Science Magnet Middle Schools and Their Influence on Student Motivation and Achievement in Science

• In Event: Roundtable Session 46
  In Roundtable Session: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Technology Initiatives on Student Achievement

Abstract

Some informal discussions among educators regarding motivation of students and academic performance have included the topic of magnet schools. However, there is limited research involving magnet schools and their influence on student motivation and academic performance. This study utilized path analysis in a structural equation modeling framework to simultaneously investigate the relationships between demographic exogenous independent variables, the independent variable of attending a science or technology magnet middle school, and the dependent variables of motivation to learn science and academic achievement in science. Out of 21 paths in the model, only five had statistical significance. Additionally, only one of the five statistically significant paths (Attended Magnet School to Motivation to Learn Science) explained a noteworthy amount (45.8%) of the variance.

Authors

• David E. Allen, Texas Christian University

• Larry R. Price, Texas State University - San Marcos

• Robert F. Reardon, Texas State University - San Marcos