A new study by João M. Souto-Maior, a postdoctoral fellow at NYU Steinhardt, and Ravi Shroff, associate professor of applied statistics at NYU Steinhardt, examined why 24% of White students in New York City high schools enroll in at least one AP mathematics course by the end of high school versus only 13% of Black students. Previous studies have suggested that enrollment disparities are due to differences in academic preparedness defined according to grades, standardized test scores, and course taking patterns. Souto-Maior and Shroff explain why these variables are inadequate indicators, and suggest their own definition of academic preparedness. They hope that their findings, published in Sociological Science, will “inform policies, like targeted outreach to students and parents, that can mitigate persistent racial gaps in AP course-taking,” says Shroff.
Black High School Students Less Likely to Enroll in AP Math Courses Than White Students with Similar Academic Preparedness, Study Finds
https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2024/march/black-high-school-students-less-likely-to-enroll-in-AP-math.html