Effects of Advanced Math Course Taking on Math Achievement, High School Completion, and Postsecondary Entry: Evidence From the Educational Longitudinal Study

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  In Roundtable Session: Student Engagement, Coursework, and High School Trajectories

Abstract

Using data from the Education Longitudinal Study, this study investigated the average effect of advanced math course taking on math achievement, high school graduation, and college enrollment as well as its varying effects by socioeconomic and racial/ethnic background. Results showed that advanced math course taking had a positive but modest effect on math achievement, high school graduation, and college enrollment, and that low socioeconomic status (SES) and Hispanic students benefited more in terms of improved math achievement scores and the increased likelihood of high school graduation, respectively, compared to high SES and White students. However, the effect of advanced math course taking on math achievement was smaller for Black than for White students. Policy implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Soo-yong Byun, The Pennsylvania State University

• Matthew J. Irvin, University of South Carolina