BERKELEY, Calif. (KCBS) -- The stereotype that girls are not as good at math as boys seems to have little basis in reality. A new study by Cal Berkeley researchers shows no difference between the math test scores of girls and boys.
U.C. Berkeley education professor Marcia Linn co-authored the study, and says girls’ math scores have been improving over the past two decades.
"I think we really need to get the word out that girls and boys can both do math, and that they should both be encouraged to explore mathematics problems and think about mathematics not just in school subjects, but in every part of their lives," said Linn.
Linn and her fellow researchers at Cal, and the University of Wisconsin Madison, found that not only are girls scores on standardized math tests now equal to boys' scores, but just as many girls now take advanced math classes in high school as boys.
However, Linn says that despite these results the stereotypical perception that girls are bad at math is still very prevalent.
"We've been looking at this for over 20 years and it's been fascinating to see these trends because girls have just continuously improved in their performance relative to boys," said Linn.
Linn says it is important that educators teach students that math is a part of their everyday lives. She adds that if more women pursue careers in science and engineering, it might encourage girls to do the same, and excel in math.
(MGO)
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KCBS' Melissa Culross reports
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