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School of Education receives $1 Million from NSF to Study HBCU Production of African American Science and Math Teachers

Dr. Kimberly Freeman, assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Psychoeducational Studies, was awarded $1 million for a three-year education research grant from the National Science Foundation.  The aim of What Works in Producing African American Science and Math Teachers at HBCUs is to discover those factors influencing HBCU’s production of African-American PK-12 science and math teachers.  The multi-method investigation includes case studies of science and math teacher education programs at HBCUs; interviews of current African-American science and math teachers who are recent graduates of HBCUs; and, a longitudinal survey of a freshman cohort of science and math majors at an HBCU.  Dr. Freeman expects the investigation to yield data that can be used to strengthen science and math teacher preparation programs at HBCU’s; improve recruitment of prospective science and math teachers; and inform higher education policy.  Without replenishing the supply of highly-qualified African-American science and math teachers, the continuation of future cohorts of African-American scientists and mathematicians is in jeopardy.  Dr. Freeman believes, “Equipped with reliable scientific information, HBCUs can take a leadership role in becoming major suppliers of African-American science and math educators.”