Central Valley students breaking barriers, pursuing science degrees

Low-income students, who are less likely to have college-educated parents, may leave high school ill-prepared for college level science courses.  Studies show that their initial performance in a science course determines whether they go on to pursue a science or technology degree.  But educators are hopeful that California's adoption of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) will engage more high school students in math and science, steering learning away from standardized testing -- and paving the way for those degrees traditionally reserved for students of more affluent backgrounds.  "The U.S. can’t tolerate a situation in which its students enter college with real enthusiasm for science, only to discover they aren’t up to it."  Read about struggling science students on South Kern Sol.