Graduate teaching assistants are often left out of the science teacher education reform agenda, but these science educators are responsible for significant amounts of undergraduate instruction especially at large research universities. Within science departments specifically, a number of courses and laboratories are taught by graduate teaching…

Chronically high rates of new and experienced science teacher attrition and the findings of new large-scale mentoring programs indicate that administrators should adopt new approaches. A science teacher's role encompasses demanding responsibilities, such as observing laboratory safety and OSHA mandates, as well as management of a business-like,…

The Math and Science Partnership (MSP) program at the National Science Foundation (NSF) is a major national research and development effort that supports innovative partnerships among institutions of higher education (IHEs), local K-12 school systems, and their supporting partners in order to improve K-12 student achievement in mathematics and…

An argument is made that teacher leadership at both the system and school level is an important part of the science systemic process intended in science education reform. This article describes the design of such a professional development program, the challenges addressed, and the impact on teacher leaders.

Discusses what a science supervisor from Texas would like to see more of in future issues of this journal. (KHR)

Explains the failing efforts in science education to develop scientifically literate students and argues that reforming science education requires changes throughout the system with clearly defined goals by schools and districts. Recommends professional development of teachers and administrators as the major key to education reform. (Contains 31…

Focuses on the challenges faced by one state's efforts at systemic reform. Evidence of changes in teaching practice and in student learning and the meanings that may be drawn from that evidence is detailed. Discusses five aspects of systemic reform that needed to be addressed and aligned, and the lessons learned in attempting to meet the…

Discusses the usefulness of in-depth reviews and the problem with reviews of science textbooks for science teachers and supervisors. (KHR)

Presents research and related design features that distinguish a new generation of teacher enhancement efforts along with the design and results of evaluation approaches for a specific program. (KHR)

Describes sources for upgrading a methods course for teaching science in middle and high schools and solicits input from science supervisors for course improvement. (KHR)

Reports on two studies evaluating the effectiveness of the federal government's Eisenhower Professional Development Program. Describes high quality professional development of in-service teachers, changes in teaching practice, six key practices identified in literature, and the relationship between district policies and the quality of professional…

The authors argue that leadership networks when comprised of regional stakeholders including university faculty, school system administrators, and teacher leaders can begin to work together towards common reform goals. (Contains 1 figure.)

Investigates high school teachers' perceptions of and commitment to the contemporary goals of science education. Constructs a Contemporary Goals Survey (CGS) and collects information on professional development factors. Explores the trend toward acceptance of contemporary goals and discusses problems of and implications for teacher training and…

Describes a teacher-enhancement project--the Scope, Sequence, and Coordination Project (SS&C)--coordinated by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). Considers the science supervisor as a key player in bringing about successful school science education reform. (KHR)

Outlines what is known about the role of professional development in systemic reform and discusses what is still not understood about this relationship. Argues that the distance between professional development and students is great. Contains 31 references. (DDR)