Uncovering AP STEM Gaps for Girls of Color in Harris County High Schools

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 9:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Intersections of STEM and Females

Abstract

This study examined the representation among Black and Hispanic female high school students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) STEM courses in Harris County, TX. Using the Civil Rights Data Collection for 2021-2022, we conducted Spearman’s Rank Order correlations to analyze the relationship between campus-level factors and the representation of these students in AP courses. The findings show that as female Hispanic enrollment increased, their representation in AP Math decreased. Additionally, as AP Course availability increased, Math and Science AP enrollment increased while Computer Science decreased. Larger schools also had a negative effect on AP Computer Science participation. This study offers a unique localized quantitative approach towards AP placement practices for girls of color. Professional implications and suggestions are discussed.

Author

• Jesus Campos, Harris County Department of Education