The Science Behind Support

This chapter explores the graduate Secondary Science Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). The program addresses several critical needs in urban education and science teacher preparation using a combination of approaches that, when considered in light of one teacher candidate's experiences, serve to meet documented deficits among current TPP frameworks. The experiences of one teacher candidate are described and analyzed in light of the research literature, specific aspects of the UDC TPP that are assisting in filling existing deficits and supporting underrepresented minorities in science teacher education are discussed, and needs for future consideration, research, and program implementation are presented.