Policy issues in science education: The importance of science teacher education, equity, and social justice

Abstract

Abstract Science teacher educators face more pressure to bridge the gap between preservice science teachers pedagogical content knowledge and students learning outcomes with the increase in diversity among middle and high school student populations. The purpose of this chapter is to review science teacher education policy in conjunction with standards to which teachers teach. Moreover, this chapter sets forth a new policy agenda to improve science teacher practices and science performance among low-income rural and urban students of color by redefining the policy problem in science teacher education.