Harvard's Remedial Math Course and Standardized Testing Debate
The article discusses Harvard offering a remedial math course to students to address skill gaps worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and the debate around standardized testing in education. Some argue that eliminating standardized testing is responsible for skill gaps, while others view it as a tool of racism. Harvard has reinstated standardized testing requirements for fall 2025 admission.
Key Points
- Harvard offers Math MA5 to help students with foundational math skills
- Debate exists on the role of standardized testing in education
- Pandemic-related disruptions have led to skill gaps in students
Pros
- Harvard is addressing skill gaps with a remedial math course
- Standardized testing can be a tool to measure college readiness
Cons
- Some view standardized testing as a relic of racism
- Eliminating standardized testing may create barriers for historically excluded populations