During the last quarter of a century, it became abundantly clear that the desired reforms in science teaching and learning could not be accomplished without significant professional development of in-service science teachers. Yet, there was a dearth of effective professional development models that could lead to the kind of instructional reforms…

Reviews four studies that provide empirical evidence in favor of the STS approach for students and teachers. Finds a positive effect from STS across the entire curriculum. (Author)

Reports on the evaluation of the effect of the University of Iowa's program on the development of teachers' constructivist philosophies by participating Korean inservice high school science teachers (n= 70). Concludes that the effect of the workshop was significant and that learning was retained. Contains 11 references. (Author/ASK)

Discusses the changes in science teacher education from 1967-1977 by analyzing three major studies that presented some common features of preservice or in-service programs for science teachers. (HM)

The importance, role, and responsibilities of the science supervisor in the K-12 science program are described. The importance of selecting a highly qualified subject-specific supervisor for all disciplines is discussed. (KR)

This program is called Project ASSIST. ASSIST is an acronym for Alternative Strategies and Services for Improving Science Teaching. ASSIST is involved in teacher education (both inservice and preservice), student programs, and community relations. The model consists of five levels: (1) the coordinating staff; (2) the consulting and advisory…

Reviews problems with the use of the computer for science instruction in preschool and primary school classrooms. Describes efforts by educators enrolled in the Iowa Chautauqua Program to adapt appropriate materials for early childhood science instruction. Describes and evaluates specific computer programs which coincide with current goals for…

Described is a mail survey involving 28 science educators at 28 universities in the United States responsible for nearly all graduate research in science education. Each science educator was asked to prepare a short, one-page description of his/her perception of current problems in science education. (Author/DS)

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)

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)

Discusses aspects of science-teacher education that should be reformed in efforts to reform science education. The need for reform in science education implies a concomitant demand for reform in science-teacher education. Effective educational standards must accommodate standards for teaching, coordination of teaching and assessment, and systems…

A center-based program for science student teaching at the University of Iowa is described. The characteristics that distinguish the science student teaching centers from the older, traditional approach are listed. A list of tasks associated with establishing a science student teaching center is included. (KR)

Describes efforts in the reform of science education, noting the importance of changing preservice and in-service teacher education. The article examines three national systemic reform efforts and discusses implementation efforts in Iowa. It also discusses Iowa's teacher preparation and offers assessment information arising from Iowa's efforts.…