Untapped Potential: The Status of Middle School Science Education in California. Strengthening Science Education in California

Abstract

Despite the expressed need for high-quality science education, very little research has been conducted on what middle school science learning opportunities look like in practice. This study was conducted in support of "Strengthening Science Education in California", a research, policy, and communications initiative. Partners in this initiative are the Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning at WestEd; the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California, Berkeley; SRI International; Belden Russonello & Stewart; Stone's Throw Communications; and Inverness Research. The research conducted as part of this initiative was designed to provide data on the status of science education in California and identify how science education can be strengthened. The authors' objective is to portray accurately the state of science education in California. The ultimate goal is to inform policymakers and practitioners in their efforts to strengthen science education in California. As a whole, the authors conclude that California needs a new road map for supporting science learning in public schools. Policymakers must review and revise the accountability, resource allocation, and support systems that are driving science education out of public schools. Strengthening science education must be a priority. (Contains 10 exhibits and 3 footnotes.)