This descriptive correlational study involved 313 Grade 10 STE learners enrolled in the different STE implementing schools in Nueva Vizcaya. Structural equation modeling, specifically, path analysis was used to answer the research questions. Path analysis was used to identify the direct and indirect effects among the variables used. The models show good fits that allowed valid interpretation for the structural phase of the study.

Results revealed that the students perceived high level of perception on the relevance, personal motivation and quality of STEM subjects and implementation. Also, students perceived high critical thinking disposition. Moreover, the students had high academic achievement in Mathematics and Science.

The structural equation model indicates that critical thinking dispositions could result to higher achievement rate in Math and Science. Additionally, perception on relevance of STEM subjects could also contribute to higher achievement rate in Math and Science with critical thinking disposition as mediator. Moreover, sex, age, socio-economic status, highest educational attainment of parents and school size had significant difference on the increase of critical thinking dispositions towards the increase in Math and Science achievements.

Keywords: STEM subjects, relevance, personal motivation, quality, critical thinking disposition, Math and Science achievement, structural equation modeling

Thesis (Master of Science in Teaching- Mathematics)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.