Elementary Science Specialists and Classroom Generalists: Are There Differences in Science Instruction, Student Achievement, and Cost?

This three-year NSF-funded project is examining and comparing the quality and quantity of science instruction that classroom generalists provide against that provided by science specialists to determine whether there are meaningful differences and, if so, whether these differences affect student outcomes. The study is documenting the financial and human resources these respective science teaching models require. The findings generated by this study will inform the research community where these questions have not yet been investigated and where state, district, and school policymakers are in the process of deciding how to allocate limited resources in order to provide the best science instruction possible.