Dial, Jamie C.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine whether years of teaching experiencehas an effect on overall achievement of students on the communication arts andmathematics sections of the Missouri Assessment Program. In addition, this studyexamined whether a teacher’s degree level has an effect on overall achievement ofstudents on the communication arts and mathematics sections of the Missouri AssessmentProgram. Using descriptive statistics and factorial ANOVA, the researcher used datafrom both the communication arts and mathematics sections of the Missouri AssessmentProgram exam from the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years to determine whether teacherdegree level or years of experience had an effect on student achievement.Inconclusive results indicated teacher degree level alone had no effect on studentachievement. The results indicated that years of experience, as well as the interactionbetween years of experience and degree level, had an effect on student achievement inboth communication arts and mathematics. These results provide a strong foundation forfurther research in which this particular study could be continued using future test scoredata. Additionally, it could be expanded statewide, using data from districts all across thestate. Finally, this study could be changed to include the addition of other factors such asyears of experience teaching a tested subject or grade level as well as specific area ofdegree level.