The Development and Validation of the Math Anxiety Scale for Teachers

• In Event: Data Analysis as a Topic for Instruction and a Means for Understanding Math Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Past research indicates that teacher math anxiety is related to student outcomes and can be decreased through intervention. However, there is little research on this topic, partially due to a lack of math anxiety measures validated with teachers. In this study of 399 teachers, we report on the development and validation of the Math Anxiety Scale for Teachers. Model fit and reliability for the instrument meet standards. In addition, math anxiety scores correlate in expected ways with other variables: early elementary teachers have higher anxiety, teachers with math certification have lower anxiety, and teachers with higher math anxiety have lower math knowledge for teaching and more teacher-driven instructional beliefs. This new measure can help move this field of research forward.

Authors

• Colleen M. Ganley, Florida State University

• Robert Schoen, Florida State University

• Mark LaVenia, Florida State University

• Amanda Tazaz, Florida State University