Principals can improve programs by becoming science advocates (to teachers, students, and parents), constructing and pushing a science curriculum plan, ensuring annual funds for science materials, providing needed inservice experiences, monitoring the program, and handling likely problems. A 73-item checklist is provided for evaluating current…

Science is often the stepchild among elementary school subjects-- something less than basic but not quite elective. This handbook encourages elementary school principals to begin thinking about science as a fourth "R" in their school's curriculum, a subject that teaches basic skills while enhancing those learned in other curricular…

This handbook is designed to assist elementary school principals in improving and maintaining quality science education programs, while strengthening their role as science curriculum leaders. The handbook can be used as a resource for disseminators as they prepare for meetings with principals' groups and as a reference that can be used by…

Addresses issues related to the mortality of elementary science programs, considering role of curriculum planners, teachers, and building principals. Gives examples of factors responsible (in the form of a "10 most wanted poster") with at least one countermeasure for each. (JM)