Digital Commons Network^™

The Effectiveness Of Co-Taught Geometry Classes, Alesha Bowers

Master of Science in Mathematics

Ever-changing graduation requirements, along with other legislation involving students with disabilities, many schools have started implementing and pushing for more cotaught math classes if they have the means to do so. Certain schools have begun researching and experimenting with different types of co-teaching pairs and models for specific subject areas, including math. This research examines which type or types of students benefit the most from co-teaching in the geometry classroom setting, but also if schools are most effectively utilizing their teachers to receive the most success on the Geometry EOC AIR Assessment, by using Mixed models and Two-Way ANOVA techniques. …

Repercussions Of Multicollinearity In Binary Logistic Regression, Aaron Wayne Ghaner

Master of Science in Mathematics

The type I error rates for the binary logistic regression model were examined across varying levels of multicollinearity. Population data sets were created using the statistical software package R and then used to create data suitable for binary logistic regression models. The results showed the type I error rates did not differ across multicollinearity levels, the percentage of accurately classified cases were unaffected, and the variance inflation factors were affected by more than just correlation between the independent variables. These results show that multicollinearity may have limited effects on the type I error rates of the binary logistic regression model; …

Predicting Students’ Performance Using Growth Models, Sam Habach

Master of Science in Mathematics

This study examines the effectiveness of latent growth models for clustering middle school math students to predict the high school academic outcome, as measured by the number of AP STEM courses passed in high school. Middle school math performance is based on the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS) scores. The study also examines whether demographic factors can predict student performance clusters. These demographic factors are High-risk status (HAR), eligibility for a free lunch program (FRP), and/or an individualized learning plan (IEP). The study concluded that the students’ growth can be grouped into four clusters. …

Students With Disabilities And Participation In Extracurricular Activities, Stephanie M. Miller

Master of Science in Mathematics

The role of secondary educators is to produce successful students, not only academically but developmentally. Educators must equip students with the skills and habits they need to transition into adulthood smoothly. Instructors are constantly looking at ways to produce student achievement, but unfortunately, not all students graduate on time, and, even worse, some students drop out of high school. One group of students who fall into this at-risk category is those with disabilities. Students with disabilities tend to have lower academic achievement, more chronic absences, and more behavior misconduct than students without disabilities.

This study examined the effect participation in …

A Study Of The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Integrated Mathematics Ii Ohio State Test Scores, Jessica L. Banas

Master of Science in Mathematics

The COVID-19 pandemic took hold of our world and affected nearly every aspect of our lives. It was especially impactful to adolescents, who were already experiencing major stressors and changes in their lives without the added effects of the pandemic. Instead of worrying about who they are going to go to prom with or sitting with at lunch, students may have struggled to help with childcare, how their learning will be delivered to them the following week, or the effects of little to no social interactions. Consistent stressors can lead adolescents to develop dysfunctional neurobehaviour or simply fall into the …

An Investigation Of The Effects Of Gender, Socioeconomic Status, And Age On Mathematics Outcomes Of In-Person And Online Learning, Stephanie L. Spencer

Master of Science in Mathematics

The coronavirus pandemic created a unique situation where a rural school district in western Ohio gave students a choice to attend school in-person with face-to-face teachers or take courses online through an asynchronous online platform. The state mathematics grade level and end-of-course test scores were taken by both groups of students in the spring of 2021. An analysis of the state grade level test scores for grades 3-8 revealed significant predictors of instructional mode, socioeconomic status, and gender. Taking courses online predicted a lower score by 23 points, the socioeconomically disadvantaged scored 20 points lower, and females were behind by …

Assessing The Impact Of Covid-19 On Students Mathematical State Test Scores At A Southern Ohio School, Sierra Grooms

Master of Science in Mathematics

COVID-19 caught the world by surprise in the fall of 2019. By spring of 2020, most (if not all) schools were in a virtual setting. It was a major and quick (almost overnight) change with little to no plan of action. This paper aims to analyze the impact of the COIVD-19 virus on students' performance of their mathematics state test. Students’ pre-COVID (spring of 2019) mathematics state test scores were compared to their post-COVID (spring of 2021) mathematics state test scores. When analyzing potential predictors, gender wasn’t found to play a significant role in students’ test scores, but socioeconomic status …

Community Colleges & Athletics: Academic Success Of Student-Athletes, Courtney Calkins

Master of Science in Mathematics

This research examines the relationship between community colleges and athletics. There is little research done on the interaction between athletes, on-campus housing, and community colleges. Studies show that the more students are involved in the college, the more likely they are to stay at the school they are at and succeed academically. Little research is done at community colleges because they often lack athletics or housing, but there is a growth in the number of athletic teams in the junior college system as well as the number of schools that provide housing for their students. This research is to help …

Academic Performance In Mathematics Of High School Students With Virtual Instruction Vs. Face-To-Face Instruction, Ahmed Dakwar

Master of Science in Mathematics

The intent of this study was to explore the extent to which the academic performance in mathematics differs between high school students with virtual learning and students with traditional classroom face-to-face learning. The study focused on Tennessee public high schools, and this thesis was a quantitative study. The data were collected from credible Internet sources such as the Tennessee Department of Education website, where the data were made available for the public to use and analyze for research purposes.

