Despite the expressed need for high-quality science education, very little research has been conducted on what middle school science learning opportunities look like in practice. This study was conducted in support of "Strengthening Science Education in California", a research, policy, and communications initiative. Partners in this…

This guidebook has been developed to support and coordinate efforts across Pennsylvania to increase the connections between farms and schools. It is written for schools and school districts--and especially for food service directors, teachers, administrators, school nurses, and school health and wellness committees. It is also written for farmers…

The aims of the Youth and Environment Training Project were to: increase youth workers' awareness and understanding of conservation and environmental issues and their relevance to young people; create links between environmental education and youth work practice; develop strategies for implementing conservation and environmental activities within…

This document introduces science center educators to a new partnership model based on lessons learned during a 3-year national pilot project to support collaboration between six urban science centers and over 30 community-based after-school programs. The collaboration tested and refined an innovative curriculum challenging children to build…

The Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative (ARSI) aims to stimulate sustainable systemic improvements that enhance student performance in mathematics, science, and technology in 66 Appalachian counties characterized by persistent poverty. To support this aim, a major ARSI goal involves development of partnerships among families, communities, and…

Describes a computer-training needs assessment conducted in a manufacturing company which was performed by students in an industrial education course at the University of Minnesota. Provides suggestions for educators in providing computer training to the private sector. (TW)

Described is a program which includes a teacher workshop, visits by scientists to science classes, free public lectures, and a school district science fair. The cooperation of schools, industry, teachers, and the community is stressed. Details of the teacher workshop are provided. (CW)

This Evaluation Brief examines the BSCS approach to improving secondary science education, and illuminates some of the lessons learned from its five years of work with districts across the nation. It highlights selected findings from the full study report and discusses the broader implications for the field. Specifically, this Brief examines the…

This document sets forth recommendations for the design of a new science assessment. The assessment resulting from this framework will start a new NAEP science trend (i.e., measure of student progress in science) beginning in 2009. This framework represents a unique opportunity to build on previous NAEP science work as well as key developments in…

The Illinois Science Assessment Framework for grade 11 is designed to assist educators, test developers, policy makers and the public by clearly defining those elements of the Illinois Learning Standards that are suitable for state testing. This document employs a general organizational structure designed for ease of use. Each state goal for…

Described is a partnership in North Carolina of an earth-resources company, a university, a geologist, and a public-school science teacher. The partnership has developed a series of content-oriented workshops related to earth-science education. Several of the workshops are described. (Author/RH)

Describes some of the activities involved in an "adopt-a-stream" program at a Washington public school. Discusses the community funding sources, along with the surveys and protection programs undertaken by students in the sixth grade and at the high school. (TW)

The growth of local alliances (partnerships of business, industry, labor, professional associations, educators, and other concerned groups) is evidence of a widespread public concern for improving the quality of science and technology education. This document defines the concept of local alliances and discusses aspects of the founding and…

Provides an overview of the deliberations, issues, and recommendations that occurred during a seminar on population education in Bangkok in 1986. Identifies specific actions that need to be taken in educational programs in Asia and in the Pacific. (ML)

"The Achiever" is a monthly newsletter designed expressly for parents and community leaders. Each issue contains news and information about and from public and private organizations about school improvement in the United States. Highlights of this issue include: (1) New Online Tool Simplifies Financial Aid Process; (2) Rigor in K-6:…