The Challenges and Impact of Human Genome Research for Minority Communities

proceedings from a conference presented by
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., National Educational Foundation
July 7-8, 2000, Philadelphia, PA

Zeta Background
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Foreword
Zeta NEF Purpose

Conference
Conference Mission
Conference Objectives
Research Plans
Conference Agenda
Conference Summary
Workshop I Summary
Workshop II Summary
Workshop III Summary
What's Next?
Photographs
Human Genome News article

Presenters
Dr. Aristides A. Patrinos
Dr. John Quackenbush
Dr. Georgia M. Dunston
Dr. Mary Kay Pelias
Dr. Fatimah Jackson
Dr. Christopher Adams
Dr. Rosalind P. Hale
Dr. Margaret C. Werner-Washburne
Rev. Dr. Deborah P. Wolfe
Dr. Jeroo S. Kotval
Betty K. Mansfield
Issie L. Shelton Jenkins, Esq.
Phyllis Griffin Epps, Esq.
Dr. Kathryn T. Malvern

Contact Information
Board of Managers
Presenters
National Educational Foundation

In the past, teaching was considered a very lucrative career choice for a person of color. Today, this is not the case. Low teacher salaries, poor teaching situations and severe problem students are all reasons minorities and others have selected different career paths. However, one of the main reasons people of color are selecting other careers is because the choices have expanded. Jobs such as lawyers, doctors, nurses, accountants, and many others are open to minority groups more now than in the past. Still, in order to qualify for these job opportunities the individuals must be academically ready!

This reduction in the number of individuals selecting teaching as a career choice has created a shortage of teachers for the 21st Century. There is an enormous amount of literature that supports the fact that the supply of teachers will not meet the demand in the coming years. Figures from 2 million to 2.5 million to as many as 2.75 million are quoted in various sources (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1999; National Center for Education statistics, 1999). Within the teacher shortage there is a critical need for more minority teachers in the areas of mathematics and science. If the goal is to increase the number of students prepared for careers in gene research, the pool of mathematics and science teachers must first be increased.

Increasing the number of qualified teachers in mathematics and science is only part of the solution. An additional need is to enhance the training of all teachers in the areas of mathematics and science. For instance, in the state of Louisiana the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported that only thirty-seven percent of eight graders are capable of demonstrating basic mathematics skills compared to a national average of fifty-eight. Frightening results from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) also indicate the need for improving the achievement level of students in mathematics and science. The study further reported that teachers in top performing countries teach for understanding of concepts rather than "how to" as in schools in the United States.

Early emphasis in the areas of mathematics and science should be incorporated in all teacher education programs. No longer should secondary mathematics and science teachers be the only individuals knowledgeable in these areas. Elementary and middle school teachers should also be cognizant of the skills necessary. Once the skills are taught, these youngsters will be ready for the jobs available in gene research.

Is this the final step? No, teachers and counselors must know about these new career paths for minorities. Thus, conferences like this one are needed throughout the United States to inform the public. The challenge in education of minorities in Human genetics begins with having an adequate supply of well-trained minority teachers in the areas of mathematics and sciences.

Then the students must be made aware of educational opportunities in higher education to further develop their skills in the area of Human genetics. Attached is a list of universities that have graduate and postgraduate training programs in Human Genetics. It is our responsibility to inform minority students of these opportunities.