Mathematical preparation versus career aspirations

This report provides a general description of the mathematical programs pursued by students in Wyoming's public schools, an evaluation of the adequacy of the high school mathematical preparation of college-bound students relative to the occupational aspirations of those students, and a measure of the extent to which students are aware of the adequacy of that preparation. Each set of data was separated according to sex. Data indicate that many discrepancies exist between the mathematics program that students complete and what they actually should complete to insure successful entrance into college programs. Furthermore, they demonstrate that females take fewer mathematics courses, and their poorer preparation severely limits their occupational choices. Also included is an Afterword which suggests sources of information that might be useful in countering the problems revealed in the study. (Author/MK).