Supervisors

Summary of Expertise

Science teaching and learning and assessment of student learning in science, particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse students.

Research Interests

Dr. Shaw's research examines science teaching and learning for culturally and linguistically diverse students with an explicit focus on the relationship of assessment to this larger process. Conceptually, his research agenda explores the overlap among science teaching and learning, assessment of student learning, and equity and diversity issues in education. The unifying theme across these intersections is a focus on English Language Learners.

Operationally, Dr. Shaw's research program is organized along four strands: (a) clarifying the nature of the achievement gap, (b) identifying fairness issues posed by assessment practices, (c) developing new performance assessments, and (d) enhancing the ability of teachers to provide effective instruction and assessment. These strands, though distinct, are interrelated and complementary.

Biography, Education and Training

Jerome M. Shaw is an Associate Professor of Science Education at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He has over 30 years experience in education with a focus on understanding and improving science teaching and learning for culturally and linguistically diverse students. As a classroom teacher in California public schools, Dr. Shaw taught science at the elementary and secondary levels in mainstream, bilingual (Spanish-English), and structured English immersion classrooms. Dr. Shaw received his doctorate in science education, masters in education, and bachelors in Spanish all from Stanford University. He holds lifetime California teaching credentials for high school biology, Spanish, and social studies as well as multiple elementary subjects coupled with a certificate of bilingual-bicultural competency.