Course Access
It doesn’t have to be this way. New York can and must do better.
Keep reading for the data, the stories, and the solutions.
An Agenda for Equity
In 2018-19, students who were low-income and students who were Latinx, Black, and American Indian were less likely than their non low-income and White peers to be enrolled in a range of gatekeeper and advanced courses in middle and high school.
Students who are low-income and Latinx, Black, and American Indian students are less likely to attend schools that offer these critical courses. And even when they do attend schools that offer the classes, students from historically under-served groups are less likely to be enrolled in them.
State leaders have taken important steps to improve equitable access to advanced coursework. New York must urgently build on that progress. We call on state leaders to enact specific policies to:
- Improve access to advanced courses
- Support students and parents
- Eliminate barriers to enrollment
- Eliminate enrollment disparities
Proficient and Passed Over
Even when students who are low-income; Latinx, Black, and American Indian students; current and former English Language Learners; students with disabilities; and students in temporary housing demonstrate that they are meeting the state’s academic standards by scoring “proficient” or “advanced” on their grade 7 state math assessment, they are less likely than their peers to be given the chance to take advanced math classes in grades 8 and 9.
A Statewide Challenge
School Spotlights
Read how schools and districts across the state are working to ensure all students have equitable access to advanced courses.
Additional Resources
Learn more about this issue and find additional resources.
Civil rights, education, parent & business groups commend NYSED for new guidance on improving equitable access to advanced coursework
Key stakeholders respond to report finding that Latino and Black students across New York are...
Poll: Recent grads call for more rigorous college and career preparation in high schools
Just one in three New York public high school recent graduates report that they felt “significantly challenged” in high school, and roughly half of those who went on to college report having to take at least one remedial course.
Legislators, superintendents, business leaders, parents, and students join together to ensure all students have access to critical courses
More than 500 parents, educators, and community leaders across New York are calling on state education officials to take steps to ensure that all students have access to the critical courses that will prepare them for success in college, careers, and civic life.
Albany Times Union: New York must take steps to prepare students for future
Read about why ensuring all students have access to key courses is critical for New York’s future...