Gender Differences in Intellectual Growth during the High School Years

Gary Sandefur, University of Wisconsin at Madison
Mary Campbell, University of Wisconsin at Madison

Using the National Educational Longitudinal Survey (NELS), we investigate gender differences in test scores in reading, math, history and science. Using multilevel growth models, we find gender gaps in 8th grade test scores that grow during high school. Female students have a growing advantage in reading during high school, while male students have growing advantages in math, science and history. Differences in parental expectations and involvement do not explain the observed gender gaps, and placement in advanced courses does not explain the gender difference in test score growth. Interactions between gender and family effects will be considered, as well as school level characteristics that might affect testing outcomes.