According to a new report, despite students saying that STEM courses are their preferred subject area and that they wish to go to college, black and Latino students and students from low-income backgrounds continue to enjoy the important learning available through Associated Press STEM courses. opportunities have been excluded. From Education Trust and Equity Opportunity Schools, Shut Out: Why Black and Latino Students Are Under-enrolled in Associated Press STEM Courses.
This new research highlights how a positive and inviting school environment plays a vital role in getting more Black and Latino students into advanced courses that will nurture their aspirations and interests and help them grow in college and future careers. position will be given.
Dr Alison Sokol, Assistant Director, P-12, said, “Students who are ready and eager to take advanced placement courses at their schools should not be turned down because seats are not available or they do not feel welcome in these courses. ” Policy in Education Trust. “District and school leaders must lead efforts to create more welcoming and inclusive learning environments that ensure that students interested in STEM professions are able to enroll and succeed in Associated Press STEM courses.”
Based on data from a sample of 80 districts in 24 states and a survey of 200,000 students from 184 schools, the report found:
- 2 in 5 black and Latino students and 1 in 4 students from low-income backgrounds say STEM courses are their favorite course and wish to go to college
- But very few black and Latino students are enrolled in Associated Press STEM courses that will prepare them for college and STEM careers (for example, less than 2% of STEM-inclined and college-aspiring black and Latino students and those from low-income backgrounds) student in Associated Press Biology)
- The school environment matters a lot in helping students access advanced research opportunities, especially as they build on students’ interests and aspirations
- Students who want to go to college are 105% more likely to take an Associated Press class than those who do not wish to attend college.
- Students who want to go to college are 11% more likely to take an Associated Press class if they feel a sense of belonging in Associated Press classes.
- Students who want to go to college are 16% more likely to take an Associated Press class when they receive information about how to enroll in an Associated Press course.
Laura Acione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland’s prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
