This study investigates the conceptions and use of inquiry during classroom instruction among beginning secondary science teachers. The 44 participants were beginning secondary science teachers in their first year of teaching. In order to capture the participants' conceptions of inquiry, the teachers were interviewed and observed during the…

Early career science teachers are often assigned to classrooms with high numbers of English language learners (ELLs). For the underprepared early career science teacher, these circumstances are challenging. This study examines the changes in beliefs and practices of an early career science teacher who taught high numbers of ELLs in an urban…

While it is generally accepted that pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) is an essential knowledge base for science teachers, educational researchers are not clear on how it develops. Previous researchers have suggested that classroom practice may play a significant role. Therefore, it is important to look at beginning teachers' PCK and its…

Science teacher attrition is a topic of frequent discussion among teacher educators, administrators, university educators, and policy makers. While attrition could be described as leaving the workforce for any number of reasons (e.g., retirement, moving to a new location, contract not renewed), those in education often link attrition to teachers…

This study explores the practices of three beginning secondary science teachers. The teachers were in their first year, worked with primarily Hispanic students in rural and urban schools, held undergraduate degrees in science, participated in postbaccalaureate certification programs of varying lengths, and had different cultural backgrounds from…

Reports the barriers and pathways that were experienced during a 3-year period when an induction program for secondary science teachers was developed and implemented. (Author/MM)

Examines the "borders" a preservice science education student encountered as she completed her student teaching in a cultural setting that was different from her own. Suggests that, during field experiences, preservice teachers may encounter multiple cultural borders, some consistent and some inconsistent with their instructional philosophy.…

Describes how mathematics-and-science-education specialists in Arizona examined their programs to determine avenues for reform. Employs both qualitative and quantitative research methods to explore five areas pertaining to initial certification programs in mathematics and science. Concludes that various components of initial certification programs…

Describes how the staff in one in-service program attempted to integrate assessment with another in-service program through the development and utilization of an implementation rubric. The rubric provided participants with opportunities to reflect upon their practice, revealed the changes that occurred in participants' classrooms and their…