Using Advanced Tools, Techniques, and Methodologies

High school course-taking plays a critical role in shaping K-12 and post-secondary educational outcomes. Previous educational research often quantifies coursework in a qualitative manner. This research introduces institutional researchers to the use of a profile analysis method with an application of Profile Analysis via Multidimensional Scaling (PAMS) for identifying high school coursework patterns in a quantitative fashion. Four prototypical student coursework profiles were identified: (a) rigorous; (b) Advanced Placement vs. honors; (c) non-foreign language vs. foreign language; and (d) English and social science/ history vs. mathematics and science. Subgroup analyses provide evidence that male and female students differed in their patterns of coursework; females completed relatively more English and foreign language and males completed relatively more mathematics and science. Furthermore, students from lower income families adhered to the rigorous and foreign language profiles less than students from higher income families.