Implementation of science curriculum materials has been a fundamental challenge in science education for decades. Policy researchers have argued that alignment of standards, curriculum, and assessment are the key to supporting implementation. This paper focuses on teachers' perceptions of curricular alignment and on curriculum implementation using…

Describes the use of problem surveys to identify trends in the common problems of a group, to focus the direction of programs to attack identified problems, and to evaluate implemented programs. Gives an example of a survey which states educational problems to be ordered in terms of priorities. (MLH)

Factors related to the success of implementing elementary school science program changes are discussed. Decisions must be based on continuing teacher needs assessments, strengths and weaknesses of the maintenance system, community awareness, and observations of consequent student behavior. (BT)