Making Science Curriculum Matter: Wisdom for the Reform Road Ahead

"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

Review :
“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." "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."