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Making Science Curriculum Matter

Wisdom for the Reform Road Ahead

By: Barbara Brauner Berns, Judith Opert Sandler

Promote science education reform that strengthens instruction and gives students a competitive edge!

Based on the National Science Foundation Instructional Materials Development program, this resource examines the opportunities and challenges of creating effective and equitable science education programs. The authors focus on the work of four dissemination and implementation centers that were established to promote the use of standards- and research-based materials for classrooms. The book demonstrates how educators can:

Establish innovative K–12 science programs
Create strong professional development opportunities to guide curriculum selection and implementation
Drive reform efforts that empower students with the skills and understandings to compete globally

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Product Details

Grade Level: K-12
ISBN: 9781412967235
Published By: Corwin
Year: 2008
Page Count: 136
Publication date: July 23, 2008

Price: $30.95

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Review copies may be requested by individuals planning to purchase 10 or more copies for a team or considering a book for adoption in a higher ed course. To request a review copy, contact sales@corwin.com.

Description

"The D&I centers helped many schools and districts change how they defined the goals of their science education program and the materials and methods they used to bring science to life for their students. This book will no doubt be another part of the centers' legacy."
—From the Foreword by Janice Earle, Senior Program Director
National Science Foundation

Promote science education reform that strengthens instruction and gives students a competitive edge!

Based on the legacy of the National Science Foundation Instructional Materials Development program, this resource examines the opportunities and challenges of creating effective and equitable science education programs. The authors focus on the work of four dissemination and implementation centers that were established to promote the use of standards- and research-based materials for classrooms. The book demonstrates how educators can:

Establish innovative K–12 science programs
Create strong professional development opportunities to guide curriculum selection and classroom implementation
Drive reform efforts that serve to empower students with the skills and understanding required in today's worldwide scientific/technical environment

For any educator involved in making decisions about science curriculum, instruction, professional development, and assessment, Making Science Curriculum Matter is a key tool in strengthening our nation's science education.

Key features

Explores the role of curriculum as a driver of science reform
Profiles the groundbreaking work of four NSF-funded centers for dissemination and implementation of standards-driven science materials.
Highlights the role of professional development tied to curriculum as a key component in the success of science reform
Profiles the centers' successes in working with schools on selecting curriculum materials, assessment, and professional development.
Concludes with a practical chapter on using the lessons learned from the centers' work to effect future reforms in science education.

Author(s)

Barbara Brauner Berns

Judith Opert Sandler

Table of Contents

Foreword: Showing the Way to Stronger Science Teaching and Learning

Acknowledgments

1. Introduction

2. Putting Curriculum at the Center of Science Education Reform

3. Selecting Curriculum Materials: A Critical Step in Science Program Design

4. Professional Development for Curriculum Awareness, Adoption, and Implementation

5. The Role of Assessments and Accountability

6. Lessons Learned From Evaluation

7. Using the Centers' Work to Improve Science Education: Some Practical Advice

Appendix I: Standards-Based Curriculum Materials Disseminated by the EDC's K-12 Science Center

Appendix II: EDC's K-12 Science Center's Curriculum Selection and Curriculum Evaluation Process

Appendix III: IMPACT Curriculum Review Panel MST Instructional Materials Evaluation Tool

References and For Further Reading

Index

Acknowledgments

Foreword: Showing the Way to Stronger Science Teaching and Learning

Reviews

“The D&I centers helped many schools and districts change how they defined the goals of their science education program and the materials and methods they used to bring science to life for their students. This book will no doubt be another part of the centers’ legacy."

From the Foreword by Janice Earle, Senior Program Director
National Science Foundation

"Provides a comprehensive blueprint to science curriculum and instructional materials reform. The lessons learned, written by those who have lived them, provide the wisdom and knowledge necessary to help others set their own direction."

Jo Anne Vasquez, VP and Program Director for Teacher and Curriculum Initiatives
Helios Education Foundation

Other Titles in: Science | Teaching Methods & Learning Styles

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