From Memory to Movement: SECRET Work to Advance Science Literacy

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

Public education, and science education specifically, stand in a period of erosion and contestation. The negative consequences fall heaviest on Black, Brown, Indigenous, and impoverished communities long denied access to quality schooling and robust scientific literacy. Building on work of the Science Education Campaign for Research, Equity, and Teaching (SECRET), this presidential session centers dialogue that is historically grounded and forward-looking. Following Vanessa Siddle Walker’s call to let histories inform change-making and coalition building and heeding the urgency for restorative and transformative, future-oriented dialogue, we convene a panel of interdisciplinary voices in science education to hold past, present, and future together. Contributors will name the dangers of the moment and share visions and emerging practices for resistance, joy, and community.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chairs

• Brian Williams, Brian Williams Science

• John Settlage, University of Connecticut

Papers

• Science for Us: Engaging in Elementary Participatory Science for Community Change - Terrance Burgess, Michigan State University

• Noticing and Futuring for Equity: Transformative Commitments in Justice-Oriented Science Education - Alexis Patterson Williams, University of California - Davis

• Changing of the (Van)Guard: Leaving Behind Apolitical Science Education - Daniel Morales-Doyle, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Remaining Steadfast in the Pursuit of Justice-Oriented Science Education - Tia C. Madkins, The University of Texas at Austin

• Maintaining Unapologetic Commitments to Racial Justice and Black Joy When Saying (and Being) Black is No Longer Popular - Terrell R Morton, University of Illinois at Chicago

Discussant

• Bryan A. Brown, Stanford University