Visits to six school districts which were identified by the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence program were made during 1983 by teams of 17 researchers. Their reports were analyzed in search for common characteristics that can explain the requirements necessary for excellent science programs. These characteristics are…

Surveyed 114 teachers (100 percent response rate) associated with exemplary elementary science programs on longevity, confidence, professional involvement, familiarity of curricular materials, inservice, and teaching methods. Comparison with a national sample indicates these teachers have long-term program involvement, a great deal of confidence,…

Reports on research modeled after the studies of the National Assessment of Educational Progress which sought to acquire data on student perceptions about science programs. Indicates that student attitudes are not as negative in exemplary schools as they are in randomly chosen schools. (RT)