Over the course of six years, a diverse group of school districts and charter management organizations in California ran a substantial experiment in implementing the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in elementary and middle grades. WestEd led an extensive evaluation of that effort, the California K-8 NGSS Early Implementers Initiative,…

NGSS Early Implementers is a six-year initiative created to help eight California school districts and two charter management organizations, supported by WestEd's K-12 Alliance, implement the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Administrators need learning opportunities if they are to adequately understand the substantial shifts of the Next…

Despite the expressed need for high-quality science education, very little research has been conducted on what middle school science learning opportunities look like in practice. This study was conducted in support of "Strengthening Science Education in California", a research, policy, and communications initiative. Partners in this…

This article highlights the structure of a college horticulture course designed for students with nonscience majors. With an underlying emphasis that science is the manifestation of a basic human need to explain, the course outline illustrates the primary goal of developing and maintaining students' motivation for learning contemporary scientific…

This staff development program was directed toward the implementation of a new, hands-on elementary science program. The primary focus was three-fold: (1) to train teachers to implement a new program; (2) to increase the time devoted to science instruction; and (3) to provide teachers with additional science content background. This approach…

This paper reports on the evaluation of six pilot programs conducted in four Texas school districts to provide summer and after-school instruction for 2,084 students. The programs are described in terms of commonalities--cost, morale, transportation; and differences or contrasts--scheduling, cost, student identification, program philosophy,…

Reviewed are six programs at different colleges and universities which provide research opportunities for undergraduate students in physics, astronomy, marine biology, meteorology, and anthropology. Background, features, and accomplishments of the programs are discussed. (CW)

Reexamines the recommendations of "A National Action Agenda for Engineering Education." Cites at least one exemplary effort related to each. Covers the overburdened curriculum; practice oriented graduate programs; design, manufacturing, and construction; instructional laboratories; faculty pool, professional development for faculty;…

Discussed are the background, objectives, statement of need, target population, program activity, budget, staffing, funding, problems, and evaluation of the project. Suggestions for the initiation of analogous programs are provided. (CW)

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Mathematics and Science Education Program is authorized under the Education for Economic Security Act as amended by the Hawkins-Stafford Elementary and Secondary Improvement Amendments of 1988. The purpose of the program is to support innovative projects of national significance directed at improving the quality of…

Described is an application of educational technology that serves 700 students enrolled in 7 biology courses. Audiovisual and computer-assisted instruction are included. The integration of interactive audio with computer software is highlighted. (CW)

In 1981, an estimated 25% of the nation's secondary school teachers had summer jobs outside education. This report on the current status and future directions of employer-sponsored teacher internship programs has an underlying theme: that such programs can make a serious contribution to the career and professional development needs of teachers and…

This workshop was designed to discuss the role of out-of-school science activities both in formal and non-formal education programs. Fifteen participants from Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand attended the workshop. Highlights…

The Portland Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program was designed to remedy the underrepresentation of particular ethnic groups in mathematics and science-based careers and professions. It provides enrichment instruction on a weekly basis in eight middle schools and three high schools to enhance mathematics and science skills…

This conference was designed to identify salient elements of the national science/mathematics teacher shortage, add corollary data to the existing body of knowledge, and to influence and guide future NIE research in the area. The proceedings include: welcoming and keynote addresses by, respectively, Manuel J. Justiz and T. H. Bell; five…