 Hi all –
In these dark times, I often think about the important role education can play in improving lives. It’s one reason why The Hechinger Report is committed to exposing obstacles that can derail an education, such as the little-known standard called SAP, or “satisfactory academic progress,” which is attached to nearly all federal financial aid for higher education, including grants, loans, work study and most state aid.
Turns out these somewhat vague and inconsistent requirements are keeping students who might be capable of earning a degree from obtaining one. Now, there is a new movement to reform the standards – and legislators are taking notice. We’d love to hear from you about other obstacles to higher education that we might examine.
Also this week, we have the scoop about “secret” – or let’s say, largely unadvertised – admission to selective colleges for sophomores, via our ongoing podcast with GBH News. And Jill Barshay takes a deep look at what kind of math does – or does not – prepare students for college, from a survey of about 300 Alabama college professors who oversee majors and undergraduate degree programs at both two-year and four-year public colleges.
We also tell you what really happened to all the students who were going to be held back in Tennessee, and look at a lack of computer science courses for Native American students. Finally, a reminder that we need your help as a nonprofit newsroom: Please suggest that others who are interested in education sign up for our free newsletters and become a member.
Liz Willen, Editor
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Main Idea