"Transforming Science Assessment: Systems for Innovation," is a series of resources designed to provide state education leaders with: (1) Information about how states are currently pursuing statewide assessment systems in science; (2) Analyses of what features influence different approaches, with an eye to supporting state leaders as…

The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) mission is to enhance the understanding and appreciation of physics through teaching. Embracing the notion that physics understanding is critical to the wellbeing of society, AAPT is committed to serving its members and the larger community by promoting effectiveness in physics teaching for…

Wireless communications are ubiquitous. Students and teachers use iPhones[R], BlackBerrys[R], and other smart phones at home and at work. More than 275 million Americans had cell phones in June of 2009 and expanded access to broadband is predicted this year. Despite the plethora of users, most students and teachers do not understand "how they…

This paper reports some of the findings from the science subject design initiative team in the ESRC Interactive Education Project at the University of Bristol. The subject culture of secondary school science, characterised by a content-laden curriculum and assessment, but also with a tradition and requirement for practical work, is briefly…

Science enrichment programmes housed outside traditional school settings offer unique opportunities to access and use authentic scientific tools and practices, especially for urban students whose school science experiences often lack resources. Yet opportunities to access these tools and practices are realized only when science teachers value them…

Described is the present education of secondary school physics teachers in the Netherlands. (CS)

Describes a high school faculty institute designed to assist teachers in helping students take up chemistry as a career or to continue studies in chemistry. Includes dates and topics covered in the institute since its inception in 1980 and highlights of institute activities. (JN)

Described is a school-focused pattern of initial and inservice training of teachers which emphasizes self evaluation and development through team membership. Details the workshop schedule and discusses activities used. (CW)

Background information on the shortage of teachers in mathematics and science is first summarized, with discussion of reasons why fewer persons are entering teaching and many experienced teachers are leaving. Then the Midcareer Mathematics and Science Program is described. It is designed to provide mid- to late-career professionals who already…

This document reports on the findings of an NSF-funded conference (STEM ACT) on the alternative certification of science teachers. The conference explored the issues that have arisen in science education as a result of the proliferation of alternative certification programs in the United States, and to identify the research that needs to be done…

Describes an inservice education system for secondary chemistry teachers called the Del Mod System. The activities in the system were based on recommendations gathered from secondary chemistry teachers during a two-year visitation program and included laboratory activities, a study of new developments in curriculum and methodology, and assessment…

The declining U.S. student interest in science and U.S. students' poorer performance on standardized tests as compared to their counterparts in other developed nations raise serious concerns over the future of the sciences in the United States. After reviewing the available data, the staff and board of Research Corporation set as one of its major…

PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL SCIENCE INSTRUCTION THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW SCIENCE COURSES ARE DESCRIBED IN THREE ANNUAL REPORTS. TEACHERS ATTENDED INTENSIVE SUMMER PROGRAMS THAT WERE PLANNED AND CONDUCTED BY COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS AND BY TEACHERS WHO HAD PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE TEACHING THE NEW…

Summarizes the planning and implementation of the first Camille and Henry Dreyfus Institute, a private initiative to support high school chemistry teachers, improve the high school chemistry curriculum, and draw more students to the field of chemistry. Indicates that curriculum materials resulting from the institute are being prepared. (Author/JN)