Stephen Karlson reports that the University of Wisconsin has trouble getting recruiters to come to campus because the pool of graduates is insufficiently diverse. UW requires that three-quarters of its students come from a state that has a population less than 10% black and Hispanic combined. Minnesota is 3.5% black and 2.9% Hispanic in the last census.

But how well will students do, more generally? From a review of "The Toolbox Revisited".

If we are going to close gaps in preparation � and ultimately degree attainment � the provision of curriculum issue has to be addressed. The highest level of mathematics reached in high school continues to be a key marker in precollegiate momentum, with the tipping point of momentum toward a bachelor�s degree now firmly above Algebra 2.

Even of students in Minnesota who take the SAT -- which are on average the top fifth of their high school classes, since the ACT is more commonly required in the midwest -- less than 75% of them report taking beyond geometry. Scores go up when you get to trig and beyond.

And taking those courses by students of color in Minnesota just isn't happening.

Categories: education, higher_ed