The impact of mathematics integration into Business Computer Information Systems curriculum on mathematics achievement of high school students at a south Texas School District

The study examined the impact of mathematics integration into Business Computer Information Systems (BCIS) on the basis of Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) mathematics achievement scores in a south Texas School District. The non-probability samples consisted of 314 students in BCIS classes with mathematics integration and 761 students in BCIS classes without mathematics integration. The study was ex post facto in nature, employing a mixed methods model. Quantitative results revealed that there were no statistically significant interaction effects of mathematics integration and grade level on any TAKS mathematics objectives and total scores. The mathematics integration group outperformed the comparison group on Objective 3 (linear functions) and total score, and the differences were statistically significant. There were statistically significant grade differences on the basis of Objectives 1 (functional relationships), 4 (linear equations and inequalities), 5 (quadratic and non-linear functions), 7 (two and three dimensional representations of geometric relationships and shapes), 8 (measurement and similarity), 9 (percents, proportional relationships, probability, and statistics in application problems), 10 (mathematical processes and problem solving) and total score. Analysis of effect sizes showed 10th and 11th graders in the mathematics integration group outperformed the comparison group on all outcome measures and that 9th graders outperformed the comparison group on all objectives except Objectives 5 and 6 (geometric relationships and spatial reasoning). The teacher focus group resulted in two themes, namely, 1) achievement because of career and technology and 2) time for better achievement, while the analysis of the student focus group resulted in one theme: career and technology support in understanding mathematics. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.