A total of 143 high schools located in 58 counties participated in the study. The selection of the sample was done …

Predicting Academic Success From Involvement In Athletic Extracurricular Activities, Fine-Arts Extracurricular Activities, Or Both Extracurricular Activities, Matthew Garman

Master of Science in Mathematics

Public education at all levels has sustained a torrent of modulation in recent years, most notably due to the repercussions from the Covid-19 global pandemic. Schools are offering more remote/online options for students as well as utilizing hybrid curriculums taking advantage of the evermore widespread availability of technology and connectivity, even in our more rural school districts. The ramifications of these modifications to the traditional classroom setting are still unknown, and as such many areas of the public education system need to be closely monitored. One such area would be extracurricular opportunities for students, especially those opting for remote/hybrid curriculums. …

Predicting Success On The Nclex-Rn For Associate Degree Nursing Students From A Small Public University, Jeffery Dittenber

Master of Science in Mathematics

The success of an associate degree nursing program is often dichotomized into either passing or failing the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nursing (NCLEX-RN). Not only are individual students’ nursing future dependent on successfully navigating this examination, but the licensing and accreditation of nursing education programs are determined by maintaining consistent first-time pass rates of their graduates. This study will investigate academic and demographic factors to determine significant predictors of first-time pass on the NCLEX-RN for the associate degree in nursing program at Shawnee State University.

Are Sores On The Grit-S Questionnaire And Class Participation Significant Predictors Of Success In An Online College Mathematics Course?, Mikhail Mednik

Master of Science in Mathematics

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly disrupted past norms in higher education. The immediate impact was felt worldwide, as an abrupt shift to remote learning made colleges more invested in online courses than ever before. Although not as evident, another significant change in higher education included a shift away from the use of traditional cognitive predictors (SAT and ACT scores) by colleges and universities, to admit prospective applicants. These trends escalate the need for faculty and administrators to identify non-cognitive predictors of achievement in online college courses, particularly in core subjects like mathematics. This study examined whether grit and participation are predictive …

Self-Esteem, Attitudes Toward Mathematics, And Mathematics Achievement In A Rural Appalachia High School, Jennifer Akers

Master of Science in Mathematics

The study was conducted at a rural Appalachia high school that is in the northern part of Appalachia. Research on students from Appalachia is difficult to find. The research wanted to see if any relationships occurred between students’ self-esteem, attitudes toward mathematics and mathematics achievement. Social and Emotional Standards are becoming an important part of students’ educational experience. Students’ poor mathematics achievement at Huntington High School has been topic of interest since 2005 and before. If self-esteem and attitudes towards mathematics have a relationship to math achievement, then Huntington High School could use the way they implement Social and Emotional …

Extracurricular Activities And Their Effects On Edgerton High School Students’ Geometry State Test Scores, Nicholas C. Archer

Master of Science in Mathematics

Extracurricular activities play a big role in developing some students into well-rounded adults, while other students choose to not participate in any. This study was performed to show a specific relationship between participating in extracurricular activities and higher test scores on the geometry state test in Ohio. This study was conducted at a rural high school in northwest Ohio, with a sample of 145 students who took both the geometry state test and the eighth-grade standardized test. With this data and the data of which of these students participated in which extracurricular activity, if any, this study could then answer …

The Examination And Prediction Of Success In An Urban Honors Algebra 2 Class, Sonja Spencer-Jackson

Master of Science in Mathematics

Students are missing out on the benefits of taking higher-level math courses or accessing courses like Precalculus and Calculus. There is significant research that shows that algebra is a major factor and predictor of success in mathematics, college enrollment, and entering science, engineering, technology, and mathematics fields. Since Black students and Hispanics are more likely to be placed in lower-level tracks, they are excluded from high quality instruction that would prepare them for post secondary attendance. The goal should be to increase the participation of students in these courses. This study examined a small honors Algebra 2 class in an …

An Examination Of Student Achievement In Algebra I Inclusion Classes That Use Short-Cycle Formative Assessments, Lorenzo A. Rashid

Master of Science in Mathematics

No abstract provided.

