The Status of Hispanic American Students in Science: Attitudes

Abstract

This study examined attitudes towards science among Hispanic American students in schools that participated in the National Assessment of Educational Progress over the past three testing periods. Examining four areas of attitudes with three age levels-elementary, junior high, and senior high schoolthe results for Hispanic students were compared with attitudes toward science of white and black students of the same age levels. Results indicated variations in attitude among ethnic minority students, both males and females, toward science classes, science teachers, careers in science, and the value of science. Interesting changes were observed over the testing periods, with minority students showing continual increase in positive attitudes. Attitudes toward science can be expected to influence course and career choice, yet other explanations for barriers facing minority students must be considered when attitudes cannot be identified as a primary factor preventing participation in science.