National Survey of 4th and 5th Grade Science Education Teachers: Insights into Instruction and Inclusion of Students with Disabilities
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| Title: | National Survey of 4th and 5th Grade Science Education Teachers: Insights into Instruction and Inclusion of Students with Disabilities |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | William J. Therrien (ORCID |
| Source: | Science Education. 2025 109(5):1406-1421. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 16 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| Contract Number: | 2201464 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Elementary Education Grade 4 Intermediate Grades Grade 5 Middle Schools |
| Descriptors: | Elementary School Teachers, Science Teachers, Grade 4, Grade 5, Science Education, Inclusion, Students with Disabilities, Teaching Methods, Educational Practices, Regular and Special Education Relationship, Teacher Surveys, Time Factors (Learning) |
| DOI: | 10.1002/sce.21972 |
| ISSN: | 0036-8326 1098-237X |
| Abstract: | Elementary science education, particularly in the 4th and 5th grades, is essential for setting the foundation for lifelong science learning, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students for success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This stage is especially critical for students with disabilities, as achievement gaps between them and their peers emerge during elementary school. Despite this importance, little is known about how science is taught in elementary classrooms during these critical years, particularly for students with disabilities. To address this gap, we surveyed teachers from a nationally representative sample of U.S. schools to examine elementary science education, including instructional practices, allocation of time, and the inclusion and support of students with disabilities. Our findings reveal that limited instructional time is allocated to science, with significant variability across classrooms. The amount of time dedicated to science instruction was significantly influenced by external factors, such as whether science was a tested subject. Students with disabilities often face additional barriers, including being pulled out of science instruction for special education services, resulting in missed opportunities to engage in science. These findings highlight the need to address opportunity gaps in science instruction to ensure all students have meaningful access to quality science education. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Notes: | https://osf.io/aje43/?view_only=None |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1482938 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Elementary science education, particularly in the 4th and 5th grades, is essential for setting the foundation for lifelong science learning, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students for success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This stage is especially critical for students with disabilities, as achievement gaps between them and their peers emerge during elementary school. Despite this importance, little is known about how science is taught in elementary classrooms during these critical years, particularly for students with disabilities. To address this gap, we surveyed teachers from a nationally representative sample of U.S. schools to examine elementary science education, including instructional practices, allocation of time, and the inclusion and support of students with disabilities. Our findings reveal that limited instructional time is allocated to science, with significant variability across classrooms. The amount of time dedicated to science instruction was significantly influenced by external factors, such as whether science was a tested subject. Students with disabilities often face additional barriers, including being pulled out of science instruction for special education services, resulting in missed opportunities to engage in science. These findings highlight the need to address opportunity gaps in science instruction to ensure all students have meaningful access to quality science education. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0036-8326 1098-237X |
| DOI: | 10.1002/sce.21972 |
