ERIC Number: EJ1142415
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-May
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-6803
EISSN: N/A
Finding Alignment: The Perceptions and Integration of the Next Generation Science Standards Practices by Elementary Teachers
Smith, Janette; Nadelson, Louis
School Science and Mathematics, v117 n5 p194-203 May 2017
Preparing elementary-level teachers to teach in alignment with the eight Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) practices could prove to be a daunting endeavor. However, the process may be catalyzed by leveraging elements of teacher science instruction that inherently attend to the practice standards. In this study, we investigated the science instruction of three grade 3-5 elementary-level teachers. We used observation, interviews, and surveys to determine the level to which the teachers perceived they taught and engaged in teaching science aligned with the eight NGSS practices. We found that the teachers were partially, and intrinsically implementing several of these practices in their instruction, and at the same time could not articulate the eight NGSS practices. Our results suggest there may be ample opportunity to build on the current science instruction of elementary-level teachers to bring their instruction into alignment with the NGSS. We found that teachers' perceive professional development, school culture, and access to additional instructional resources to be essential to their adoption of the NGSS practices.
Descriptors: Alignment (Education), Elementary School Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Integrated Curriculum, Science Education, Academic Standards, Interviews, Teacher Surveys, Curriculum Implementation, Fidelity, Science Instruction, Instructional Effectiveness, Observation
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A