Predicting Algebra Achievement with an Algebra Prognosis Test, IQs, Teacher Predictions, and Mathematics Grades

Predicting Eighth-Grade Algebra Achievement

“…Finally, it is important to note that the multiple correlation coefficients yielded by the present study are somewhat lower than the .66 to .76 previously reported when grades were predicted (Barnes & Asher, 1962;Hanna et al, 1969;Mogull & Rosengarten, 1972;Sabers & Feldt, 1968) and.79 to .81 when achievement tests provided the criterion (Hanna et al, 1969;Sabers & Feldt, 1968). However, the samples in the earlier studies comprised ninthgrade students with a broader variation in academic abilities and aptitudes.…”

“…On the one hand, the research reported in the literature has generally shown previous mathematics grades to have the highest correlation with algebra grades, whether the set of predictors included only conventional ability and achievement tests (Rothenberger, 1967) or a special-purpose aptitude test as well (Barnes & Asher, 1962;Kovaly, 1980;Mogull & Rosengarten, 1972, 1974. On the other hand, two studies that included algebra achievement test scores as a second criterion of success found algebra aptitude tests to be the best predictors of both criteria (Hanna, Bligh, Lenke, & Orleans, 1969;Sabers & Feldt, 1968). It is important to note, however, that previous grades were not among the independent variables in the latter study.…”

Predictors of Success in Accelerated and Enrichment Summer Mathematics Courses for Academically Talented Adolescents

“…Findings have been mixed. Prior mathematics grades significantly predict students' Algebra I course grades in some studies (Belli & Gatewood, 1987;Flexer, 1984) but not in others (Hanna et al, 1969). In comparing OHAPT scores and math grades, the findings on which is a stronger predictor are also mixed.…”

“…From these perspectives, past experiences and prior achievement in mathematics are key to the learning and understanding of more advanced mathematical concepts and to future achievement in mathematics courses. In studying the relationships between prior mathematics achievement and future mathematics performance in middle and high school students, researchers have examined the predictive strengths of mathematics readiness tests (e.g., Flexer, 1984;Hanna, Bligh, Lenke, & Orleans, 1969) and past mathematics course grades (e.g., Reynolds & Walberg, 1992;Schrecongost, 2003). Both types of measures have been found to be significant predictors of future mathematics achievement.…”

“…The Orleans-Hanna Algebra Prognosis Test (OHAPT; Hanna et al, 1969) is an instrument used to determine students' academic readiness for Algebra I. OHAPT scores significantly predict students' final Algebra I grades and performance on the Modern Algebra Test (Flexer, 1984) and the Lankton First Year Algebra Test (Hanna et al, 1969) but not on the Cooperative Mathematics Test (Belli & Gatewood, 1987). Another instrument that assesses students' readiness in mathematics is the MDT.…”