STEM Education in Underserved Schools: Promoting Equity, Access, and Excellence

The book "STEM Education in Underserved Schools" offers a model for increasing equity in STEM education at the K–12 level in the United States by bringing together a prestigious group of scholars to uncover the factors that impede equity and access and providing research-based strategies to address these inequities. It highlights that students of color and those from lower socioeconomic communities have less access to qualified science and mathematics teachers, strong STEM curriculum, resources, and classroom opportunities than their peers. The book explores the policies and practices of four nations that have made noteworthy strides toward more equitable achievement in science and mathematics and presents an innovative road map to equalize access to STEM education in the United States.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2024
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

In her groundbreaking book, "STEM Education in Underserved Schools," editor Julia V. Clark takes on a pressing national issue: the lack of quality STEM education for all students. Drawing on the expertise of a distinguished group of scholars, Clark delves into the factors that hinder equity and access in STEM education teaching and learning, offering evidence-based solutions to address these inequalities.

This essential contributed volume highlights the disparities faced by students of color and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. It reveals that these students have limited access to qualified science and mathematics teachers, insufficient exposure to robust STEM curricula, limited resources, and fewer classroom opportunities compared to their peers at other schools. Contributors to this book shed light on the challenges and best practices associated with creating more equitable and inclusive pathways to access STEM education and professions. They explore how to positively impact the trajectory of individuals from underrepresented groups in K–12 and pre-college programs, proposing a bold reimagining of STEM education.

The essays in this collection aim to expand knowledge and theory regarding how schools can provide coherent guidance for culturally responsive instruction. By examining the policies and practices of four nations—Finland, Singapore, Korea, and Australia—that have achieved notable progress in equitable achievement in science and mathematics, the authors seek to identify strategies that can be replicated in American schools.

In addition to providing a comprehensive framework for STEM education, Clark offers a powerful vision for international collaborations that would embed American scientists and students in vibrant, globally collaborative networks. Through a deep analysis of successful programs in other parts of the world and a uniquely international perspective, Clark and her contributors present innovative solutions to enhance STEM education in the United States.

This book is a must-read for educators, policymakers, and anyone passionate about ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality STEM education. By addressing the barriers to equity and access, "STEM Education in Underserved Schools" lays the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous future for generations to come.

Weight: 504g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421447209