriers have persisted for years, particularly in states like Texas with a significant Latino population, education systems are beginning to recognize the need for change. Initiatives like these could offer a brighter future for Latino and Black students in advanced math courses and STEM fields.

As Texas embarks on a legislative session focused on education, advocates are pushing for continued support and funding for these initiatives. Representatives Joaquin Castro and Cory Booker are even planning to reintroduce legislation to support schools and districts in increasing enrollment and performance of underrepresented students in advanced courses. This could mark a crucial step towards achieving greater equity and diversity in education.

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