New research highlights a significant gap in student readiness for advanced coursework, with only a quarter of eighth graders meeting preparedness criteria—but even among those who qualify, many fail to enroll. The findings suggest systemic barriers may be preventing eligible students from accessing higher-level academic opportunities. Experts point to potential issues in guidance, awareness, or systemic inequities as key factors. The data underscores the need for closer examination of how schools identify and support students for rigorous academic paths.
Some 25% of students are prepared for the course in 8th grade, but a quarter of that subset still don’t take it, NWEA research says.
