Impact of Integrated Science and Mathematics Instruction on Middle School Science and Mathematics Achievement

Abstract

Despite the impetus from professional organizations for science and math integration, evidence in support of such efforts in raising both science and mathematics achievement is scarce, particularly for underrepresented students. The available literature is mixed especially regarding impact on mathematics outcomes. This exploratory study documents the impact of the Middle School Math and Science (MS)2 Integration project based on the results of the internal evaluation of an intensive teacher training model for integrated science and mathematics in middle school. Multivariate analysis of variance shows (MS)2 positively impacted middle school students’ science and mathematics knowledge in this sample of diverse students. Overall, the (MS)2 group outperformed the comparison group. There was also evidence that students who received (MS)2 integrated instruction in science classrooms slightly outperformed those who received (MS)2 integrated instruction in math classrooms. Multiple regression results indicated that (MS)2 group membership and opportunity to learn through integrated instruction were significant predictors of students’ science and mathematics scores. Although students in (MS)2 classrooms were more likely to have higher achievement scores, the frequency of integrated instruction opportunities also significantly predicted student achievement, particularly in mathematics classrooms. Ethnicity and gender were not significant predictors of student scores. Implications are discussed.