Science Education and Student Diversity: Synthesis and Research Agenda

Abstract

Science Education and Student Diversity: Synthesis and Research Agenda (Lee & Luykx, in press) analyzes and synthesizes current research on how racial/ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic variability affects science achievement among K-12 students who have traditionally been underserved by the education system. The book begins with science achievement gaps among diverse racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups. After describing the methodological and other criteria for inclusion of research studies, it summarizes major findings in the literature with regard to the relation of science achievement gaps to science curriculum, instruction, assessment, teacher education, school organization, educational policies, and students' home and community environments. Finally, it proposes a research agenda to strengthen those areas in which the need for a knowledge base is most urgent, as well as those that show promise in establishing a robust knowledge base.