The Influence of School-Level Structural Factors on Creativity and Math Achievement Among Students in Brazil: A Multilevel Analysis

Abstract

This study examines how school-level structural factors influence students' creativity and math achievement in Brazil. It addresses the research question: to what extent do these factors impact creativity, and how does creativity predict math achievement, controlling for individual characteristics? Recognizing the importance of creative thinking and math skills for academic success, uses a multilevel analysis with two models. Model 1 focuses on student-level variables, such as creativity scores and math achievement, alongside control variables like gender and socio-economic status (ESCS). Model 2 incorporates school-level factors from the PISA assessment, including support for creativity and available resources. The findings show that adding school-level variables did not significantly alter the models' outcomes, with both performing similarly. However, socio-economic status was a significant predictor, indicating the crucial role of individual backgrounds in education. Ultimately, the study highlights the need to consider both individual and structural factors to improve academic outcomes through targeted interventions.