Federal education policy reports in science and mathematics education have treated Students of Color consistently over the past two decades, addressing the underrepresentation of minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields with little regard to actual issues of race and ethnicity. We examine how 17 federal education policy briefs focusing on STEM have addressed issues of equity with regard to Students of Color. We use a critical race theory lens to interpret and understand our findings. We find that the documents used broadly defined, racially essentializing terms; that discourse surrounding race fluctuated, perhaps cyclically, over time; and that arguments for inclusive STEM education were made predominantly from a one‐sided economic perspective, favoring the owners and operators of STEM enterprises.

Successful completion of organic chemistry is a prerequisite for many graduate and professional programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, yet the failure rate for this sequence of courses is notoriously high. To date, few studies have examined why some students succeed while others have difficulty in organic chemistry. This study examines factors related to student performance in organic chemistry courses. Results indicate that high-achieving students, as measured by course grades, score higher on measures of conceptual performance and problem-solving while seeking assistance and engaging in practice problems earlier in the semester than low-achieving students. Case studies illustrate how students engaging in such behaviors can overcome poor prior grades while those not engaging in such behaviors can perform poorly despite strong prior grades. Overall, study behaviors and conceptual understanding outweigh prior academic standing in predicting final course grades. These analyses suggest potential intervention targets for educators addressing students at risk for poor organic chemistry performance.

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This study sought to identify ethnically diverse students'study strategies in organic chemistry and their relationships to course outcomes. Study diaries, concept maps, and problem sets were used to assess study outcomes. Findings show that students engage in four commonly used reviewing-type strategies, regardless of ethnic group affiliation. However, these common strategies were rarely associated with students' problem solving, concept mapping, or course performance. In addition, students seldom engaged in metacognitive and peer learning strategies despite their reported benefits in the literature. Implications for research and practice are discussed in light of these findings. # 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 50: 660-676, 2013

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