Using NAEP Data on Functions to Examine First-Generation College-Bound Students' Mathematics Course-Taking

• In Event: Roundtable Session 24
  In Roundtable Session: Using NAEP Data From a STEM Perspective

Abstract

This paper reports on a study that used data from the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to examine the relationship between course selection and function performance by first-generation college-bound students. The study found that student enrollment in challenging mathematics courses positively related to increased student performance on the function strand. The paper discusses how the particulars of the findings might inform data-driven policy to capitalize on potential areas of strength for a student group that has historically under performed in mathematics.

Authors

• Arnulfo Perez, The Ohio State University - Columbus

• Mine Dogucu, The Ohio State University