The Summer Institute in Science was developed to address the need for updated information and training in physics, chemistry, and technology among elementary and secondary teachers. Three major objectives addressed were to: (1) improve teachers' understanding of basic concepts in the subject field; (2) provide teachers with training in the use of…

An 8-week summer institute for 32 secondary school teachers from New Hampshire and nearby states was designed to show them the activities of chemists in research and in manufacturing. Intentions were to improve their teaching skills by showing them how the chemistry that they are teaching is used in practice, thus enabling them to improve their…

Presents the results of a follow-up study of the academic year institutes (AYI) in science conducted at the University of Virginia between 1957 and 1967. Reports that with this sample the objective of the National Science Foundation's AYIs to improve the overall quality of science education was accomplished. Lists six specific conclusions drawn…

Describes the Phone Assistance for Teachers of Science (PATS), an innovative approach designed to enable new K-12 science teachers in Missouri to access quality science resources. Discusses the background, literature review, program description, evaluation, and future directions. (JRH)

This study uses a sample of 454 teachers engaged in an inquiry science program to examine the effects of different characteristics of professional development on teachers' knowledge and their ability to implement the program. The authors analyzed results from a survey of teachers served by 28 professional development providers within a…

Discusses a joint research program between several high school teachers and solar system astronomers in which data were collected on photoelectric observations of asteroids and minor planets via astronomical telescopes. (MLH)

Describes the development of the Nebraska Earth Science Education Network and its current activities in providing support for experienced teachers by enhancing and expanding teaching resource materials and educational opportunities. Provides a framework that other state geological surveys could use to establish a similar communication network.…

Describes a K-12 teacher enhancement program in Washington state that provides teachers with the background knowledge, human and material resources, and time to develop community-based studies on environmental issues facing the citizens of Washington. (Author/KHR)

This article describes the recruitment and selection methods, reports how the students handled the course requirements, summarizes the feedback from the teachers, and discusses the successes and failures in achieving the goals of the astronomy master's program for middle school and high school teachers at the University of Arizona in Tucson. (MVL)

Introduces the Iowa Chautauqua Program (ICP) which was disseminated through the U.S. Department of Education as an exemplary model of professional development for inservice teachers. Results reveal intricate relationships between classroom implementation by teachers and program implementation by the school district. (Contains 24 references.)…

A teacher's sense of {instructional} efficacy has been considered a critical variable in student academic performance. Researchers Tschannen-Moran and Hoy Woolfolk (2001, p.783) defined teachers' {instructional} efficacy as a teacher's judgment of his or her capabilities to bring about desired outcomes of student engagement and learning, even…

Analyzed were participants in six Academic Year Institutes (AYI), 1957-62, and a systematic random selected one-half of the rejectees. Rejectees for 1960 were not included. Of 35 personal and professional characteristics a comparison was made between or among (1) acceptees and rejectees of each year, (2) acceptees for each year, (3) rejectees for…

Visits to six school districts which were identified by the National Science Teachers Association's Search for Excellence program were made during 1983 by teams of 17 researchers. Their reports were analyzed in search for common characteristics that can explain the requirements necessary for excellent science programs. These characteristics are…

Current national concern for science education is analyzed in this article. In response to recent commission reports and changes in science education perspective, a new focus for science teacher education is offered. (DF)

Author undertook a study to examine new science instruction, science budgets and expenditures for new materials from 133 instructors of elementary science methods representing 94 teacher-training institutions. Teacher preparation for science instruction was the focus of the article. (Author/RK)