Just over half of California 11th graders had progressed far enough in math in 2011 to be eligible for the state's Early Assessment Program (EAP), which measures students' readiness for college-level math.

Who can participate?

Only 11th graders who are taking or have completed Algebra II can participate in the EAP in math. The EAP uses expanded versions of the Algebra II California Standards Test (CST), which only students in that course take, and the Summative High School Mathematics CST, which is for students who have already completed Algebra II.

The EAP's use of only these two math tests reflects the fact that completion of Algebra II is required for admission to the California State University, which developed the EAP with leaders from K-12.

Students who participate in the EAP Math get early feedback about their college readiness. Those who do well are exempted from taking a placement test in math should they enroll at a California State University campus or at a growing number of California's community colleges.

How well do students do?

In 2011, 6% of all 11th graders were considered "college ready" and were exempted from having to take a placement test in math upon admission to a CSU. Another 17% were given the exemption conditional on taking another year of rigorous math in 12th grade.

All other California 11th graders either:

• Were not deemed college-ready via the EAP Math;
• Did not take the EAP Math, even though they were eligible to do so; or
• Had not reached at least Algebra II and so could not participate in EAP Math, as was the case for 49% of 11th graders.

The state of California requires students to complete Algebra I to graduate from high school, but does not require students to pass higher math courses.

To find out more about how 11th graders' progress in math in 2011 compares with previous years, see this EdSource data page.