Automatically enroll high-performing sixth graders in advanced math, with parent opt-out, to circumvent educator bias in referral¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 associational), q1 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

Texas SB 2124 requires districts to automatically enroll sixth grade students who scored in the top 40% on fifth-grade STAAR or a comparable local assessment into advanced math, unless a parent opts out, and to build middle school programs leading to eighth-grade Algebra I. The brief states this should "circumvent educator bias by no longer relying exclusively on teachers to refer students for advanced math opportunities." Similar local policies reportedly eliminated racial disparities among high-performing middle schoolers.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Districts must develop middle school advanced math programs so enrolled sixth graders can take Algebra I in eighth grade
• Districts should make the policy's purpose clear to staff, provide teacher training, and emphasize foundational elementary math instruction

Constraints¶

• TEA guidance for SB 2124 was still in development at the time of writing
• Some districts will need to focus on staffing to offer advanced math

Target Learners¶

• Sixth grade students in Texas districts and open-enrollment charter schools

Target Learning Goals¶

• Access to advanced mathematics coursework and pathways to eighth-grade Algebra I

Claims¶

• School offerings and placement practices limit opportunity for 8th-grade algebra access [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Adopt automatic-enrollment policies that default students into higher-level math based on prior achievement or demonstrated proficiency
• Adopt automatic enrollment and open enrollment policies for advanced courses to expand equitable access
• State leaders should eliminate dual credit fees for all students and strengthen automatic enrollment policy implementation
• State policy package to expand equitable access to advanced coursework: credit transparency, automatic enrollment with opt-out, fee removal, disaggregated data reporting, and belonging supports
• Use multiple measures, not single test cut scores, to determine eligibility for dual credit courses
• Adopt automatic (opt-out) enrollment policies placing qualifying students in advanced coursework

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Kristen Hengtgen, Hector Biaggi. (2024). Increasing Access to Advanced Coursework in Texas. EdTrust. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED641978