Plus, what inspired our deep dive on early ed

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Liz Willen
It turns out, the value of calculus is in the eye of the beholder. College admissions officers are all about it. College professors? Not so much.

Our Jill Barshay dug into the research and found that math professors say students race to the calculus finish line, then wind up with weak algebra skills. Professors in non-STEM fields say high school grads would be better off learning more practical math — such as statistics, data analysis, accounting and spreadsheets. Read Jill's column ([link removed]) to find out how admissions officers have an entirely different view.

Also this week, we have the tale ([link removed]) of how Washington state plans to wean students from reliance on the FAFSA, which turned out to be especially troubled last year ([link removed]) . Instead, it will find other ways to connect students in need with financial aid for college, and other states are considering similar steps. And read the story behind the story of our examination of how states are trying to “fix” child care.

Thanks for reading. You can thank us by making a donation ([link removed]) that helps us continue to bring you stories like these. We welcome your questions: Just hit reply to this message.

Nirvi Shah, executive editor

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Main Idea


** Is calculus an addiction that college admissions officers can’t shake? ([link removed])
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The calculus track often serves to separate rich and poor students, sorting middle schoolers into an accelerated path to calculus or a slower path that does not include calculus. So why do more than half of U.S. high schools offer calculus and why do so many students choose to take it? Many critics point their fingers at college admissions.
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Reading List


** Forget FAFSA, says one state. We got you ([link removed])
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Low-income families that qualify for other benefits could automatically get financial aid



** Investigating how kids are harmed by lower child care standards ([link removed])
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Lower standards are being masqueraded as a child care solution



** What happens to students when rural colleges cut programs and majors ([link removed])
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The Hechinger Report’s story examining how and why rural colleges are cutting dozens of programs and majors showed the enormous impact on rural students, who often have few college options



** California finally ended a ban on bilingual education. Now it can’t find enough teachers for these classes ([link removed])
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The linguistically diverse state has a tortured history with bilingual education in public schools



** California prohibió la educación bilingüe durante casi 20 años y aún no se ha recuperado del daño ([link removed])
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El estado con mayor diversidad lingüística del país tiene una historia complicada en lo que respecta a la educación bilingüe en las escuelas públicas

⭐ Extra credit! You are allowed to repost or reprint our stories as long as you follow these guidelines ([link removed]) . Questions? Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

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