This article states that some of the minority students repeating Algebra 1 scored higher than those not held back. I'd like to know why...class grades, student choice, perhaps an unwillingness to complete course work in summer school.
I don't like articles such as this. The author is assuming the premise that Calculus in HS is preferable to a mastery level of the basics.
I take it you've not examined very many college major courses of study recently. Colleges of business, science, agriculture, and engineering at my alma mater have a calculus requirement in most majors by the sophomore year. Introductory Physics courses are delineated as requiring or not requiring Calculus. Engineering majors of most every stripe will not be admitted into the professional courses (junior-level and above) without calculus as it forms the basis of classes like thermodynamics.
Of course. Would YOU like to stake your pension on failing a minority kid a second time?
Didn't think so.