Challenges in California's High School A-G Course Completion Rates

In California, the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems mandate that high school students complete a series of courses known as the A-G requirements to qualify for admission. This includes four years of English, three years of math, two years each of science, social science, and foreign language, and one year of art. However, a significant number of students are failing to meet these requirements, which has implications for their college enrollment prospects.

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A recent analysis revealed that only 54% of high school students statewide pass the necessary A-G classes. This statistic highlights a troubling trend, particularly among low-income, Black, and Latino students, who exhibit some of the lowest completion rates. Additionally, English learners and students with disabilities also struggle, although their completion rates have shown slight improvements in recent years. The analysis focused on data from 1,468 public high schools, excluding alternative and specialized institutions, and found that 222 schools had A-G completion rates below 30%, while over 400 schools exceeded 70%.

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Several factors contribute to the low A-G completion rates. Some schools may offer the required courses, but students do not enroll or fail to achieve a grade of C or better. Additionally, nearly 10% of traditional high schools do not provide the necessary courses at all. Education researchers Sherrie Reed Bennett and Michal Kurlaender noted that the lack of course offerings and the inability to retake assignments can hinder students' progress.

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Despite the overall challenges, Dominguez High School in Compton has emerged as a notable success story. In the 2023 academic year, 96% of its graduates met the A-G requirements. This achievement is attributed to a decade-long effort to foster a college-going culture, initiated by the establishment of Compton Early College High School in 2015. The school has focused on providing students with access to community college courses, resulting in all students graduating on time and completing the necessary coursework for UC and CSU eligibility.

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The completion of A-G courses significantly impacts college enrollment rates. Data indicates that 86% of students who graduated with the required courses enrolled in a college or university within 16 months, compared to only 55% of those who did not complete the A-G sequence, most of whom attended community colleges. This disparity underscores the importance of ensuring that all students have access to the necessary courses to enhance their post-secondary opportunities.

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Education experts emphasize the need for all students to be enrolled in A-G courses to guarantee their eligibility for four-year universities. Jorge Torres, the director of college and career readiness for Compton Unified, expressed pride in the turnaround at Dominguez High, noting the surprise it generates among educators at conferences.

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While the data presents a clear picture of the challenges faced by many high schools in California, there is a lack of comprehensive information on the specific reasons behind the low enrollment in A-G courses across different districts. Further research is needed to understand the barriers that prevent students from completing these essential classes.

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• “To this day, you get that sense of, like, ‘Wait, who, Compton?” — Jorge Torres, Director of College and Career Readiness, Compton Unified

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• “It’s the only way to guarantee that all students have the option of enrolling in a four-year university after high school.” — Sherrie Reed Bennett, Education Researcher, UC Davis

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