(EER's homepage, Astronomer's Education Notebook)
Roettger's Astronomer's Education Notebook
An online notebook for astronomers and space scientists wanting to become involved in science education.

Science standards

It's easy to get all the reform efforts and science standards confused. This describes the science efforts and a few of the others.

Index:
Quick Chronology
3 Science Standards
General Reform Efforts

A Quick Chronology

Please consider this a working document.

1986 AAAS begins Project 2061.
1989 Project 2061 publishes "Science for All Americans" and five panel reports.
1992 NSTA publishes "Scope, Sequence, and Coordination" (2 volumes).
1993 Project 2061 publishes "Benchmarks for Science Literacy".
1994 Goals 2000 act is signed into law, charging government agencies to change education.
1995 NAS/NRC publication of Science Standards expected.

Three Science Reform Efforts

Project 2061
The American Association for the Advancement of Science developed this project, which was named during the 1986 appearance of Comet Halley for the year in which the comet would return. It reflects the long-term intention of the project. Project 2061 is proceeding in three phases. Phase I established the substance of science literacy. Phase II (current phase) produces several alternative curriculum models and blueprints for reform. Phase III will be a widespread collaborative effort to implement the plans for science literacy.

Science for All Americans: A Project 2061 Report on Literacy Goals in Science, Mathematics, and Technology (1989) is the overview of five panel reports (Biology/Health, Math, Physical/Information/Engineering, Social/Behavioral, and Technology) on the essential science concepts all students should know.
Benchmarks for Science Literacy (1993) provides guidance on what to teach at different grade levels.
For information on ordering, contact:

Project 2061
the American Association for the Advancement of Science
1333 H Street NW
Washington, DC 20005

Scope, Sequence, and Coordination Project (1992)
The National Science Teachers Association started an effort to reform science education in grades 6-12. The project defines concepts to be covered in increasing depth at each grade level, rather than the traditional separation and sequence of subjects.
For information on ordering the two volumes, contact:

National Science Teachers Association
Scope, Sequence, and Coordination
1742 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20009

National Science Standards (draft, 1994)
The (National Academy of Science) National Research Council's National Committee on Science Education Standards and Assessment (Chairman: Richard Klausner; Director: Angelo Collins) has been working with groups and individuals across the country to develop national standards. The office is:

Milton Harris Building, HA 486
2001 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
(Washington, DC 20418)
(202) 334-3628
FAX (202) 334-1294

Opportunity to review the latest draft (thick blue book, November 1994) ended in February. The final document is anticipated late in 1995.

General Reform Efforts and Information

Goals 2000: Educate America Act
The text of this 1994 act and other good stuff is available from the Department of Education's Online Library.

Others
There are, of course, others reform efforts. Some are subject-specfic, such as for math or history. Others are general. Efforts exist from national to state to local levels. I'll list 'em as I run across 'em.

Go (back) to the Astronomer's Education Notebook or Elizabeth Roettger's Homepage.

Created 14 March 1995, last revised 15 June 1997

URL: http://www.nthelp.com/eer/AENsci_stds.html