| Abstract: | Student preparation for college showed significant declines through the 1970s, according to Scholastic Aptitude Tests and other indices. During the same period, scores declined on my standardized, mid-term exam used for introductory physical geography at UCLA. I suggest that the latter is primarily caused by the former. As a result of declining preparation and abilities, many physical geography texts have been down-written to a high-school level. These texts have grave implications for the quality of learning, recruiting of quality students, and academic respect for geography as a discipline. |
