Moving the Needle for Ever-ELs?: Advanced Math Course Taking and College Enrollment

STEM preparation-especially high school math course-taking-is a key predictor of college entrance. Previous research suggests that high school English learners (ELs) not only take fewer advanced math courses but also enroll in college at much lower rates than non-ELs-a group that includes former ELs. In the present study, we alter the analytic lens to examine whether ever-EL status, i.e., ever being identified for and receiving EL services, moderates the relationship between advanced math and college enrollment. Essentially, do ever-EL students experience the same boost to college enrollment from advanced math as their peers? We employ multilevel models to analyze statewide, longitudinal, administrative K-12 and higher education data to examine how ever-EL status and advanced math-and the interaction between the two-predict high school graduation, college application and enrollment, and level of college attended. Results show that both measures are associated with a greater likelihood of graduating from high school, applying to a four-year college, and enrolling in any college. We also find that ever-EL status moderates the relationship between advanced math and college enrollment, with important implications for students' access to four-year colleges. Ultimately, ever-EL students experience different returns on advanced math relative to never-ELs.