First published in 1985. In the mid-seventies, there was growing concern that early decisions not to study mathematics in high school might be limiting the occupational options available to women. As part of a larger program on career development, the Career Awareness Division of the Education and Work Group, then one of the major organizational units of the National Institute of Education (NIE), initiated a special research grants program on women and mathematics. Research information that would sort out the competing explanations for women's lower rate of participation seemed a useful contribution to debates about possible remedial actions. Should there be, for example, widespread development and implementation of programs designed to reduce mathematics anxiety? This volume represents the culmination of a research program with many contributions.

Susan F. Chipman National Institute of Education, Lorelei R. Brush Aurora Associates and Donna M. Wilson National Institute of Education.

Foreword, 1. Women's Participation in Mathematics: Outlining the Problem, 2. Project TALENT: Mathematics Course Participation in the 1960s and its Career Consequences, 3. A National Assessment of Participation and Achievement of Women in Mathematics, 4. Self-Perceptions, Task Perceptions, Socializing Influences, and the Decision to Enroll in Mathematics, 5. Cognitive and Affective Determinants of Course Preferences and Plans, 6. Visual-Spatial Skill: Is it Important for Mathematics? Can it be Taught?, 7. The Influence of Sex-Role Stereotyping on Women's Attitudes and Achievement in Mathematics, 8. School, Classroom, and Home Influences on Women's Decisions to Enroll in Advanced Mathematics Courses, 9. Factors Related to Young Women's Persistence and Achievement in Advanced Placement Mathematics, 10. The Impact of Early Intervention Programs Upon Course-Taking and Attitudes in High School, 11. Understanding Mathematics Course Enrollment and Mathematics Achievement: A Synthesis of the Research, 12. Strategies to Increase Mathematics Enrollments, References, Author Index, Subject Index