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ERIC Number: ED551574
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 101
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-2678-0937-7
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Gendered Patterns in High Achievement in Mathematics for Grades 4, 6, and 8
Falvey, Laura J.
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Rhode Island
The issue of underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers is especially important to the future of the United States in current times when STEM careers play an increasingly important role in the global economy (Toulmin & Groome, 2007; United States Department of Labor, 2007). The pool of students who enter careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics first appear in elementary school and overwhelmingly come from those with high achievement in mathematics (Berryman, 1983; Tai, Liu, Maltese, & Fan, 2006). This study examined mathematics achievement data from grades 4, 6, and 8 in one northeastern state to determine whether inequitable patterns exist along gendered lines. This study used quantile regression methodology to examine mathematics achievement as a function of gender and other student characteristics to reveal if differences exist in the top percentiles of achievement densities for this population. The use of a quantile model enabled the capture of any percentile of the distribution to reveal changes by student characteristics, allowing a more precise picture of achievement in mathematics than could be revealed by means-based methods. Results of the analyses required a rejection of the null hypothesis "there is no difference in mathematics achievement by gender in this population." Further, the point advantages and disadvantages revealed are potentially important for both males and females and may reflect impactful patterns of achievement at both the high and low ends of achievement in mathematics. Additionally, students with lower socioeconomic status, limited proficiency in English, and/or membership in a racial minority were also found to be negatively impacted in these data. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Elementary Education; Grade 6; Middle Schools; Grade 8; Junior High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A