The Urban Systemic Initiatives (USI) program is an effort sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) that targets large urban school systems with the goal of sustainable implementation of high-quality, standards-based teaching for the purpose of attaining system-wide increases in students' learning of challenging mathematics and science.…

Inquiry is an essential component of science. Furthermore, what students learn and how they engage in inquiry supported by technology is important to understand in order to promote science education reform. This paper presents an overview of work in curriculum and technology development and professional development. Collaboration with the Detroit…

The investigation reported in this paper was prompted by discrepancies between the published outcomes from two international tests of science achievement: (1) the Second International Assessment of Educational Progress (IAEP2), administered in 1991; and (2) the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), administered in 1995. One…

This thesis investigates the effects of using computer-assisted instruction to supplement traditional classroom methods in high school physics. Students were divided into two groups, experimental and control, with the experimental group receiving the supplement of a drill and practice exercise by microcomputer. After a 2-week study, data was…

According to newly released Third International Mathematics and Science Study data, American children may score low on international comparisons because teachers are trying to teach them too many topics. Surprisingly, Florida's minimum competency testing program has not increased low-achievers' dropout rate. A recent "American…

Examines whether team-taught, departmentalized, and K-8 schools differed in academic achievement at grades six, seven, and eight. Dependent variables were mean building-level achievement scores in reading, mathematics, science, and social studies on the Spring 1995 Missouri Mastery and Achievement Tests. During the transition year, middle schools…

The first six years of a new program to organize high-level scientific research training for gifted high school students in Hungary are described. Besides giving top-level research opportunities for talented students in their most receptive age, the program has already helped the establishment of almost two hundred scientific research clubs.…

Examines business/education partnerships formed to bring about science and mathematics education improvements for Black students, focusing on needs such partnerships meet for both business and schools, and on factors affecting their potential for success. The Urban Schools Science and Math Program is studied as an example of such partnerships. (AF)

Two methods of assessing student learning of a hands-on instructional unit are compared. One method involves manipulation of concrete materials, and the other method involves manipulation of icons on a computer to solve an electric circuits problem. Sixth-grade students in an inquiry-based science program completed both assignments. (LZ)

The Meyerhoff Program enhances the success of talented African American science and engineering by focusing on knowledge and skills, motivation and support, monitoring and advising, and academic and social integration. Outcome data show that Meyerhoff students (n=69) achieved GPAs significantly higher than a comparison sample. (Author/SYB)

A previously proposed structural model of the theory of educational productivity of H. J. Walberg was tested for science achievement and attitude with a national probability sample of 2,535 tenth graders from the Longitudinal Study of American Youth. Results support a mediated effects representation of the productivity model. (SLD)

Firm evidence shows that formative assessment is an essential ingredient of classroom work and that its development can raise achievement standards. Achieving this goal demands a four-point scheme for teacher development: learning from development, a slow, yet steady dissemination process, reduction of obstacles, and substantive research efforts.…

Natural experiments explored the effects of attending public Philadelphia K-to-8 schools or public middle schools on eighth- and ninth-grade achievement. Found that students attending K-8 schools had higher reading, mathematics, and science achievement than students attending middle schools serving similar communities. Suggested that number of…

This study of Third International Mathematics and Science Study results addresses the issue of resource availability in rural and urban Australian schools, considering student attitudes toward math and science and career aspirations. Rural schools are more adequately resourced than urban ones. Students' attitudes and aspirations positively affect…

A recent study indicated students in the United States do not understand basic math and science as well as students in other countries, and will not be prepared for decision making in a largely scientific and technological world. Suggests ways for parents to emphasize science at school, at home, on school field trips, with science fairs, and with…