Diversity in Statistics Education at Postsecondary Institutions

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Comparative Studies in Mathematics Education

Abstract

Statistics classes are required for postsecondary students in a variety of majors, in addition to students who are statistics majors themselves. This study uses enrollment data from a large Midwestern university as well as nationally representative data collected from National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to examine the status of diversity within postsecondary statistics education. Results indicate that the distribution of statistics majors by gender is fairly equitable although females may be somewhat underrepresented. In addition, Black, Hispanic, and White students are shown to be underrepresented compared to the student population, while Asian students and International students are shown to be overrepresented among statistics majors when compared to the student population.

Authors

• Julie Ann Lorah, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Montserrat Valdivia