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[Walt Haney (Haney@hermes.bc.edu)
at Boston College's Center for the Study of Testing, Evaluation and Educational
Policy, sends along this abstract of a study supporting middle grades algebra
programs. Contact Walt for more information. ]
The impact of early access to algebra
This study by Julie Smith (1996) investigates the lasting impact of taking
algebra before high school.
"Using a nationally representative sample of high school students,
I explore the effects of early access to algebra on students' access to
advanced mathematics courses and subsequent high school math achievement.
"Results demonstrate that early access algebra has an effect beyond
simple increased knowledge measures and in fact may 'socialize' a student
into taking more mathematics, regulating access both to advance coursework
and increases achievement in high school. Implications for broader curriculum
policy changes concerning early access to algebra are discussed."
Citation: "Does an extra year make any difference?
The impact of early access to algebra on long term gains in methematics
attainment." Educational Policy and Policy Analysis, Vol.
18, No. 2, pp. 141-153.
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