Briefs
Below you will find links to our briefs where we highlight the key findings and policy implications of our research and field-building efforts.
Who Takes Calculus Courses? An Analysis of CRDC Data From 2011-2021
Calculus is a core part of many college-going students’ high school experiences and may also be important for higher educational opportunities. Many students take it in high school as part of required or advanced-level coursework, especially in STEM-related fields or for K-12 students aiming to pursue a STEM-related field. Several factors hinder the ability for students to access quality calculus courses, such as their district and/or school offering few, if any, courses. Within schools, there might also be structures or practices impeding access to calculus and therefore affect whether students enroll in calculus if their school offers it. Equitably increasing student access to quality math, and specifically calculus, courses can help prepare students for the postsecondary life with the skills they need to succeed, whatever their own personal success looks like.