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The Need for Science Education Reform
Perhaps now more than at any time in our history US citizens are required to
understand and make decisions regarding complex political, social, ethical and
economic issues that involve science and technology. This consideration is set
against the backdrop of an increasingly technologically based workplace requiring thinking and reasoning skills that may be gained through the understanding and process of science. Concomitantly, government reports indicate that while Americans hold science in high regard, they do not consider themselves well informed about science and technology. Additionally, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) proficiency scores in science for middle and secondary school age students reveal little or no progress over a 20 year period. Taken together, these points underscore the need to create a more scientifically and technologically literate citizenry if the US is to remain competitive in the global market.
Key to the task of creating a more scientifically literate populace is the
promotion of quality science education both in and outside the classroom.
To this end national efforts to improve science education are being led by
projects such as:
Central in all of these projects is an emphasis on the need to provide access and equity
in science learning opportunities for all students.
Project information provided by TOBY LEVINE COMMUNICATIONS, INC., as it appears in the Annenberg/CPB Math and Science Project's The Guide to Math and Science Reform, Fall 1996 edition. For a complete listing and discussion of the over 700 projects listed in The
Guide to Math and Science Reform, click here. For information on how to order The Guide, click here.
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Science Education Reform Index
