The impact of policy on rural high school mathematics in Alabama

Myers, Carrie Ann This quantitative study examined the impact of the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) on mathematics proficiency in rural high schools (grades 9-12) across Alabama. The literature review identified three primary challenges facing rural educators: hiring and retaining qualified teachers, accountability utilizing high-stakes testing, insufficient funding and resources, particularly in rural settings due to geographic isolation and limited access to professional development. The central problem investigated was education reform challenges educational leaders encounter when implementing policy in rural high schools regarding mathematics teaching, learning, and assessment. Three research questions guided the study: (1) How many rural high school teachers have been trained through AMSTI since 2015? (2) Is there a statistically significant difference between mathematics proficiency before and after AMSTI implementation? (3) What trends are observable following AMSTI implementation? The study employed paired samples t-tests and regression analysis examining data from nine rural high schools meeting specific criteria: rural locale codes 41-43, grades 9-12 only, and having AMSTI-trained mathematics teachers since 2015. Results revealed a decrease in mathematics proficiency scores from pre-certification to post-certification. However, median scores increased, suggesting benefits for middle-performing students. Four schools showed improvement while five demonstrated decline, with higher-performing schools more likely to improve further. These findings suggest that professional development alone may be insufficient to address rural mathematics achievement gaps without addressing systemic challenges unique to rural contexts, having significant implications for educational policy and practice.

Grantor dc:publisher

Alverno College

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Myers, Carrie Ann

• Education, Rural--Alabama
• Mathematics--Study and teaching (Secondary)
• Teachers--Training of
• Career development
• Educational change
• High schools--Alabama
• ACT Assessment
• Rural schools
• AMSTI
• STEM education
• Quantitative research

Statement dc:rights

• These materials may be used by individuals and libraries for personal use, research, teaching (including distribution to classes), or for any fair use as defined by U.S. Copyright Law.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://alverno.omeka.net/items/show/989

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:alverno.omeka.net:989