"Follow-Up to the 1985 Survey of Science and Mathematics Education" The proposed follow-up to the 1985 national survey, to be conducted jointly by RTI and Horizon Research, Inc., will determine the proportion of 1985 science and mathematics teachers who are still in teaching, investigate the reasons that others have left, and determine the likely effectiveness of various incentives for reducing attrition in the science and mathematics teaching force. Data from the 1985 survey will be used to determine if attrition is more extensive for particular groups of teachers (e.g., those in urban areas, those with better course background preparation, or those who have only a few years teaching experience). The immediate result of this research will be a better understanding of the extent of science and mathematics teacher attrition and the factors, including salary levels, that affect decisions to leave teaching.
