Participation and Performance of Women and Minorities in Mathematics. Volume I: Findings by Gender and Racial/Ethnic Group.

This document is the first volume of a two-volume study that explores the gender and racial/ethnic factors contributing to differential participation and performance in mathematics by elementary and secondary school students in the Montgomery County Public Schools (Maryland). This first volume contains an introduction and three major sections. Section I, "Conceptual Framework," comprises the following chapters: (1) "Review of the Literature"; and (2) "Methods." Section II, "Findings Related to Mathematics Participation and Achievement by Gender and Racial/Ethnic Group," comprises the following chapters: (1) "Mathematics Enrollment and Achievement at the High School Level"; and (2) "Progress and Performance in a K-8 Mathematics Curriculum." Section III, "Findings Related to Attitudes and Beliefs About Mathematics by Gender and Racial/Ethnic Group," comprises the following chapters: (1) "Students' Attitudes and Beliefs About Mathematics"; (2) "The Home Environment--Parental Attitudes, Beliefs, Expectations, and Support"; (3) "The School Environment: Teachers', Counselors', and Principals' Attitudes and Expectations Concerning Mathematics for Students"; and (4) "Summary and Recommendations." Statistical data are included on 72 tables and 7 graphs. The appendices include a list of 48 references, lists of mathematics curriculum objectives, copies of the data collection instruments, and the following statistical data: (1) course enrollment, grades, and California Achievement Test performance by gender and racial/ethnic group; (2) responses to student questionnaires; (3) responses to parent questionnaires; and (4) responses to teacher and counselor questionnaires. (FMW)