The Effect of School Culture on Science Education at an Ideologically Innovative Elementary Magnet School: An Ethnographic Case Study
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-23-2017
Description
This ethnographic case study investigated the science practices of teachers at onePUBLIC elementary magnet school in light of how school culture influenced science curriculum design and instruction. The purpose of the study was to address how school culture impacted the school’s overall treatment of science as a viable content area. Key informant teachers were interviewed to explore their personal beliefs and values, teaching, access to materials, and views of the adopted integrated thematic curriculum model and magnet structure. The resulting data, triangulated with informal observation and artifact collection, were analyzed using a theoretical framework that emphasized five interdependent school culture indicators (values, beliefs, practices, materials, and problems). Findings suggest that the school’s culture adversely influenced the treatment of science.
Citation Information
Meier, Lori T.. 2017. The Effect of School Culture on Science Education at an Ideologically Innovative Elementary Magnet School: An Ethnographic Case Study. Elementary Science Education. Vol.23(7). 805-822. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-011-9252-1