Results
The results are reported with regard to three domains: (a) background information
about teacher preparation and professional development in science, science education,
ESOL, and student diversity, (b) teacher knowledge of science content, science
teaching, and English language development of ELL students, and (c) organizational
supports and barriers in teaching science to nonmainstream students in urban schools.
Teacher Preparation and Professional Development in Science and Student
Diversity
Table 3 presents the average number of science courses that the teachers reported
taking at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. This question was asked to get an
idea of the science background of the teachers. On average, they took two
elementary science methods courses and one course each of physical, earth/space,
and life science.
The teachers’ training in ESOL is presented in Table 4. Over 50% of the teachers
had ESOL training through college courses, including degree-bearing coursework at
the undergraduate or graduate level. Additionally, close to 50% completed ESOL
training offered by the school district. Slightly over 10% of the teachers did not have
any ESOL training.
Teachers were asked to report their participation in professional development
activities (aside from our intervention from the larger project) related to (a) science
or science education and (b) student diversity. The results are presented in Table 5.
The majority of the teachers never or rarely participated in professional
development activities in either science/science education or student diversity
during the school year.