– There were moderate effect sizes (Cohen’s d) each year of the study for the Grade 5 STAAR Mathematics scores, Grade 5 STAAR Science scores, Grade 8 STAAR Science scores, and the 2014-2015 Grade 8 exams STAAR Mathematics scores.
– For all years, Grade 5 students in poverty had an average STAAR Mathematics test score that was 6-7 points lower than their peers who were not economically disadvantaged.
– For all years, Grade 5 students in poverty had an average STAAR Science test score that was about 5 points lower than their peers who were not economically disadvantaged.
– For all years, Grade 8 students in poverty had an average STAAR Math test score that was between 5-8 points lower than their peers who were not economically disadvantaged.
– For all years, Grade 8 students in poverty had an average STAAR Science test score that was 6-7 points lower than their peers who were not economically disadvantaged.
– Students who were economically disadvantaged as well as students who were not poor had improved test performance from the 2011-2012 through the 2013-2014 school years.
2017 - Differences in Mathematics and Science Achievement by Grade 5 and Grade 8 Student Economic Status: A Multiyear, Statewide Study
Anderson, Pamela Bennett; Moore, George W.; Slate, John R.
Researchers: George W. MooreJohn R. SlatePamela Bennett Anderson
University Affiliation: Sam Houston State University
Email:
Research Question:
What is the difference in Grade 5, 8 STAAR Mathematics and Science test performance as a function of student economic status?
Published: Yes
Journal Name or Institutional Affiliation: Global Journal of HUMAN-SOCIAL SCIENCE: H
Journal Entry: Vol. 17, No. 5
Year: 2017
Findings:
Data Description:
For this study an ex-post facto, non-experimental, causal-comparative research design was used (Creswell, 2009).
Archived datasets for the spring STAAR Mathematics and Sciences tests from the Texas Education Agency for the 2011-2012 through the 2014-2015 school years were obtained and examined.
DV: STAAR Mathematics and Science test scores for Grade 5 students and Grade 8 students for each of the 2011-2012 through the 2014-2015 school years.
IV: Student economic status (disadvantaged refers to student status based on eligibility for free or reduced-price lunches as outlined in the National School Lunch program).
Theoretical Framework:
Relevance:Factors Related to STEM Readiness
Archives: K-16 STEM Abstracts