In this paper, we discuss how a community of scholars came together to create assessments across science departments for the initial teacher preparation program in secondary science teaching. The steps of the process taken to meet accreditation standards are described, as well as some surprising findings from our road trip down the path of…

Examined job specifications found in advertisements in "The Times Educational Supplement." Results indicate that in a large number of cases information supplied was inadequate. In addition, many advertisements did not indicate the academic specialty required (biology, chemistry, physics) of potential candidates. (JN)

Interviews with 31 science teachers and 39 class observations focused on aspects of the departmental environment: management style, emphasis on science disciplines instead of science, and student characteristics. Departmental characteristics were perceived by teachers as significant influences on their working environment and the experience of…

Presented is a statement of the need for school science technicians to service laboratories. A formula for determining the minimum level of provision of science technicians in schools is provided. (SA)

A survey of school science departments indicated that evaluation practices did not conform to a model implied by the Scottish Department of Education regarding role of department head, awareness and explicitness of department policy, and shared attitudes of staff. Two alternative models, based on authority or responsibility, were suggested. (CP)

Considers how particular approaches to leading and managing laboratory technicians in some (British) secondary-school science departments enhanced collegiality. In some schools, lab paraprofessionals are involved in decision-making. Trust, delegation based on ability, cooperative values, inclusive leadership styles, and a sense of belonging were…

This article focuses on the need for science staff development and suggests that rigid role definitions be eliminated and responsibilities shifted to allow teacher growth. (SA)

Describes self-evaluation techniques used to evaluate a British eight-form, entry, 11-18 comprehensive school's science department. The evaluation was conducted after the author completed an inservice course on self-evaluation of science departments. The course was based on a book "Decisions in the Science Department: Organization and…

In this study we explored how the science department shaped the relationship between a science department head, Mr Greg, and a teacher, Ms Horton, as they grappled with their expectations of, and responsibilities for, teaching and leadership in the daily life in the department. We found that, from their life histories and their positions in the…

Describes the physics teaching conditions at Solihull Sixth Form College, a comprehensive secondary school in the County Borough of Solihull, United Kingdom. Available physics course, timetable, teaching system, laboratories and study rooms, and future developments are also discussed. (HM)

Describes a British project which aims to produce a series of case studies of science education in middle and comprehensive schools. The methodology used to carry out the case studies and the structure of the framework of the project are included. (HM)

The Education Act of 1989 brought into existence the New Zealand National Qualifications Authority (NZQA), of which the first major task was to develop a national qualifications framework (NQF; New Zealand Government, 1989). The NQF was initially envisaged as a unified framework into which all secondary, vocational, and tertiary qualifications…

Provides geology departments and science educators with a leadership model for developing earth science inservice programs. Model emphasizes cooperation/coordination among departments, science educators, and curriculum specialists at local/intermediate/state levels. Includes rationale for inservice programs and geology department involvement in…

Three separate but related topics are discussed. These include the status of analytical chemistry in academia, the decline of science education in the United States (offering possible solutions to the problem), and the future of computers in analytical chemistry. (JN)

One of five articles on professional development schools in this theme issue. Describes the experiences of University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a collaborative, internship-based secondary teacher education program--Math English Science Technology Education Project (MESTEP)--and the university's collaboration with a high school science…