Female and mathematics skills: best ranked students in tests of mathematical performance

In this article differences between female and male sexes, in terms of performance in BECOMA Battery of Evaluation of the Mathematical Competition, are analyzed, using the Competencies –especially the mathematical competency- as a framework. Scientific and technical disciplines have traditionally been a “male” field, according to multiple investigations in education; that is why it is indispensable to deepen in this topic. First, a study of PISA Program for International Student Assessment –this test is chosen because of its importance, high number of participant countries, solidity and rigor in evaluation and analysis-, is carried out. Then, an inquiry of the best ranked students is conducted, by establishing a relationship between mathematics skills, high performance (level 6 and 7 in BECOMA) and female sex. Attention to the diversity is a fundamental principle of inclusive education, and in that order, the detection of students with the best mathematics performances is indispensable.

Differences among sexes; Yield tests; Mathematical reasoning; Diagnosis of the mathematical competition; Students with high mathematical capacity