Response to UC BOARS, February 2024

Dear CourseKata Community,

On February 21, UC BOARS committee released a statement on mathematics (Area C) admissions requirements, along with updates in the latest Counselors & Advisers Bulletin. Over the past few months, UC BOARS had appointed an Area C Workgroup, and we had anticipated that the workgroup would come out with recommendations about the category of math courses known as “advanced math.” We encourage you to read the statements from UC BOARS in full but wanted to reiterate the points most relevant to your courses and students:

1)    Nothing has changed for Academic Year 2024-25.

2)    UCOP was charged to divide advanced math courses into two types: ones that will validate Algebra II/Integrated Math 3 (e.g., Pre-Calculus) and ones that will not (e.g., AP Statistics). That is, only some advanced math courses will be allowed as an alternative to Algebra II/Integrated Math 3. The UCOP will provide further details as they become available.

3)    Any changes to advanced math will be implemented by AY 2025-26.

There are likely to be other recommendations about UC’s recommended 4th year math courses coming out in May 2024 from the same workgroup. As an organization committed to students’ understanding of statistics, data, and mathematics, we will be flexible and adjust our curricula to meet Area C standards if changes are necessary. 

Thank you for your patience and perseverance through these changing policies. We will continue to monitor changes and respond in a thoughtful way that prioritizes the needs of students, teachers, and schools.

Sincerely,

Ji Y. Son, PhD

Jim Stigler, PhD