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…

As early as 1923, Jean Piaget challenged teachers to reevaluate their goals for students and to promote critical thinking rather than conformity. Piaget described two important educational goals. The first "principal goal of education is to create men who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations have…

Beginning in 1990 with the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Statewide Systemic Initiative (SSI) program, science leaders at the state, district, and local levels increasingly have faced accountability issues. Today both private and public funding agencies recommend that proposed projects be based upon scientific research; that is, research…

The National Science Education Standards (NSES) articulates four goals (justifications) for requiring science in K-12 schools. An argument is made that science leaders must take the goals of science education seriously and use them to frame their teaching and staff development efforts. In this article, the author discusses the four NSES goals for…

Explains the types of teacher shortages and discusses the reasons for teacher turnover, issues schools face, and implications for educational policy. (Contains 21 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes inquiry as an instructional method from an historical perspective and discusses reasons why inquiry has rarely been successfully implemented in science classroom settings. Introduces an inquiry model, discusses coupled inquiry, and addresses the issues of control over content and curriculum. (YDS)

Discusses challenges schools face with the increasing numbers of students from racial/ethnic minority groups and describes the "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) act. Points out the impact of the myth that science and math are for white males only on females and minority students. Reports on a case study on the achievement gap of 3rd grade students in…

Reports on two studies evaluating the effectiveness of the federal government's Eisenhower Professional Development Program. Describes high quality professional development of in-service teachers, changes in teaching practice, six key practices identified in literature, and the relationship between district policies and the quality of professional…

Describes the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which was developed during the 1980s to integrate environmental databases with automated mapmakers, and introduces a project focusing on the professional development of elementary and middle school teachers for inquiry-based teaching of environmental problems. Identifies four themes on the…

Describes learning requirements and assessment in Washington State. Explores teachers' perceptions of the Washington Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and the relationship between standards and science instruction. (Contains 39 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes the roles of science leaders in identifying and implementing meaningful solutions to systemic weaknesses. Discusses accountability's impact on science leadership and collaboration for enacting reform. (Contains 16 references.) (YDS)

Points out the importance of professional development of teachers to improve students' academic achievement in science and mathematics education. Describes professional development strategies and a framework to provide guidance to the professional development programs. (Contains 14 references.) (YDS)

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…