This newsletter reports on the status of biology education in the United States. It states that biology has entered its "golden age" because of the emergence of biotechnology, ecology, agricultural productivity, and human biology as major societal issues. This report discusses the status of the informal national curriculum of biology, involving textbooks and standardized tests, and identifies six major efforts underway in the United States; these have to do with curricula, programs, and concepts. This paper also reports on a poll of award winning biology teachers that revealed some common characteristics. It indicates that successful biology teachers stress process and thinking skills. It states that these teachers generally enjoy their work and spend a great deal of out-of-school time preparing for classes. Many teachers attempt to keep up to date by attending meetings and conventions and most view their work as critically important to developing responsible students. The descriptions of eight exemplary secondary biology programs are included. A brief list of additional resources is provided. (CW)