School Stratification and Science Climate in Early Secondary Education in Ireland and Flanders: Associations with Students’ Science Dispositions and Science Literacy

Adaptive science dispositions (epistemology, enjoyment, interest, and self-efficacy) have been shown to be related to schools’ science climate and science literacy. School stratification may promote positive linkages among science dispositions, science literacy, and science climate. To examine the association between school stratification and such linkages, we undertook a comparative study of early secondary schools in Ireland (less stratified—modest tracking, modest grade retention) and Flanders (Dutch-speaking Belgian region; more stratified—multiple tracks, extensive grade retention). Using Program for International Student Assessment (PISA 2015) data and multilevel modeling methods, we included 5419 (Ireland) and 5675 (Flanders) students nested within 157 and 171 schools, respectively. Student- and school-level variables with potential associations with our outcome measures (science dispositions for the first research question (RQ1); science literacy for RQ2) were included in baseline models. Subsequent models estimated “over-and-above” associations of science climate with science dispositions (RQ1) and of both science dispositions and climate with science literacy (RQ2). Science dispositions, as outcomes, were associated with disciplinary climate and teaching support in science classroom, particularly in Ireland. All four science dispositions (as independent variables) were associated with science literacy (both separately and in concert) for both Irish and Flemish cases. Epistemology was most strongly associated with science literacy. A less stratified school system may grant teachers more opportunities to craft positive science learning environments. A more stratified school system may amplify existing divergences in science (dispositions and literacy).