This position paper was written by the New York State Science Supervisors Association (NYSSSA) in response to a statewide movement by some New York school districts to eliminate supervisory positions occupied by subject matter specialists. Recommendations and the rationale for supporting science supervisory positions are presented. This rationale focuses on science as basic education and on the supervisory role. The supervisory role includes: (1) historical background of supervision; (2) role-function of supervisors; (3) the need for supervision; and (4) supervision by specialists or by generalists. A list of references is also included. (HM)