STEM Sorting: Unintended Consequences of Math Pathways Expansions in Community Colleges

• In Event: Race Matters: Higher Ed Policy, MSIs, and Racially Marginalized Demographics

Abstract

Offering multiple math pathways was intended to help students complete transfer-level courses. However, a potential unintended consequence is inequitable sorting across pathways. In a descriptive analysis, we observe racial/ethnic disproportionalities in enrollment across math pathways that could exacerbate the underrepresentation of racially minoritized students in STEM fields.

Authors

• Elise Swanson, Harvard University

• Elif Asli Yucel, University of Southern California

• Federick Ngo, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Tatiana Melguizo, University of Southern California

• Cheryl Dy Ching, University of Massachusetts Boston