The author examines the use of constructivist teaching practices by four new secondary school science teachers (NSTs) from a preparation program with a focus on constructivism. Data of the NSTs is compared to data of secondary school teachers from two different sources: (i) new teachers (NTs) from a broad-scale nationally-funded project involving…

Describes a study conducted in Arizona with the support of policymakers that investigated beginning secondary school science and mathematics teachers' perceptions of teacher preparation and induction programs. Identifies the school districts not having a reliable mechanism to monitor beginning teachers and suggests induction programs for beginning…

Discusses challenges teachers face with learners from different backgrounds. Presents service learning as an alternative framework for teacher education with the potential for engaging teachers in an active construction of knowledge and development of connections between community and multicultural teaching practices. (Contains 27 references.)…

Discusses the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Laboratory Safety Standards as the major driving force in establishing and maintaining a safe working environment for teachers and students. (Author)

Describes an academic-enrichment program that targets underrepresented secondary students and strives to increase their competence in science and technology, potential for leadership, allegiance to local communities, and interest in post-secondary careers in the health sciences. Contains 22 references. (WRM)

Presents the results of an assessment of science teachers' attitudes toward reform and their actual teaching practices. Findings indicate a discrepancy between teacher attitudes and practices. (WRM)

Reports on the process of reform in a school environmental education program from the perspective of a staff member hired at a high school under construction. Focuses on the recognition that a swamp area on the property is an important curriculum resource. (DDR)

Examines the results of a study that surveyed secondary science teachers about their needs and concerns. Discusses science teaching issues proposed by teachers and teacher educators. Lists resources and reform projects designed to help science teachers deal with these issues. Highlights reform and science teaching models, classroom management, and…

Presents a study comparing the understanding of the nature of science by preservice secondary science teachers in the mid-1960s and the early 1990s. Uses the Nature of Science Scale (NOSS) to determine teachers' understanding. Concludes with an evaluation of most items for which the responses changed dramatically in those 25 years. Contains 19…

Interdisciplinary courses are needed to illuminate the meaningful relationship of science to other subjects. Discusses the nature of the geology curriculum and how it is interdisciplinary by nature. Contains 19 references. (DDR)

Presents research and related design features that distinguish a new generation of teacher enhancement efforts along with the design and results of evaluation approaches for a specific program. (KHR)

Describes sources for upgrading a methods course for teaching science in middle and high schools and solicits input from science supervisors for course improvement. (KHR)