Changing course: the gender gap in college selectivity and opportunities to learn in the high school curriculum

Abstract

Potochnick (2013) Changing course: the gender gap in college selectivity and opportunities to learn in the high school curriculum, Gender and Education, 25:7, 851-871,

Gender differences in social studies skills: A Texas, multiyear study

“…Similar attention has been placed on the decreasing achievement of boys in academic areas [1,4] . Although boys outperform girls in standardized science and mathematics tests, girls are excelling in other areas of academic course taking.…”

“…The National Student Clearinghouse (2015) [3] reported that bachelor degrees earned by women in science and engineering fields had decreased from 2004 to 2014. Further, researchers [4,5] have revealed that boys are more likely than girls to pass national high stakes examinations in mathematics and science. Boys were more likely than girls to achieve passing scores on ACT mathematics and ACT science exams [6] .…”

“…Additionally, Ganzert (2012) [12] determined that 33.1% of females who completed a dual credit course graduated from college compared to 25.5% of males who completed a dual credit course in high school. Similarly, Moller et al (2013) [4] established that girls who attended high schools with more Advanced Placement opportunities were more likely than boys to attend colleges with more stringent enrollment requirements. Moore and Slate (2008) [13] documented that more girls had been enrolled in Advanced Placement courses than boys.…”

“…Moore and Slate (2008) [13] documented that more girls had been enrolled in Advanced Placement courses than boys. According to Moller et al (2013), [4] girls excel in high schools in which more Advanced Placement courses are made available. Increased exposure to rigor benefits girls more than boys indicating that school context influences gender achievement [4] .…”

“…Moller et al (2013) [4] indicated that school context and curriculum were essential for postsecondary outcomes. School context is designed to provide opportunities for student success and postsecondary readiness.…”