STEM Curriculum as a Catalyst: Narrowing Racial and Structural Inequalities

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 2:30 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Reducing Structural Barriers to Educational Opportunity: Multilingual Education and Beyond (Table 27)

Abstract

Drawing upon the intersectionality framework, the purpose of this study is to examine the multifaceted impacts of race, parental education, and STEM course enrollment on high school students' academic achievement. The findings revealed that Hispanic and Black students have significantly lower earned STEM credits compared to White students. However, the study found that the positive influence of STEM Credits on academic achievement is particularly significant for Hispanic students. The findings underscore the significance of STEM curriculum as a catalyst for narrowing racial and structural inequalities. Policymakers, educators, and researchers can use these insights to develop targeted interventions that foster equity, diversity, and inclusion in education.

Author

• Shuhan Ai, University of California - Los Angeles