High school math achievement related to PSE pathways, outcomes: HEQCO

A new report published by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) examines the relationship between high school math achievement and postsecondary pathways. Researchers Jackie Pichette, David Kanters and Sofia Ahmed drew on data from the Hamilton Community Research Partnership and found that students with stronger math achievement were more likely than their counterparts to graduate high school, access postsecondary education, enroll in STEM programs, earn higher grades, and ultimately graduate from PSE. The authors conclude by noting that while indicators such as grades and standardized tests are imperfect and not a means to an end on their own, they are still important tools when combined with other indicators to provide information about students’ knowledge and skill development.