Online Program

A Study of Determinants in CPS Mathematics Achievements: Structural Equation Modelling Approach (303202)

Keywords: Attitudes, Affective factors, Achievement, Structural equation modeling

The sector of public education is currently facing dwindling resources. With the recent budget cuts in Chicago Public Schools, district administrators are faced with decisions regarding the various programs that may continue to be funded. Many school programs have been evaluated and reduced or eliminated completely; additional tutoring programs and extra curricular activities represent two likely categories of programs to be targeted for cuts across the district. In order to further understand the impact of these program cuts, we examine the relationship between several variables and academic achievement in mathematics within a sample of high school students from Infinity Math Science and Technology High School using Structural Equation Modeling. These variables include, extra curricular activities, school provided tutoring services, parents’ educational level, and amount of time students spend watching TV and using social media platforms. Additionally, we studied a structural equations model with four latent variables and analyze their impact in mathematical achievement. These four latent factors are: students’ background, mathematical attitude, school experience, and personal experience. The presentation is focus on the methodology of the application of SEM.