Assessment, when integrated with instruction, can provide a basis for restructuring science education. The National Science Education Standards are incorporated into this guide to assessing student understanding in science. Chapters include: (1) "Assessment Based on Six Domains of Science," which organizes an assessment framework for…

Highlights activities of the National Science Teachers' Search for Excellence in Science Education (SESE) program. The program involves searching for exemplary programs which can become models for designing new programs. A list of six SESE exemplars chosen for onsite study is provided. (JN)

Reviews what research has revealed about science education during the preceeding 20 years. Describes the desired state condition for science education created by the National Science Foundation's Project Synthesis. Contrasts the desired state to the actual state of science instruction. (FL)

It is noted science education is in a major period of transition, largely because of major problems facing society today. The feeling expressed is that science teaching designed to respond to societal demands of the 1960's is inappropriate for the demands of the 1980's. Possible directions for new programs are discussed. (MP)

Provides rationale for interdisciplinary science curricula which emphasize decision-making skills. Includes examples of interdisciplinary curricula using an issue-centered approach: Unified Science and Mathematics for Elementary School (USMES), Health Activities Program (HAP), Human Sciences Program (HSP), Individualized Science Instructional…

Analysis of an open-ended survey of 144 university and school science educators resulted in identification of six major problem areas: conceptual, organizational, teacher-related, student-related, university-centered, and societal. (Author)

Describes problems with traditional views of goals and presents considerations for goal setting in the issues-based curriculum. Uses the interdisciplinary approach of science/technology/society (STS) to illustrate how curriculum should be structured to improve students' creativity and process skills. (MW)

Substitutes "science attentive" for "cultural literacy" in science education, urging that students (1) have an interest in basic science, (2) know basic science, and (3) be able to deepen such interest and knowledge on their own. Outlines four cluster goals for science teaching from Project Synthesis of 1979-81. (NH)

Reviews trends in science teacher education programs from 1960 to 1990. Concludes that science education programs at colleges and universities are expanding, being newly created, or reinstated after closing 10 years ago. (PR)

Reports on a study designed to involve parents in the process of reforming science education through the development of science, technology, and society courses in school science. Explores interests and concerns about science and technology in society. Contains 44 references. (DDR)

The reform of elementary and secondary school science education in the United States has received renewed attention with the publication of several science reform documents and the 1989 Education Summit sponsored by the nation's governors and President Bush. This digest reviews documents which focus on the reform of science education and projects…

This final report includes information concerning the Iowa-UPSTEP Program, a preservice teacher education project first funded in 1970. Contents of this report include a discussion of the initial program outline; descriptions of general education and science program requirements that arose out of the Program; a history of the major phases of the…

Describes the Alternative Strategies and Services for Improving Science Teaching program of Iowa (Iowa-ASSIST). It represents a major effort for inservice education and science curriculum implementation in Iowa schools. The functioning model and the outcomes of the program are also discussed. (HM)

Describes and examines the effects of the eight-week Summer Science Training Program at the University of Iowa. There was no significant differences between students who had completed high school physics and those who had not on the final course examination, course grade, and attitudes toward physics. (Author/YP)

Reports on a study in which 61 science supervisors were asked to identify their most effective and least effective teachers. Differences were found regarding gender, quantity of National Science Foundation workshop experiences, and certain elected in-service experiences. (TW)