Implementation of science curriculum materials has been a fundamental challenge in science education for decades. Policy researchers have argued that alignment of standards, curriculum, and assessment are the key to supporting implementation. This paper focuses on teachers' perceptions of curricular alignment and on curriculum implementation using…

Presents an overview of preschool science education as it has developed over the past decade, and examines some of the promising signs and problem areas in this field. Aims to provide teachers, researchers, and program planners with ideas that can be utilized in science program development at the preschool level. (JR)

Reviews the state of the art in current science education in terms of curriculum development, instructional procedures, and teacher training programs. Indicates that science education researchers should stop tinkering with piecemeal studies and start delineating the dimensions of dependent and independent variables in new curricula and pupils'…

Criticized are the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded curriculum reforms during the post-Sputnik epoch. The parallels and contrasts between the proposals of today's NSF and those supported during the late 1950s and early 1960s are outlined. The proper role of a policymaking body in American education is recommended. (YP)

Investigated is the impact on attitudes of prospective elementary school teachers of pragmatic, success-oriented courses in science as prerequisites for entry into science methods courses. A need for exposing prospective teachers to instructional strategies and experiences which are consistent with teaching practices and curricula employed in a…

Indicates the necessity of curriculum frameworks that enable all students to achieve their maximum potential literacy; to create their own knowledge; and to develop in directions unique to their needs, interests, abilities, and perspectives--that is, to become self-actualized. (Contains 65 references.) (Author/YDS)

Presented is a review of the professional literature concerning the value of science education for mildly retarded students. (CS)

Outlines a sociocultural perspective on program evaluation consistent with sociocultural views of knowing and learning. Perspective is characterized by rigorous use of multiple-choice tests, performance assessments, and event-based analyses; a dialectical approach to conflicting conclusions from individual assessments and between individual and…

Discusses some of the problems faced by technical advisors implementing projects for the improvement of science education in Africa and reasons for these problems. Problem areas considered include underdevelopment, underestimating the process, finances, personality conflict and motivation, and opposition from key groups. (A list of major UNESCO…

Described are the dimensions of the perceived crises in science education as described by responses from 28 science educators (see SE 528 242). Also discussed are some proposed solutions. Areas of crises and solutions include administration, research, science content and theory, and learning. (Authors/DS)

Investigates some of the evaluation methodologies presently being advocated in assessing the merits of education programs for training science teachers. Questionnaire data from ex-students were used to elicit raw data and an understanding of these data by a newer methodology involving ordering theory. (CS)

Student outcomes were assessed by quantitatively combining results of 57 reported evaluations of three major curriculum programs in elementary school science. Thirty-two percent of the comparisons were statistically significant, favoring activity-based programs; six percent favored control groups. (DH)

Investigated whether the Lesotho Introductory Science Improvement Program promoted more positive attitudes toward science and how findings compared with those reported in the literature. Responses from a 57-item questionnaire, obtained from 647 students, indicated no significant differences between experimental (N=172 boys, 167 girls) and control…

Presents the Nuffield Junior Science Project (NJSP), an elementary science program developed in the United Kingdom. Some learning activities that are contained in Nuffield Junior Science Teacher's Guide I are described. (HM)

Presents the results of a survey study conducted to identify the status of science education in the elementary schools (K-6) of Illinois during the 1975-1976 school year and to establish a data base. Implications of the findings are also included. (HM)