High school mathematics and science curriculum and school locale: Influences on future occupation

Citation

Wilner, Paul G. & Schiller, Kathryn S. (2010). High school mathematics and science curriculum and school locale: Influences on future occupation. 2010 Add Health Users Conference. Bethesda, MD.

Abstract

This study determines the influence high school curriculum has on future occupation in science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and how this influence may vary according to school urbanicity. We hypothesize that certain mathematics topics and levels of complexity are more conducive to persistence in STEM fields and the impact of these topics vary according to school urbanicity. To test this hypothesis, this study looks beyond the courses a student takes and looks into the complexity of topics contained in each individual course. This provides a fine grained approach for total educational experience. We use Add Health curriculum data and Wave IV occupation variables to determine whether students with a complex curriculum in mathematics and science tend to secure jobs in STEM fields. Controlling upon demographics and student ability, a two level hierarchical linear model will map out which specific mathematics and science topics have the most influential effect on future occupation. This model will shed light on the impacts of curricular differences at different levels of urbanicity. It may also provide evidence that students are forced out of STEM fields as early as high school, and what mathematics and science topics serve as gatekeepers for STEM fields.

URL

https://addhealth.cpc.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/docs/news/FINAL%202010%20Add%20Health%20Users%20Conference%20Abstracts.pdf

Reference Type

Conference proceeding

Book Title

2010 Add Health Users Conference

Author(s)

Wilner, Paul G.
Schiller, Kathryn S.

Year Published

2010

City of Publication

Bethesda, MD

Reference ID

6434