Women's Completion of STEM Degrees Based on Eighth-Grade Mathematics Achievement (Poster 42): Division C - Section 1c: Mathematics, Stage 1, 9:53 AM

• In Event: e-Lightening Ed-Talk Session 11 - Stage 1

Abstract

Women remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This study explored the relation between girls' performance on an 8th-grade mathematics Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) and later completion of STEM degrees to identify a practical way to close the gender gap. We used logistic regression on degree completers at a diverse university in Texas (N = 5,264) to calculate the odds of women completing STEM degrees based on mathematics scale scores. There was a positive association between mathematics scores and STEM degree completion, highlighting the influence of 8th-grade mathematics scores on women's educational and career pathways. The findings suggest the potential benefits of interventions during adolescence to enhance mathematical competencies.

Authors

• Summer Robinson, University of Houston

• Paul Anthony Turcotte, University of Houston

• Allison Master, University of Houston