University of California Undertakes Review of Standardized Testing Policies

The University of California (UC) is addressing concerns from faculty members about college preparedness. On Thursday, UC announced a thorough investigation into its standardized testing policies. Faculty members are voicing concerns about having to reteach middle school math to students entering university programs.

The Board of Regents and University leadership take very seriously the critical issue of college preparedness, stated University of California President James B. Milliken. He emphasized that a comprehensive, data-driven review by the UC Academic Senate aims to enhance student readiness and success. Milliken emphasized its importance on the university’s agenda.

The review, led by the Academic Senate, delves into preparation and admissions standards. A key component is whether standardized tests will return as an admissions criterion. The process involves providing an initial assessment to the UC Board of Regents, with findings expected in July.

Faculty unrest has culminated in over 1,400 signatures on a petition calling for SAT/ACT requirements to be reinstated, especially for STEM majors. The letter points to standardized tests as objective measures to evaluate student readiness, further asserting the removal of these requirements has masked significant deficiencies.

An eye-opening report from UC San Diego’s Senate-Administration Working Group on Admissions highlighted a thirtyfold increase in underprepared students. Findings revealed a stark rise in incoming first-years testing below high school math levels, with now nearly 1 in 8 students affected. Remarkably, 70% of those tested below middle school proficiency, equating to roughly 1 in 12 of the student body.

Concerns extend to the growing unreliability of high school transcripts and application essays compromised by AI. Teachers and administrators support using standardized testing to restore academic baselines, as articulated by Karajean Hyde, co-director of the UC Irvine Math Project. Hyde noted the importance of maintaining objective measures in student assessment.

The faculty maintain that requiring SAT/ACT math mandates is vital for equity in achieving educational success. They warn that removing preparation measures transfers gaps to the classroom, complicating student achievement.

Final decisions on admissions policy changes rest with the UC Board of Regents, who maintain authority to make official alterations. Should recommendations for reinstating standardized tests receive approval, implementation would target the fall 2028 admissions cycle. UC’s reevaluation of standardized testing mirrors a wider trend. Prominent institutions like MIT and Yale are reconsidering test-optional policies for their demonstrated efficacy in assessing college readiness.