Impact of the FUTURES series. Executive summary

摘要

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the FUTURES series in affecting junior high school students' attitudes towards math and careers. FUTURES is a series of 12 programs designed to encourage positive attitudes in students towards math and science. The series illustrates their relevance to a variety of careers. The programs are hosted by Jaime Escalante and targeted to seventh to 12th grade students, with a special focus on minority students. This study looked at the long-term effects of the FUTURES series under classroom conditions. This study was designed to measure the effectiveness of the series in: (1) increasing positive attitudes toward math and science in school; (2) motivating students to have more positive attitudes about their future careers; (3) widening the possible choices of careers that involve the use of math and science; and, (4) creating an understanding of the relevance of math and science to careers and daily life. In addition, this study examined the appeal of the series, the students' understanding of program content, and how the series was used in the classroom.