In 2005 and 2009, graduates completing a rigorous or midlevel curriculum earned higher average NAEP mathematics scores than graduates completing a less challenging curriculum.
Average NAEP mathematics scores, by curriculum level: 2005 and 2009
| HSTS 2005 |
HSTS 2009 |
| Average NAEP mathematics score |
Standard error |
Average NAEP mathematics score |
Standard error |
|---|
| Below standard |
139 |
|
(1.4) |
142 |
|
(1.3) |
|---|
| Standard |
141 |
* |
(1.2) |
143 |
* |
(1.4) |
|---|
| Midlevel |
156 |
* |
(1.0) |
158 |
* |
(0.8) |
|---|
| Rigorous |
188 |
|
(1.4) |
188 |
|
(1.0) |
|---|
* Significantly different (p<.05) from next highest curriculum level.
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, High School Transcript Study (HSTS), 2005 and 2009; National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 2005 and 2009 Mathematics Assessment.