Minority teacher candidates' capacity to connect with diverse students in preK-12 settings is a driving force behind the demographic imperative to diversify the teaching professions (Achinstein, Ogawa, Sexton, & Freitas, 2010; Banks et al., 2005). Teacher candidates of color have great confidence in their abilities to relate to students of…

A review of the literature indicates that Latinos lag behind Whites and Blacks in college degree attainment. This educational disparity is of concern because Latinos are currently the largest minority group in the United States, and the Latino population is expected to increase exponentially in the future. College degree attainment for Latinos is…

It is widely recognized that the current and projected shortage of adequately-educated IT professionals could be greatly reduced if more female and minority students would major in IT disciplines, yet the dramatic under-representation of these populations appears to be worsening. This under-representation is reflected in Drexel University's…

Points out the fact that women and minority groups are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. Investigates the effects of exposure to scientists from different careers with various life styles on students' attitudes toward science. Uses a questionnaire designed to evaluate student attitudes towards biomedical scientists. (YDS)

Deaf college Students attitudes toward a variety of issues related to racial/ethnic diversity were surveyed by contacting all racial/ethnic minority deaf students and a random sample of Caucasian deaf students attending the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), Rochester Institute of Technology; 38% completed the survey. Although…

The authors examined the influence of social cognitive variables on students' interest in environmental science careers and investigated differences between White and ethnic minority students on several career-related variables. The sample consisted of 161 undergraduate science majors (124 White students, 37 ethnic minority students). Results of…

Gifted elementary and secondary students (n=254) were asked who they considered the greatest leaders of the 20th century. Students' parents ranked high, and girls often cited their teachers or grandmothers, but female and minority group leaders were generally underrepresented. Suggestions for broadening students' range of role models are provided.…

A study of 78 Asian American and 66 African American students in a predominantly white research university found that while most believed in the importance of a role model, many did not have one. Many also did not feel their role models had to be from their own race. No evidence was found of role model effect on academic performance. (Author/MSE)

Presented is a discussion of the state of undergraduate education in science and engineering based on the interviews with a number of college students. Discussed are the underlying issues: recruitment, motivation, retention, curriculum, teaching incentives, role models and mentoring, hands-on experience, the nerd image, and quality of life. (KR)

Surveyed early adolescents regarding the influence of race- and gender-matched role models. Students with race- and gender- matched role models at the beginning of the study performed better academically, had more achievement-oriented goals, enjoyed achievement-related activities more, thought more about their futures, and looked up to adults…

The experiences of 10 African Canadian teachers who gained college admission through a program designed to provide access for minority students show many tensions and contradictions for "access" students. These teachers persisted because they were aware of their potential as role models and the critical importance of teaching. (SLD)

Findings are summaried related to restricting minority participation in the sciences and science-related professions. Four factors found most pervasive and important were: (1) lack of role models; (2) counseling; (3) attitude; and (4) preparation. Effects of both teacher attitude and student attitude were reviewed within the attitude area. The…

This project was designed to encourage ninth and tenth grade minority women to develop scientific interests through a series of Saturday seminars and a 10-day summer residential program. Pedagogical and environmental keys to project success included cooperative learning models, computer skills, research skills, communication skills, networking,…

This report presents the findings of a Harris survey of high school students' attitudes on human rights and racial relations, with special emphasis on minority group athletes. The following findings are included: (1) a majority have seen or heard about violent racial confrontations; (2) 30 percent would intervene to stop or condemn the incident;…

This guide presents lesson plans, with handouts, biographical sketches, and teaching guides, which show ways of integrating African American role models into mathematics and science lessons in kindergarten through grade 6. The guide is divided into mathematics and science sections, which each are subdivided into groupings: kindergarten through…