Studying the Implementation of Equity Initiatives in Science Education Amid Divisive Political Contexts

• In Event: Conflicts and Contestations Over Equity in STEM: Ethics and Emotions, Politics and Possibilities

Abstract

Increasingly, equity is a focus in science education policy making, but there is limited research on how science education leaders navigate the political environments of schooling to engage in equity work. This paper examines the kinds of equity projects that science leaders engage in, and how these relate to recently passed legislation at the state level regarding equity (e.g., anti-Critical Race Theory laws). We found that engagement in equity projects varied widely across and within states. However, in states with laws promoting equity, leaders were engaged in more racial equity-related projects than in states with legislation that restrict discussion of matters of race, so-called “gag orders”. These findings underscore the importance of the wider political environment for science education leadership.

Authors

• Trang C. Tran, University of Colorado - Boulder

• William R. Penuel, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Corinne Singleton, Menlo Education Research

• Philip L. Bell, University of Washington