Moving beyond the boilerplate: Reflections on equity-centered reviewing for granting organizations

This essay centers on the voices of leading scholars in science and STEM education on how equity can and should be centered in reviewing proposals for granting organizations. As the decisions made as a result of the reviewing process significantly impact the future directions of the field, we recognize the urgency in considering how equity is considered in this process. Through their experiences, four researchers offer the science and STEM community a call to action. The scholars interviewed highlighted that equitable reviewing and funding research and professional development will require changes within the science education and STEM funding ecosystem. Three overarching themes include (1) changing the ideologies and culture of science and STEM education research funding will require centering the needs of the communities being served; (2) institutions and granting organizations should adopt equity-focused and holistic rubrics and models; and 3) we each have an individual responsibility to employ equity during the review process. Thus, this essay has the potential to both inspire and provide explicit examples of how we can all center equity as we strive to transform the future of science and STEM education.

Automated summary

This essay discusses how equity can and should be centered in reviewing proposals for granting organizations in the field of science and STEM education, based on the voices of leading scholars. The essay highlights the need for changes in the science education and STEM funding ecosystem, the adoption of equity-focused rubrics and models, and the individual responsibility in employing equity during the review process. It has the potential to inspire and provide concrete examples on centering equity in the future of science and STEM education.