Genetic Algorithms for Propensity Score Matching: Evaluation of Project Lead the Way in College Persistence

• In Event: Methodological Issues in Evaluating Higher Education Outcomes

Abstract

This study utilizes the genetic algorithms for propensity score matching to generate treatment and control groups to examine the effectiveness of Project Lead The Way, which aims to provide middle school and high school students with a seamless path to college and career success in STEM-related fields. Specifically, as a part of a statewide, longitudinal research, this study estimates the PLTW impact on students’ college persistence by emphasizing on postsecondary portion of the data set. The authors provide policy implications for practitioners and policy makers about the critical role that PLTW can play to increase the number of participation in postsecondary STEM education in the U.S.

Authors

• Soko S. Starobin, Iowa State University

• Frankie Santos Laanan, Iowa State University

• Tom Schenk, Iowa State University

• David Rethwisch, University of Iowa

• Melissa J. Chapman, Professional Data Analysts, Inc.