The Texas statewide assessment of academic skills in 1997 indicated that >55 % of the student population failed to master the mathematics objectives set by the test criteria and 42 % of the mathematics teachers at the secondary level in the East Texas region were categorized as underqualified to teach mathematics at that level. The issue of…

Main reasons for not using recently developed curriculum materials in elementary schools include misunderstandings about their psychological bases, and lack of trained teachers and curriculum coordinators in school districts. Efforts should be directed to improve these conditions. (PS)

This paper incorporates the work of several authors and presents a project focused on the competency training of teachers in environmental education. Draft competency lists included: (1) scientific knowledge for elementary school teachers; (2) processes in science for the elementary school teacher; and (3) teaching science to elementary school age…

Considers the development of science curricula from World War II and how the emphasis has changed to conceptualization of science knowledge in order to encourage intellectual activity. As well, this change has led to an improved climate for curriculum innovation. (Author/RK)

Evaluated the effectiveness of an in-service science program, designed to introduce the Science Curriculum Improvement Study (SCIS) to 35 elementary schools, by measuring teachers' (N=168) use of living materials available from the school district's resource supply center. Findings include no significant increase in material usage by workshop…

Because the decline in high quality and well-attended science education programs has been a source of concern to educators, policymakers, and leaders of business and industry, a survey of secondary school science education was conducted in 1981 by the Ohio Department of Education. Questionnaires were sent to 161 public high schools, representing…

Questionnaires were sent to 382 public and non-public New Jersey secondary schools to determine the status of science teaching during 1981-1982. Survey results (with 55% response) are reported for general information (staffing, certification, teaching duties, and others), supervisory personnel, subject matter organization, textbooks used, second…

Seventeen selected research studies relating student learning with teacher characteristics and personality in grades 7-12 science classrooms are reviewed. Methodology, objectives, and major findings of the 1960 "Teacher Characteristics Study" and short summaries of nine additional studies are considered in the first section dealing with…

This testimony, supported by data from several national surveys, was presented by Sarah E. Klein (president of the National Science Teachers Association) regarding the elimination of science education from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Issues and topics addressed include: (1) statement of the crisis in science/mathematics education,…