Education in Mathematics and the Spread of COVID-19

Eastern Economic Journal. 47, 571-589.

28 Pages Posted: 19 Aug 2021 Last revised: 12 Oct 2021

See all articles by Joshua Ang

Joshua Ang

Rogers State University

Tim Murray

Virginia Military Institute

Date Written: September 3, 2021

Abstract

We investigate the effect of standardized mathematics scores for young adults on the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States. We find that a one grade level increase in test scores led to a decrease in COVID-19 cases 30, 60, and 90 days after the first case in each county. Our findings suggest that if states and localities implement policies that increase the level of education and comprehension of mathematics at the K-12 level, that people may be better prepared to find and interpret information in a future public health crisis.

Note: Funding: None to declare.

Declaration of Interests: None to declare.

Keywords: COVID-19, Education, Mathematics

JEL Classification: I10, I18, I20, R10

Suggested Citation

Ang, Joshua and Murray, Tim, Education in Mathematics and the Spread of COVID-19 (September 3, 2021). Eastern Economic Journal. 47, 571-589., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3906034 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3906034

Joshua Ang

Rogers State University ( email )

1701 W. Will Rogers Blvd.
Claremore, OK 74017
United States

Tim Murray (Contact Author)

Virginia Military Institute ( email )

Department of Economics and Business
Scott Shipp Hall
Lexington, VA 24450
United States

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