This report, based on public opinion research, finds that Californians believe science education should be a priority for the state’s schools and that science should be taught early and more often. To strengthen science education, Californians want schools to have more resources and equipment, and they strongly support providing teachers with specialized training. This is the first in a series of reports produced by the Strengthening Science Education in California initiative.

Results on NAEP science tests show California trails the nation in students’ scientific literacy. At the same time, public opinion research finds that Californians strongly support increased time and resources devoted to science education.

High Hopes – Few Opportunities: The Status of Elementary Science Education in California reveals that intense pressure to meet accountability goals in mathematics and English has limited time for science, and teachers and schools do not have the infrastructure support needed to consistently provide students with quality science learning opportunities.

Untapped Potential: The Status of Middle School Science Education in California finds that the state’s middle schools have the potential to provide students with high quality science education, but significant challenges limit opportunities for science learning, leaving that potential unfulfilled.

A statewide study of middle school science education finds that inadequate preparation of students in elementary schools, large class sizes, reduced funding and lack of access to needed materials are cited as barriers to high quality science instruction in California's middle schools.

College Bound in Middle School & High School? How Math Course Sequences Matter examines the course-taking patterns and performance in mathematics for 24,000 California students, spanning 7th grade through high school, and finds that there is no clear path to mathematics learning in California.