Multiplying Inequalities

The Effects of Race, Social Class, and Tracking on Opportunities to Learn Mathematics and Science

Jeannie Oakes, Tor Ormseth, Robert M. Bell, Patricia Camp

ResearchPublished 1990

Widely published statistics document patterns of disproportionately low achievement and participation in science and mathematics by women, minorities, and the poor. This report examines the distribution of science and mathematics learning opportunities in the nation's elementary and secondary schools. It addresses four key issues: (1) what science and mathematics are being taught to which students, (2) how these subjects are being taught, (3) by whom they are being taught, and (4) under what conditions they are being taught. The findings indicate that low-income, minority, and inner-city students have fewer opportunities to learn science and mathematics. They have considerably less access to science and mathematics knowledge at school, fewer material resources, less-engaging learning activities in their classrooms, and less-qualified teachers. These inequalities are linked to both characteristics of the schools and characteristics of the classrooms.

Document Details

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Oakes, Jeannie, Tor Ormseth, Robert M. Bell, and Patricia Camp, Multiplying Inequalities: The Effects of Race, Social Class, and Tracking on Opportunities to Learn Mathematics and Science. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1990. https://www.rand.org/pubs/reports/R3928.html.
BibTeX RIS

This publication is part of the RAND report series. The report series, a product of RAND from 1948 to 1993, represented the principal publication documenting and transmitting RAND's major research findings and final research.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.