The role of applied mathematics and algebra in postsecondary educational and occupational choices by rural students

The purpose of this study was to determine if postsecondary educational or employment choices made by rural students were related to mathematics courses taken. The population consisted of 304 rural students from three west central Florida counties who had completed Applied Mathematics I and II or algebra and had exited high school at least 1 year prior to the study.; This study utilized quantitative data which provided the basic research evidence, and qualitative student data which provided examples. Chi square was used because the mathematics courses taken are discrete and the postsecondary educational or employment choices made by the student are discrete.; The research was carried out in four phases. Phase one included the collection of descriptive data through obtaining information from consortium districts regarding mathematics courses taken by high school students. Phase two involved the development and distribution of follow-up survey cards and letters for consent to participate in the study mailed to 500 students. Phase three consisted of data analysis, and phase four included in-depth interviewing and synthesizing of interview data.; Recognizing that subjects in this study achieved average grades and were not gifted or talented, the following conclusions were drawn from the findings. Students from both groups indicated that mathematics content had little to do with their decision to continue on to a postsecondary educational institution or to enter the workforce. Students who entered postsecondary education indicated that the mathematics courses they had taken has little to do with their postsecondary educational choice. Students who were employed stated that mathematics courses did not influence their postsecondary occupational choice. Students in both groups indicated that their postsecondary choices were influenced by one or more of the following: teacher or parental input, previous goals or visions set by the student or the availability of specific programs of study.; This study concluded with the recommendations that educators must understand that for the average student there is a need for high basic skill standards, as well as a need for emphasis on cognitive skills with technical skills that prepare students for employment and postsecondary education.