California's public schools have struggled since the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, and today face enormous challenges to try to regain lost quality and standing as a national education leader. In light of the current economic crisis, competition for limited resources is fierce and the pressure is on to eliminate all but the basic "Three…

Two leading science educators provide a comprehensive, state-of-the-field analysis of current trends in the research, policy, and practice of science education. This book offers valuable insights into why gaps in science achievement among racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic groups persist, and points toward practical means of…

Describes the Nebraska Mathematics/Science Framework Project which used reflection and collaboration to develop a framework document that has been a significant motivator to enhance mathematics and science education in Nebraska. The end result is an articulated program of mathematics and science that is guiding other state efforts to improve…

Outlines the National Science Foundation's programs to assess science education in the two-year college and other programs providing institutional support through the Science Education Resources Improvement Division of the Directorate for Science Education. (JM)

This self-appraisal checklist was designed by the Ohio State Board of Education to help Ohio teachers and administrators improve elementary science programs. The checklist is organized into seven major categories which represent essential aspects of an elementary science program, including: (1) philosophy; (2) organization and administration; (3)…

This self-appraisal checklist was designed by the Ohio State Board of Education to help Ohio teachers and administrators improve secondary science proqrams. The checklist is organized into seven major categories which represent essential aspects of a secondary science program, including: (1) philosophy; (2) organization and administration; (3)…

Results from a 1982 follow-up study of student perceptions of science instruction are presented and compared with data from the 1977 national assessment. Data were obtained from 700 students in Iowa aged 9, 13, 17, and young adult. (MNS)

This document contains papers from a series of Evaluation Forums of the National Science Foundation. The titles are: "Education Program Evaluation at NSF: What Difference Does It Make?" (D. E. Chubin); "Interagency Efforts to Review and Evaluate Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Programs Through the Federal Coordinating Council…

Describes primary science education in Australia from the 1960s to the present. Suggests what changes should be made in the primary science curriculum and how these changes could be implemented. (DS)

Evaluates the ultimate goals of environmental and ecological education. Examines two versions of an established outdoor ecology program in a national park. Surveys students (N=700) using knowledge statements. Contains 64 references. (DDR)

A literature search of the ERIC system was conducted with regard to papers focused on evaluation models in science education. The purposes were to identify models, their common and unique features, and to examine the guidance they could provide for evaluating science education programs. The search yielded a small number of entries pertinent to the…

Progress is assessed within the following areas of geoscience education: undergraduate and graduate enrollments, continuing education activities, conferences, National Science Foundation programs, source- and textbook and other educational material publications, earth-science teaching at the precollege level, and marine education (geology of ocean…

Describes the communication system being developed by the Virginia State Science Service to obtain more systematic input from the local school systems and to give better information feedback from the state level. (Author/MA)

This study, which deals with the status of science education in the middle schools of South Carolina, is intended to be useful in: (1) developing middle school science teacher preparation programs; (2) revising certification requirements for middle school science teachers; (3) planning staff development activities for middle school science…

In response to a proposal request from the state, Achieve reviewed the draft of Maryland's Pre-K-8 Voluntary State Curriculum (VSC) in Science (dated May 2004). This preliminary report summarizes their findings and also reflects the discussion that followed their presentation to representatives of the Maryland State Department of Education on…