In February, 1996, representatives of departments of education and major teacher education colleges in 39 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Department of Defense met at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. to identify and discuss issues surrounding the preparation and credentialing of science teachers. Central to this symposium were the criteria identified by the National Science Education Standards for effective science teaching and effective professional development for science teachers. This synopsis is intended to encourage reflection by participants and their colleagues at the state level on the issues identified, reactions to those issues from a variety of perspectives, and strategies for addressing those issues as outlined by others. Responses include: (1) "The Need for Scientifically Literate Teachers" (Bruce Alberts); (2) "The Need for Reform in State Policy" (William Randall); (3) "The Need for Reform in Teacher Preparation Programs" (Robert Watson); (4) "Implications of the Standards for Teacher Preparation and Certification" (Pascal Forgione); (4) "Response to Dr. Forgione" (Angelo Collins); (5) "The Standards: A Guide for Systemic Reform" (Rodger Bybee); (6) "The Standards: A Guide for Professional Development" (Susan Loucks-Horsley); (7) "The Montana Systemic Teacher Education Preparation Project" (Robert Briggs and Elizabeth Charron); (8) "The Louisiana Collaborative for Excellence in the Preparation of Teachers" (Kerry Davidson, William Deese, Linda Ramsey, and Carolyn Talton); (9) "The Connecticut Science Education Assessment Program" (Michal Lomask and Raymond Pecheone); (10) "Reflections on Pre-service Education and Teachers' Needs" (William Badders and Celeste Pea); (11) "Response to the Teachers' Comments" (Arthur Wise); (12) "A Science Educator's Perspective on Teacher Education" (Paul Kuerbis); (13) "The Role of Undergraduate Science Courses in Teacher Preparation" (Patricia Simpson); (14) "A Principal's Perspective on the K-12 School's Role in Preparing Teachers" (Mary Ann Chung); (15) "A Perspective on the State's Role: Motivation and Policy" (William Randall); (16) "Concern, Collaboration, Coordination, and Communication" (Jane Butler Kahle); (17) "Response to Dr. Butler Kahle from the State Perspective" (Terry Janicki); and (18) "Closing Remarks and Challenge for Next Steps" (Virginia Pilato). (ASK)
Report of a Symposium National Research Council, Division of Behavioral and
Social Sciences and Education, Teacher Advisory Council, Board on Science
Education, Center for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Education. Over
the ...
Humans, especially children, are naturally curious. Yet, people often balk at the thought of learning science--the "eyes glazed over" syndrome. Teachers may find teaching science a major challenge in an era when science ranges from the hardly imaginable quark to the distant, blazing quasar. Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards is the book that educators have been waiting for--a practical guide to teaching inquiry and teaching through inquiry, as recommended by the National Science Education Standards. This will be an important resource for educators who must help school boards, parents, and teachers understand "why we can't teach the way we used to." "Inquiry" refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and in which students grasp science knowledge and the methods by which that knowledge is produced. This book explains and illustrates how inquiry helps students learn science content, master how to do science, and understand the nature of science. This book explores the dimensions of teaching and learning science as inquiry for K-12 students across a range of science topics. Detailed examples help clarify when teachers should use the inquiry-based approach and how much structure, guidance, and coaching they should provide. The book dispels myths that may have discouraged educators from the inquiry-based approach and illuminates the subtle interplay between concepts, processes, and science as it is experienced in the classroom. Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards shows how to bring the standards to life, with features such as classroom vignettes exploring different kinds of inquiries for elementary, middle, and high school and Frequently Asked Questions for teachers, responding to common concerns such as obtaining teaching supplies. Turning to assessment, the committee discusses why assessment is important, looks at existing schemes and formats, and addresses how to involve students in assessing their own learning achievements. In addition, this book discusses administrative assistance, communication with parents, appropriate teacher evaluation, and other avenues to promoting and supporting this new teaching paradigm.
In addition, this book discusses administrative assistance, communication with parents, appropriate teacher evaluation, and other avenues to promoting and supporting this new teaching paradigm.
Ms. Steinberg brings to this work 30 years of experience in the field of education
—as a teacher, staff and curriculum developer, writer, ... She also served on the
Board of Directors of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives
.
Elementary Teaching - Bacc. Cert. Mast., 2. Secondary Teaching - Bacc. Cert. Mast., 3. Educational Administration & Planning - Mast., 4. Guidance and Counseling - Mast., 5. Reading and Language Arts - Mast., 6.
