Supporting Future STEM Aspirations of Youth Who Have Been Pushed Out

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Perspectives on STEM Classrooms: Understanding Underrepresentation and Push-Out

Abstract

Providing an equitable and critical science education to youth who have been “pushed out” of traditional schools is an issue of social justice. The purpose of this study was to understand what factors contribute to the future STEM aspirations for students at Xinaxtli, an alternative education program for youth who have been “pushed out” in Southern California. This study utilized Structural Equation Modeling to analyze a conceptual model for future STEM aspirations at Xinaxtli. The best predictors of student future STEM aspirations came from the following factors: (a) relevance of science to students, (b) student sense of agency to create knowledge, (c) and critical science education.

Author

• Anthony Pena, Claremont Graduate University