The early drafts of the National Science Education Standards (NSES) did not include any mention of staff development; it was not considered as part of the needed visions for changing school science. It was when the final draft was offered to the leadership in the National Academy of Sciences that a section on Staff Development was added in…

Science educators have appropriated many meanings for the phrase "scientific literacy" (Champagne & Lovitts, 1989). This paper advances an argument that in order to maintain the usefulness of such a malleable phrase, its users must explicitly address the context of its use. Based on the vision of science education articulated in standards…

Explains the inquiry teaching strategy and how the learning process occurs with inquiry-based instruction. Discusses how teachers can facilitate the development of science understanding and maintain inquiry-oriented classrooms. (Contains 31 references.) (YDS)

Discusses the problems arising with standardized testing which play an important role in the structure and politics of K-12 education. Describes the benefits of using interactive Internet technologies for the assessment of inquiry-based science instruction. (Contains 21 references.) (YDS)

Explains the failing efforts in science education to develop scientifically literate students and argues that reforming science education requires changes throughout the system with clearly defined goals by schools and districts. Recommends professional development of teachers and administrators as the major key to education reform. (Contains 31…

Discusses changes in education over the past 50 years and how curriculum and textbooks are affected by these changes. Identifies milestones in the history of education. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/YDS)

Examines the role of constructivism as a philosophy to incorporate technology into the science classroom specific to the parameters of the National Science Education Standards and the National Educational Technology Standards. Concludes that care must be taken to provide for appropriate pedagogical strategies based upon inquiry and discovery…

Argues that high-stakes testing is inconsistent with the National Science Education Standards' goals regarding what students are taught about the nature and purposes of science. (Contains 23 references.) (Author)

Discusses problems facing science education supervisors and suggests possible solutions. Comments on the experiences of beginning teachers, portfolio compilation, mentoring, and the evaluation and selection of curricular and technological innovations. (Contains 14 references.) (WRM)

Presents five recommendations for writing winning proposals as suggested by the credo of "honor thy user," proposal reviewers being the honored users. Considers information provided directly from funding agencies such as the National Institutes for Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). (DDR)

Relates stories told by science supervisors (N=9) about a novice science teacher each had supervised. Analyzes the metaphorical statements the supervisors made about teachers and teaching. Concludes that autobiographical stories can be used to communicate values about teaching. Contains 26 references. (DDR)

Describes the Science Concept-Vocabulary Acquisition (SCVA) model which promotes simultaneous cognitive construction of science concepts and the scientific nomenclature needed to understand and communicate those concepts. Contains 19 references. (DDR)

Focuses on the challenges faced by one state's efforts at systemic reform. Evidence of changes in teaching practice and in student learning and the meanings that may be drawn from that evidence is detailed. Discusses five aspects of systemic reform that needed to be addressed and aligned, and the lessons learned in attempting to meet the…

Presents a contrast between bureaucratic and professional models of accountability and their impact on the science education enterprise. Topics include improving performance, climate of trust, principles and consequences, demonstrating acceptance of responsibilities, and feedback. Concludes that it is necessary to develop the skills and processes…

Discusses changing views of teaching and learning and the focus on various integration efforts taking place nationally. Highlights integration for relevancy and staff development and teacher inservice. Presents a rationale for an integrated science and mathematics methods course as a vehicle for enhancing future teachers' understanding of both…