Science education is a high priority among African American parents, according to a new nationwide poll released by the U.S. Department of Education. Results of the poll of 1,000 parents indicate that African American parents—more so than white parents—are likely to encourage their children to take science classes and are more comfortable helping with related homework.

"The field of science is filled with potential seeds just waiting to be watered by a child's curiosity," U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige said. "As parents and educators, it is our job to give our children the skills and knowledge needed to exercise their natural curiosity to its fullest potential.

"Based on this recent poll, parents of all races—but especially minority parents—recognize the importance of science education and want to help their children succeed," Paige said. "No area of our lives is untouched by science, and it is our duty to foster our children's desires to chart new courses and explore new paths in science. By providing equal access to a quality education for all children, regardless of skin color or background, we are cultivating a new crop of astronomers, biologists, physicists, zoologists and more. We are saying to children 'if you can dream it, we'll help you achieve it.' "

Almost three-quarters of the African American parents surveyed rated science as "very important" to their child's education. In addition, 71 percent of these parents regard science education as crucial in a globally competitive workforce.

Results also showed that Hispanics are just as concerned about their children's science education as African American parents and understand its importance and value in a globally competitive workforce.

In addition, mothers rated higher than fathers in helping their children with science homework and encouraging them to take science-related courses, as well as believing that a science-based education is a critical component of being competitive in the workforce.

Despite minority parental involvement and support with regard to science education, minority students tend to do worse on science assessments than their white counterparts. Thus, there seems to be a disparity between parental expectations and student performance, poll results showed.

The poll was fielded March 8-11, 2004. Results were drawn from a nationwide poll of 1,000 parents—404 fathers and 600 mothers—with children between the ages of 13 and 17.

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