Upgrading the High School Math Curriculum: Math Course-Taking Patterns in Seven High Schools in California and New York

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated that students enrolled in the general math track do not take as much math and do not learn as much math as students in college-preparatory math courses (Gamoran, 1987; Oakes, 1985; Porter, 1989). State, district, and school initiatives in California and New York have been developing mechanisms to address this problem of inequality by creating new transition math courses and eliminating the general math track. This study examines course-taking patterns of students in seven high schools in California and New York that have attempted to enroll lower level math students in more meaningful initial math courses. By examining students’ transcripts, the success of various policy options to upgrade the math curriculum are evaluated. Our data indicate that the new transition math courses meet with partial success in providing a common curriculum to students with diverse math preparation.