"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) Education Appropriations: U.S. Department of Education Would Receive Slight Funding Increase Under Senate Committee…

Research evidence suggests that summer breaks contribute to income-based achievement and opportunity gaps for children and youth. However, summertime can also be used to provide programs that support an array of goals for children and youth, including improved academic achievement, physical health, mental health, social and emotional well-being,…

The Exploratorium is home to XTech, a science education program which began in 2006 and was primarily funded by a three-year National Science Foundation grant (Award # 05-25217) through its ITEST (Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers) initiative. XTech provided project-based afterschool activities in science, engineering,…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) "Standards Movement Gaining Steam": Duncan Announces Plan to Commit Up to $350 Million for Assessments…

This report summarizes a survey into the governance, use, and support of the behavioral and social sciences in the United States for the last 40 years. The document contains sections which deal with: (1) some major aspects in the history of the relationship between the federal government and the behavioral and social sciences; (2) major fields of…

Argues that the recent "crisis" in science education was unfounded. Claims that the reduction in federal funding through the National Science Foundation in 1981 was the real problem that precipitated the concerns about scientific literacy. (TW)

Discusses the recent increases in funding to the science and engineering directorate at the National Science Foundation. Credits the resurgence to the United States Congress. Questions how long the rise in the science education budget will be maintained. (TW)

Scientists/engineers from industry, universities, and government met to: review the status of scientific instrumentation in university research laboratories; explore new approaches to alleviating problems within existing budgetary constraints; and suggest ways for the National Research Council (NRC) to help. Federal agency, corporate, and…

In March, 1986, the National Science Foundation (NSF) commissioned a study designed to assess initiatives available to NSF to address problems and opportunities in K-12 science education. The first part of this volume presents a detailed discussion of "core functions" for the NSF in K-12 science education (promoting professional…

Science education has become a focal point in recent years for discussion and speculation. Numerous reports indicate that science instruction is not producing high quality education. This document notes many of the changes in science education by citing historical trends in the field since 1940. It then goes on to describe a cooperative unified…

These hearings focused on the National Science Foundation's (NSF) proposed program and budget. Testimony of witnesses, prepared statements, discussions, and supporting documentation (including hearings summary) are provided. Among the issues, areas, and topics addressed were: (1) relevance of NSF's mission to presidential goals; (2) science and…

Discusses issues and problems related to the rapidly decaying research infrastructure and the improvement of research facilities and equipment. Although remedies to the problem vary, university spokesmen contend that the federal government's major role in funding educational facilities in the past leaves an obligation for assistance now and in the…

Presented in this volume is the final report of the first phase of a study designed to assess initiatives available to the National Science Foundation (NSF) to address problems and opportunities in K-12 science education. The report begins with a discussion of NSF's mission in K-12 science education, followed by a review of the problems that limit…

Describes a report by the National Science Foundation that deals with the field of chemistry. Indicates that chemical research funding has grown, women chemists are entering the field more rapidly than ever, and chemists expect to report some type of research and development as part of their work. (TW)

The teaching laboratory in physics departments in colleges and universities is a source of great potential strength in undergraduate education. Recent surveys and conferences, have identified inadequate teaching equipment and laboratory development. This report reviews these problems and offers suggestions for an enhanced federal effort to solve…