Algebra II and College

1. Research Question

1.1. How have the increased high school graduation requirements in math for the State of Arizona correlated with college attendance?

2. Problem

2.1. Many students are struggling to complete Algebra II. Many schools are unable to hire enough math teachers to teach the extra classes that are needed for graduation. What if these extra classes aren't having the affect that we want?

3. Rationale Statement

3.1. The State of Arizona increased the graduation requirements, including adding Algebra II for all students. One of the purposes of this was as a result of studies that showed that students who passed Algebra II are more likely to attend college and be successful in their career. The addition of math classes has put a strain on schools and some students. Correlation does not always mean causation. It is important to see if the increased requirements are having the affect they were intended to.

4. Framework

4.1. List of valuable resources.

4.2. Independent Variable: Algebra II as a requirement or not for graduation.

4.3. Dependent Variable: Percent of students that are attending college.

4.3.1. Research done through data gathered about Arizona high school graduates before and after the requirement for high school graduation increased.

4.4. Subquestions

4.4.1. How does it affect different ethnic groups?

4.4.2. How does it affect different genders?

4.4.3. How does it affect different socioeconomic groups?