THE MISSION AND METHODOLOGY OF THE BAYER FACTS OF SCIENCE EDUCATION I, II & III SURVEYS:

Many research studies have documented the limitations and failings of current science education practices, including the ongoing National Assessment of Educational Progress and The International Mathematics and Science Study (I, II, III). Despite the mass of available information, however, relatively few studies have asked those with the most to gain or lose what they think about science, how it affects and will affect their lives, if it is being taught and learned properly, and how they would improve it, if they could.

To better understand Americans¼ opinions about these and other science education issues, Bayer commissioned a series of public opinion surveys over a three-year period in conjunction with the National Science Foundation¼s National Science & Technology Week. Designed to give voice to those most affected, The Bayer Facts of Science Education I, II and III surveys polled business leaders who need tomorrow¼s new employees, teachers and school principals involved in educating students, parents concerned about their children, and the students themselves. Some of the findings confirm established but often-ignored truths about American science education. Others are more provocative, overturning myths and stereotypes long perpetuated in popular culture. Taken together, these three years of research constitute a comprehensive national assessment of what the major stakeholders of science education think and feel about this important national enterprise.

The three rounds of Bayer Facts surveys interviewed more than 3,600 individuals across every region of the country, including rural, urban and suburban areas, major ethnic groups, and low income families, as well as those of affluence. Professional research firms were used to draw statistically meaningful random samples and carry out accurate, unbiased telephone surveys, asking in sum more than three hundred questions that probed attitudes and beliefs about K-12 science education. To provide direction and insight, and help the research firms develop meaningful questionnaires, Bayer enlisted the help of nationally recognized science education experts from the National Science Foundation and other organizations. During each of the three years, surveys were designed and conducted in February and March, the data analyzed, and the results presented in April at a Washington, D.C. briefing as part of National Science and Technology Week.

In 1995, 1,000 parents and 1,000 teachers of children in grades K-5 were surveyed; and, in 1996, 300 elementary school principals and 300 corporate human resources (HR) directors. Finally, in 1997, two focus groups, one of elementary school students, the other middle and high school students, were held in suburban Fairfax County, Virginia and then 1,000 students across the country aged 10 to 17 were polled. The discussion that follows, then, reviews the three studies¼ methods, results, and conclusions. Comments from the focus group students and others are interspersed throughout. Executive summaries that detail each year¼s work are available upon request (see page 14).


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