Predicting Academic Achievement In Undergraduate Statistics Courses Using The Grit Gauge, Brittany Barbush

Master of Science in Mathematics

Higher education institutions strive to make accurate predictions regarding student achievement. These predictions can lead to productive admissions policies, better initial course placements, greater retention rates, and ultimately higher graduation rates. Current research suggests that cognitive and non-cognitive factors can predict academic success. Using a multiple measures system can provide the most encompassing assessment method for potential student success. Grit is a non-cognitive factor that has recently gained the attention of researchers in its ability to predict success. Grit can be described as a dispositional personality trait that enables an individual to achieve long-term goals despite difficulties that may arise. …

Cognitive And Non-Cognitive Predictors Of Academic Success In Undergraduate Mathematics Courses, Amy Lamb

Master of Science in Mathematics

The changes in student demographics and course modality led the researcher to examine cognitive and non-cognitive predictors of academic success in undergraduate mathematics courses. Linear regression analyses were used to determine if ACT and mathematics subscore, high school grade point average, GRIT Gauge® score, age and socioeconomic status were significant predictors of academic success in undergraduate mathematics courses. The results indicated that only high school grade point average was a significant predictor of academic success. In addition, independent samples t-tests were used to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in the mean GRIT® score between STEM and non-STEM …

Reading Ability And Success In Algebra 1: Using Reading Scores And Regression To Predict Success On The Ohio Algebra 1 Eoc, Joshua Klein, Renee Lambert

Master of Science in Mathematics

The state of Ohio requires high school students to meet course credit and testing requirements in order to graduate. The purpose of standardized testing is to ensure all students are being taught and learning the same standards at the same proficient level. An algebra teacher who is already teaching the Ohio algebra standards would assume that students would be successful on the algebra 1 EOC exam. When students are not successful, it becomes necessary to determine where instruction has failed, or what interventions must be used to supplement learning to achieve success. Because these are high-stakes tests, being able to …

The Influence Of Bilingualism On Mathematical Achievement: An Analysis Across Different Countries, Joshua Rodriguez

Master of Science in Mathematics

The effects of bilingualism, socioeconomic status, parental education, parental income, and a child’s positive attitude on mathematical achievement have been quite disputed topics during the past decades. Using the foundations of Cummins’ threshold and developmental interdependence hypotheses, Coleman’s theory on social capital, Vygotsky’s theory on language, and the functional attitude theory, this study investigates if and how effectively these attributes predict mathematical achievement in fourth-grade students. Using the latest iteration of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, multiple regression models evaluate the consequences of multiple language use, individual social standing, and positive attitude effects on mathematical achievement with …

Investigating Cut-Point Methods In Roc Analysis: A Critique Of Alternative Approaches, Gregory W. Mcguire

Master of Science in Mathematics

In 2017, Ilker Unal presented the Index of Union method for obtaining optimal cut-points in ROC analysis and claimed that it outperformed other methods, including the historied Youden Index. This is an investigation into that claim using generated data. It specifically pits the Youden Index method against the Index of Union (IU) method under various circumstances. The data sets have different ratios of diseased and non-diseased data points along with different ratios of true and false results based on a theoretical true cutpoint. The data was analyzed to see if any patterns emerged as to when the Youden Index obtain …

Investigating The Impacts Of Remote Learning During Covid-19 On Student Athletes’ End-Of-Course Assessments, Hillary Moreland

Master of Science in Mathematics

The education system has been in disarray since the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This research project plans to evaluate the learning process of in-person learning verses online learning. The purpose of this project is to provide an insight into online learning and the hope is to spark a conversation to improve it. The data for the project was collected from a high school located in Huntersville, North Carolina. The findings from this study are: (a) there is a statistically significant difference in means between the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school year state EOC scores, (b) there is a statistically …

Academic Success In Career Technical Schools For Students Who Have An Iep/504, Bryan M. Ropp

Master of Science in Mathematics

This study examines the interaction of career technical education and traditional school education and the impact each school type has on students with disabilities. Each school type is being measured on academic performance on ACT Scores taken during the student’s senior year and using Ohio End-of-Course Exams scores as a baseline that are taken during the student’s sophomore year. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to see what the best predictor of ACT Scores was using End-of-Course Exams scores, school type, gender, IEP, 504, and free-reduced lunch status as predictors. The study takes place in Greene County, Ohio where students …

An Analysis Of The Validity Of Xavier University’S Math Placement Exam And The Accuracy Of Placements Resulting From It, Andrew Ray Hill

Master of Science in Mathematics

Since the early 1980s, Xavier University (in Cincinnati, Ohio) has used its own placement exam as the sole criterion for placing incoming students into their first math courses. Even though the exam has been employed for over 40 years, there has never been a rigorous analysis of its design or of how appropriately it places students. So the purpose of this study was to provide such an analysis. The quality of the exam design was gauged in three ways. First, the study determined whether, for each of the 40 multiple choice questions that comprise the exam, the correct response was …