The Value of High School Mathematics: Measuring the Effects of Access and Exposure of Secondary Mathematics on Later Life Outcomes
Adviser(s):
John Eric Humphries
Abstract:
In this paper, I examine and estimate the impact of advanced mathematics courses
in high school on post-secondary outcomes. Using a longitudinal study starting in
1997, I measure this impact using a sample of nearly nine thousand students across
the United States. I estimate the impacts using OLS regression and propensity score
matching, and consider multiple ways of measuring advanced mathematics courses.
In both methods, I find positive relationships between math and income and math
and educational attainment. Additionally, I find that students with access to higher
level courses in math gain an advantage in these same outcomes compared to similar
students who are restricted by lack of opportunity. This paper highlights the potential
importance of expanding student access to mathematics in high school.
Term:
Fall 2021