In this article, we consider how assessment might reinforce New Zealand curriculum goals of knowing and doing in science for active and informed participation in societies that rely on scientific knowledge to guide decision making. This focus constitutes an orientation towards "sustainable assessment". Sustainable assessment encompasses…

Research focusing on community college leadership programs and the needs of workforce development personnel shows that the primary knowledge and skills needed by professionals in the field include collaboration, teaching, community college context, effects of globalization, data usage, and skills related to leadership and team work. Program…

A growing cadre of science teachers and researchers are developing curriculum blueprints for teaching the science and ethics of genetics to help students put advances in biotechnology into proper perspective. Lists five sources for teaching genetics. (MLF)

The main goal of this review was to identify mathematics and science curricula as well as professional development models at the middle and high school levels that had been deemed effective based on their success in increasing student achievement. Because of its emphasis on student achievement, this approach differs from that typically used at the…

Elementary science instruction in the Tenafly Public Schools became virtually nonexistent in the early 1980's and based on this realization, members of that school system embarked upon a 3-year curriculum renewal cycle. The process followed in the curriculum development plan is somewhat unique and may serve as a model for other school districts to…

Describes and analyzes the Nigerian Secondary Schools Science Project which was adapted for use in the school system by the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Found that imprecision and lack of coherence in stating performance objectives led to confusion in interpretation by teachers. (KO)

A project to develop science curricula for high-ability learners in grades K-8 reviewed curriculum materials and developed criteria for assessing curriculum materials, science concept papers, a scope and sequence model, and exemplary curriculum units. The curriculum centered on the role of students as investigators. Implications of the project are…

A-level engineering science constitutes an alternative approach to A-level physics, linking teaching, student experiences, and assessment to engineering philosophy and practice. Discusses the nature and development of the curriculum and its examination, factors related to its growth and acceptance, and future prospects. (JN)

Some aspects of the reform of chemical education in the Netherlands are presented. These aspects include the reason for the reform and the results of the effort. Examples regarding the way entropy is treated and the treatment of quantitative chemical problems are given. (Author)

Discusses three recent attempts to establish national science-education standards: "Project 2061: Science for All Americans"; the National Research Council's national standards for curriculum, teaching, and assessment; and the Goals 2000: Educate America Act. Suggests that such reform movements could provide useful direction to local…

Avi Hofstein and Robert E. Yager recently published "Societal Issues as Organizers for Science Education in the 80's" (EJ 273 207). Objections to their thesis are discussed indicating, among others, that their suggestions would be counterproductive to their stated goals and open to dangerous manipulation by anti-scientific factions and social…

Offers a defense of societal issues as organizers for school science programs in response to criticisms of this thesis discussed in SE 534 649. Indicates that there appears to be no evidence that using nontraditional topics as organizers will make science more subject to manipulation and perversion. (JN)

"Accents on Science" is a new K-6 text which includes pupils' and teachers' editions, activity book (pupil and teacher), and evaluation programs. Content is drawn from life, physical, and earth sciences. "The Way We Are" is a kit of free materials on human sexuality for the emerging adolescent. (DS)

Describes general and specific didactic profiles of engineering courseware for evaluating a curriculum. To carry out a diagnosis of written material, the two profiles and a complexity facet were prepared. Provides a model in the self-instructional course, Digital System. (YP)

At the beginning of each year, teachers have the daunting task of deciding which concepts and skills to teach their students. Many teachers feel the pressure to teach "the whole book". This pressure comes in multiple forms. There is ever-increasing pressure to perform well on state, national, and international exams. An added pressure is the…