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Classroom Context: Mathematics Coursework

As part of the 2009 mathematics assessment, eighth-graders were asked about what mathematics course they were taking currently. The full text of the question, the corresponding percentages, and scale scores of students who responded in each category are below.

What math class are you taking this year?

A. Geometry
B. Algebra II
C. Algebra I (one-year course)
D. First year of a two-year Algebra I course
E. Second year of a two-year Algebra I course
F. Introduction to algebra or pre-algebra
G. Basic or general eighth-grade math
H. Integrated or sequential math
I. Other math class

Grade 4
Grade 8

Eighth-graders who took general or basic eighth-grade math classes (273) scored lower than those who took geometry (300), any type of algebra (280, 298, 281, 291, and 276 respectively), or integrated or sequential math (295) classes.

coursetaking, grade 8, scale score

NOTE: The NAEP Mathematics scale ranges from 0 to 500. Some apparent differences between estimates may not be statistically significant. See complete data.
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 2009 Mathematics Assessment.

Browse questionnaires for the NAEP assessments.