Equity and Access

Equity and Access in Science

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction supports equity and access in science education, emphasizing quality science learning for all students and specific action to sustain cultural ways of doing science and eliminate ongoing prejudice and bias within the scientific world. Along with the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers (WSST) and broader science education community in Wisconsin, we put forth this Equity and Access in Science Education Position Statement to spell out our efforts to support every student in their science learning. 

The resources below support equitable science instruction; however, the critical element for equity in science is providing all students with high-quality, standards-based learning that connects to their interests and identities.

• Wisconsin Science Education Book Study - each year has a different focus, with 2020-21 specifically focusing on equity each month. This site shares articles and readings for group discussion. All are welcome to participate - email Kevin (link below) for registration information
• Global Scientists - a listing of current scientists from various cultures and backgrounds across the world, with details on which standards their research relates to and related classroom resources such as lesson plans, books, articles, and videos
• Wisconsin Scientists - a listing of current Wisconsin scientists and STEM professionals from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, with instructional resources and standards connections
  • PBS Wisconsin Meet the Lab - a series of profiles of further Wisconsin scientists, with activities and videos to support students in building up their scientific identities
• Project READY (Reimaging Equity and Access for Diverse Youth) - an excellent series of short learning modules from a coalition of North Carolina library leadership and K-12 and higher education school leaders - they guide you through learning on racism, implicit bias, equity, colonialism, inclusion, and relationships
• Bias and Ethical Issues in Science - historical (and current) practice of science has biases and ethical issues. This resource notes useful articles and books to understand the following: 1) historical and current bias and racisim in the practice of science; 2) how to expand thinking of what counts as "knowledge" in science; 3) ideas for concrete steps to address these challenges
• Tools and Resources to Support All Learners - a range of resources including Doing and Talking Math, Science and STEM Teaching Tools, and ideas from Wisconsin educators on the importance of a Native perspective on science learning
• WI Phenomena Listing - updated list (Nov 2020) that includes more contexts and phenomena relevant to an urban environment -- as noted in this article by Okhee Lee, using local, relevant phenomena is an important equity strategy
• Professional Development Modules for Equitable Science - ACESSE project modules that support meeting the needs of all learners, particularly in assessment strategies

Tools and Resources to Support All Learners

• Doing and Talking Math and Science - resources from this UW-Madison project were developed in conjunction with Wisconsin teachers. Resources support effective science classroom dialogue for all students, particular for multilingual learners.
• STEM Teaching Tools focusing on equity: 
  • Overview: How Can We Promote Equity in Science Education? 
  • Teaching Science/STEM in Ways that Build on Indigenous Peoples' Rights

  • Implementing Meaningful STEM Education with Indigenous Students & Families

  • Engaging English Learners in the Science and Engineering Practices

  • Why You Should Stop Pre-Teaching Vocabulary

  • Creating Science Learning Experiences that Support Learners Receiving Special Education Services

• Why it's important to consider Native ways of thinking about science, even without many (or any) Native students in your classroom - statements from Jason Dropik and Dr. Mark Powless, Indian Community School, and Rick Erickson, Bayfield HS. 

Professional Development Modules

These resources come from the ACESSE project supported by the University of Colorado, University of Washington, and the Council of State Science Supervisors

• Session A: Introduction to Formative Assessment to Support Equitable 3D Instruction

• Session C: Making Science Instruction Compelling for All Students: Using Cultural Formative Assessment to Build on Learner Interest and Experience

• Session E: Selecting Anchoring Phenomena for Equitable 3D Teaching

• Session G: Learning to See the Resources Students Bring to Sense-Making

• Webinar on supporting the science learning of students receiving special education services