High Hopes--Few Opportunities: The Status of Elementary Science Education in California. Strengthening Science Education in California

Abstract

This report addresses how well California is doing to prepare its young people for the evolving economy and societal challenges. Specifically, it describes the status of science teaching and learning in California public elementary schools. This study was conducted in support of "Strengthening Science Education in California," a research, policy and communications initiative that explores the strength of science teaching and learning and offers recommendations for improving science education in California. Partners in this initiative include 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 report synthesizes findings from multiple sources of data collected during 2010-11: surveys of district administrators, elementary school principals, and elementary school teachers; case studies of elementary schools; and data available through existing statewide datasets. It is one in a series of reports designed to provide timely and actionable information about the status of science education in California and to identify ways it can be strengthened. The central finding of this report points to the need for significant improvement: children rarely encounter high-quality science learning opportunities in California elementary schools because the conditions that would support them are rarely in place. Research Methods are appended. (Contains 21 exhibits and 8 footnotes.) [For the summary report, "High Hopes--Few Opportunities: The Status of Elementary Science Education in California. Summary Report & Recommendations. Strengthening Science Education in California," see ED525733.]