Governor Gavin Newsom of California addressed questions regarding the potential reinstatement of SAT and ACT requirements in a recent press event. This came after more than 3,000 faculty members from the University of California (UC) system expressed their concerns in an open letter about students’ preparedness in mathematics.
The open letter, released in May, followed a UC San Diego report revealing that a significant portion of incoming students fell below expected math standards. Specifically, one in eight students did not meet high school math standards, and one in twelve failed to meet middle school standards. This concern arose after the UC Board of Regents decided in 2020 to eliminate SAT and ACT considerations from admissions.
When asked about the open letter, Newsom stated, “We all have our own perspective” on SAT requirements, emphasizing his interest in more data before taking a stance. He mentioned that while there are various anecdotes and opinions, he values evidence for making informed decisions.
Newsom confirmed discussions with UC President James B. Milliken and the Board of Regents, highlighting the need for data to drive the ultimate decision on standardized testing. He noted, “The data needs to bear out the ultimate determination on this,” but acknowledged that different data trends have emerged.
As the debate on standardized testing continues, the UC system announced a review of its testing policies. James B. Milliken remarked that college preparedness is a top priority and emphasized a data-driven approach to enhancing student success.
A mathematics professor from Berkeley recently highlighted the lack of preparation among many students entering college, attributing this to “test-blind” policies. She noted that some students appear years behind in subjects like mathematics.
Karajean Hyde, a lecturer from the UC Irvine Math Project, stressed the need for objective benchmarks to establish academic standards. She believes that standardized tests are not the sole measure of a student’s abilities, but they play a critical role in maintaining consistent academic expectations.
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