학술논문

Intensive Math Instruction and Educational Attainment.
Document Type
Article
Source
Journal of Human Resources; Winter2015, Vol. 50 Issue 1, p108-158, 51p
Subject
Educational attainment
Exit examinations
High school enrollment
Mathematical analysis
Regression analysis
Language
ISSN
0022166X
Abstract
We study an intensive math instruction policy that assigned low- skilled ninth graders to an algebra course that doubled instructional time, altered peer composition and emphasized problem solving skills. A regression discontinuity design shows substantial positive impacts of double- dose algebra on credits earned, test scores, high school graduation, and college enrollment rates. Test score effects underpredict attainment effects, highlighting the importance of long- run evaluation of such a policy. Perhaps because the intervention focused on verbal exposition of mathematical concepts, the impact was largest for students with below- average reading skills, emphasizing the need to target interventions toward appropriately skilled students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]