School Administrators' Roles in the Teaching of Socially Controversial Science Topics

• In Event: Who Decides: Teachers, Administrators, and Publics Negotiating Curriculum

Abstract

Certain scientific topics such as evolution, climate change, and vaccine safety have become social controversial. Accurate teaching of science is imperative for critical and functional scientific literacy, but educators often face pressures to eliminate or downplay certain topics. School administrators have a responsibility to ensure that curricula are taught properly, accurately, and legally. However, research on administrators’ roles in science teaching is minimal. In this paper, we critically review the literature on school administrators’ known and potential roles in the teaching of science curriculum and on factors that shape administrators’ practices of supporting or hindering appropriate and high quality science education in their schools. Additionally, we make recommendations for future research, to improve educational leadership practice, policy, and development.

Authors

• Blake Touchet, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

• Sebnem Cilesiz, University of Louisiana at Lafayette