STEM Pathways Student Survey for 2014-15 School Year. Summary of Results

Wilder Research. Available from: Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. 451 Lexington Parkway North, Saint Paul, MN 55104. Tel: 651-280-2700; Fax: 651-280-3700; e-mail: research@wilder.org; Web site: http://www.wilder.org/Wilder-Research

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STEM Education; Grade 4; Grade 5; Elementary School Students; Public Schools; Student Attitudes; Student Interests; Attitude Change; Program Effectiveness; Instructional Program Divisions; Gender Differences; Socioeconomic Status; English Language Learners; Racial Differences; Ethnicity; Knowledge Level; Careers; Self Efficacy; Activities; Vocational Interests; Problem Solving

STEM Pathways aims to increase youths' long-term interest, learning, and achievement in STEM through a deliberate and interconnected system of STEM learning opportunities. In fall 2014 and spring 2015, a survey was administered to fourth- and fifth-grade students at the six STEM Pathways schools in Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). Most of the survey items were the same in the fall and spring, permitting analysis of changes in students' responses to the items from the beginning to the end of the 2014-15 school year. The survey assessed students' STEM awareness, attitudes, interests, and activities. Changes in students' responses in these areas from fall to spring may be associated with participation in STEM Pathways. Of 829 eligible fourth and fifth graders from the six STEM Pathways schools, 705 completed all or most of the survey in both the fall and spring for a response rate of 85 percent. Of the 705, 353 were fourth graders and 352 were fifth graders. Results for the 16 close-ended survey items included in both the fall and spring surveys are the subject of this report and are summarized in this report. Differences in survey results were examined by grade and by student demographic characteristics: gender, eligibility for free- or reduced-price lunch (an indicator of students' family income), English Language Learner (ELL) status, and race/ethnicity (white students, students of color). [For "STEM Pathways Student Survey Results for the 2014-15 School Year. Summary," see ED619878.]

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2022

ED619817