This study examines the impact of standards-based professional development on teacher efficacy and instructional practice of elementary and middle school science teachers. Professional development activities were conducted over a period of 3 years and included content courses as well as teacher involvement in professional learning communities.…

There are countless reports stressing the economic and societal benefits to be gained from improved science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education for all students. Although there is extensive research on alternative teaching methods that increase student learning and are practical to implement, the combined efforts of federal…

Compares and contrasts high school physics philosophies, curricula, and textbooks of early 1900s to present, indicating that current textbooks are teacher and subject-oriented, lack examples of daily life, and are highly mathematical and too abstract. Suggestions for helping students experience success and improve self-esteem (which leads to…

Findings of experimental and qualitative research on construction of science knowledge by students with mild disabilities are reported. Both lines of research indicate these students are able to construct scientific knowledge using scientific methods, positive outcomes are associated with implementation of teacher effectiveness variables, and…

The Exemplary Practice in Science and Mathematics Education (EPSME) project involved outstanding teachers of science or mathematics from Western Australia. The project's goal was to identify effective practices of exemplary teachers for the purpose of developing programs for improving practices in science classrooms. Thirteen science teachers and…