Science Education: Accomplishments and Needs. A Working Paper.

Overview & Synopsis

This discussion of the status and future of science education grew out of the need for a more recent document to succeed "School Science Education for the Seventies." The document is composed of three main parts. The first part addresses the aims of science teaching, looking at the general principles as stated in the past, the current view, and the need for flexibility in the future to accommodate individual needs. The second part of this paper discusses the present situation of science teaching in the United States, including sources of satisfaction and hope such as the new curricula and inservice education, and areas of concern such as population trends, funding, and accountability. Finally, the third part presents recommendations for the coming years in the areas of curriculum development, improvement of teaching, the encouragement of women and minority students, and trends in Federal support and their implications for science education. (BB)