For many years, publications such as the "National Science Education Standards" (NRC 1996) and "The Science Teacher" (TST) have encouraged teachers to focus science classes more heavily on inquiry-based instructional practice. One way to improve our teaching practice is to use a benchmark assessment to obtain a solid point of reference that…

Describes the importance of consistency in goals, curriculum frameworks, assessment policies, and teaching practices to achieve the scientific literacy required in the Standards. First published in 1995. (YDS)

Discusses what a portfolio is, how to construct a portfolio, and how it can be used in the science curriculum. (ZWH)

Explains how science teachers can help meet the needs of their culturally diverse student populations. The basic premises of multicultural science classrooms are: all students can learn science; every student is worthwhile to have in the science classroom; and cultural diversity is appreciated because it enhances rather than detracts from the…

Discusses the ninth-grade trial implementation of the Scope, Sequence, and Coordination (SS&C) project and compares this class with the non-SS&C class that preceded it. Reports that the project helped teachers create a more inquiry-oriented learning environment and helped students perform at least as well as non-SS&C students on…