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Toward equity and excellence in math and science education

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Abstract

Two studies examined the effectiveness of an innovative program, Mathematics, Engineering Science Achievement (MESA), designed to prepare high school minority students for math-based fields. The program is noteworthy because it incorporates recommendations of educators and policymakers for improving the quality of math/science education and decreasing the underrepresentation of minorities in these fields. Study 1 showed that MESA seniors completed more math/science courses and showed higher academic performance than similar minority students. However, their verbal and mathematics performance was below seniors nationwide planning math-based college majors. Study 2 revealed that the majority of former MESA students were pursuing a math-based major at the university level and showed satisfactory postsecondary progress. Features contributing to program effectiveness and areas requiring additional action are explored.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for the Study of Evaluation, University of California, Los Angeles

    Nancy K. Atwood & William J. Doherty

Authors
  1. Nancy K. Atwood
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  2. William J. Doherty
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Atwood, N.K., Doherty, W.J. Toward equity and excellence in math and science education. Urban Rev 16, 235–248 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01142981

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01142981

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