Dissertation Proposal Announcement E.d.D. Program: Shehnaz Ahmad “Math Anxiety in High School Students: A Survey Study of Students’ Opinions and Feelings About Mathematics”

Math anxiety (MA) is a psychological condition characterized by feelings of tension, fear, or dread associated with mathematical tasks. MA affects students’ confidence and negatively impacts their academic achievement, leading to avoidance behaviors, lower grades, and diminished interest in pursuing higher-level math courses. Although there is widespread research examining the relations between MA and student achievement, much less is known about which factors are most predictive (school or student) of MA. Therefore, educators have little insight into how to support students to persist in higher-level math classes despite their feelings about MA. This survey study of one district’s high school students (n=3040) aims to learn from students about the factors that influence their feelings and confidence in math. The study will attempt to answer the following research questions: 1. What is the level of student MA as measured on the modified Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale? 2. Does total MA and math achievement share an inverse or direct relationship? 3. Which student-related factors are predictive of high levels of MA in students? 4. Which school-related factors are predictive of MA in students? 5. How do factors predictive of high levels of MA vary, based on specific student/school characteristics?