The State of Middle School and High School Labs in the Kansas City Region

Abstract

This report shares the findings of an audit conducted across thirty school districts in which the state of science labs was assessed. The audit was conducted by SuccessLink, with funding of the project from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. This study was conducted as part of the Kauffman Foundation’s multi-year agenda to improve student achievement in mathematics, science, and technology subjects in the Greater Kansas City region.Auditors visited 170 school buildings in thirty school districts over a five-month period during the 2006-2007 school year. They recorded observations on safety issues, science lab facilities, and equipment and materials. Auditors also conducted teacher interviews and provided online surveys to teachers and administrators in order to assess aspects of instruction, learning, and district policies. This data was then compared to standards set by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). The results indicate that science labs in the Kansas City region do not meet national standards and that much work needs to be done to bring the school science labs up to the national standards.