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THE STATE OF SCHOOL SCIENCE A Review of the Teaching of Mathematics, Science and Social Studies in American Schools, and Recommendations for Improvements Panel on School Science Commission on Human Resources National Research Council 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20418 June 1979 NAS-NAE SEP 10 1979 LIBRARY
C. I Order from National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Va. 22161 Order No. 300-f?0 The material in this report is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Contract No. NSF 310 Task Order No. 397 and by the National Academy of Sciences. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessari- ly reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
NOTICE The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the Councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engi- neering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the Panel responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance. This report has been reviewed by a group other than the authors according to procedures approved by a Report Review Committee consisting of members of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Insti- tute of Medicine. 11
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Many individuals have contributed data, advice, and general support to the Panel and Staff during the preparation of this report. The financial support provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has been noted and is most gratefully acknowledged. The Panel is appreciative of the interest and support of Dr. F. James Rutherford, Dr. Alphonse Buccino, and Dr. Linda Ingison of the National Science Foundation. Within the National Research Council, the Panel received valuable counsel and assistance from the Commission on Human Resources, especially from Dr. Harrison Shull, Chairman of the Commission, and Dr. William C. Kelly, its Executive Director, who participated in the meetings and joined in the discussions, and from Dr. Richard Crane and Dr. Lloyd Humphreys who served as Commission reviewers for the report. The assistance of Dr. Douglas Lapp, Science Specialist for the Fairfax County (Virginia) School System, who served as a consultant to the Panel in its meetings and in the drafting of its report, was especially helpful. Members of the staff of the Commission on Human Resources who assisted the Panel included Mrs. Shirley Davis, Administra- tive Associate, and Mrs. Lynn Dotson who supplied secretarial support. To all of these persons, the Panel expresses its warmest thanks. iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Summary 1 Introduction 4 The Elementary School Curriculum 8 The Curriculum in Secondary Schools 15 Factors Affecting the Quality of Instruction 29 The Current Need 38 Recommendations 41 Rationale 41 Science and Mathematics Teaching Resource Centers. . 45 New Courses and Learning Materials 50 Institutes for Teachers 54 Non-traditional Educational Opportunities 60 The Needs of Special Groups 64 Accountability and the Use of Tests 67 Implementation 74 Leadership 74 Cooperation 76 Support for Private Initiative 76 References 80 iv