Science Achievement Gaps by Gender and Race in Elementary and Middle School: Trends and Predictors

• In Event: 75.056 - STEM Education and Society

Abstract

Research on science achievement disparities often examines postsecondary education and thus neglects the beginning of the pipeline in the early grades. We address this gap by examining the science achievement of students from elementary to middle school. We ask two research questions: (1) What are the science test score gaps by gender and race from third to eighth grade and (2) To what extent do individual and school factors explain eighth grade science gaps? Our results indicate that gender and racial gaps in science achievement emerge as early as third grade and remain stable over time. However, differences in classrooms explain most of the racial gaps. The results have implications for gender and racial inequality in the science fields.

Authors

• David Quinn, Harvard University

• North Cooc, The University of Texas - Austin