Making Science Curriculum Matter

Wisdom for the Reform Road Ahead
Barbara Brauner Berns - Education Development Center, Newton, MA
Judith Opert Sandler - Education Development Center, Newton, MA
Making Science Curriculum Matter
July 2008 | 136 pages | Corwin
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Hardcover
ISBN: 9781412967228
Available from January 0001

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.

Contents

Foreword: Showing the Way to Stronger Science Teaching and Learning

Foreword: Showing the Way to Stronger Science Teaching and Learning

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

1. Introduction

1. Introduction

2. Putting Curriculum at the Center of Science Education Reform

2. Putting Curriculum at the Center of Science Education Reform

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

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

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

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

5. The Role of Assessments and Accountability

5. The Role of Assessments and Accountability

6. Lessons Learned From Evaluation

6. Lessons Learned From Evaluation

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

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 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 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

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

References and For Further Reading

References and For Further Reading

Index

  • Acknowledgments
  • Foreword: Showing the Way to Stronger Science Teaching and Learning

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.

Contents

Foreword: Showing the Way to Stronger Science Teaching and Learning

Foreword: Showing the Way to Stronger Science Teaching and Learning

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

1. Introduction

1. Introduction

2. Putting Curriculum at the Center of Science Education Reform

2. Putting Curriculum at the Center of Science Education Reform

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

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

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

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

5. The Role of Assessments and Accountability

5. The Role of Assessments and Accountability

6. Lessons Learned From Evaluation

6. Lessons Learned From Evaluation

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

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 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 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

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

References and For Further Reading

References and For Further Reading

Index

  • Acknowledgments
  • Foreword: Showing the Way to Stronger Science Teaching and Learning
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Making Science Curriculum Matter

Wisdom for the Reform Road Ahead

Barbara Brauner Berns , Judith Opert Sandler
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July 2008 | 136 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Hardcover 27/02/2023 9781412967228 $73.95
Paperback 01/02/2026 9781412967235 $37.95

"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.


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

Recent Product Reviews:

"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
“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

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