"California's Controversial Debate: Data Science vs. Algebra II"

California's public universities, including Berkeley and U.C.L.A., are reconsidering whether high school students can skip Algebra II and instead take data science as a substitute. The universities initially allowed data science as an "equity issue" to increase college access, but concerns have been raised about the potential for less challenging coursework and limited opportunities. The State Board of Education has voted to remove its endorsement of data science as a substitute for Algebra II, following the state university system's decision to re-examine admission requirements. The debate reflects the national challenge of balancing educational standards with equity, as data science could draw students into higher-level math but may divert them from acquiring necessary quantitative skills. Racial disparities in advanced math and concerns about lowering academic standards have also been raised.