December 1998 Math-Science Papers Will Touch Regional Concerns
Educators needing useful, well-researched information on broad issues in mathematics and science education can soon turn to a new resource. Over the coming year NWREL's Science and Mathematics Unit will release a series of four topical papers intended to assist teachers and others plan and develop improvements in curriculum and instruction.
"We hear a lot about the need for real-life examples and resources that people can use," says Kit Peixotto, unit manager for Science and Mathematics Education. "They want to know 'How do I do this and what does it really look like?'"
The first paper in the series will address equity in science and mathematics classrooms from a perspective of gender and multiculturalism. Expert panels will determine the topics for the remaining three publications. Topics under consideration include community-based science education, conceptual understanding in science and mathematics, and implementing standards-based instruction in science and mathematics education.
To meet the need for usable information and examples grounded in research, each topical paper will include (1) an introduction placing the topic in the context of Northwest schools, (2) a discussion synthesizing current research and thinking in the field, (3) an interview or indepth treatment featuring practitioners or key regional figures, and (4) a resources section including print resources and a list of regional and national individuals and organizations educators can contact for more assistance and information.
The science and mathematics topical series will be available free of charge. Watch for further details and ordering information in future issues of this newsletter.
Two additional booklets recently released by NWREL's Science and Mathematics Unit are available by request free of charge. One booklet depicts the state of mathematics and science education in the region, while the other focuses on teacher preparation and certification.
The Annual Depiction of Science and Mathematics Education in the Northwest: 1995 covers five key dimensions of science and mathematics education in the Northwest: demography, assessment, student participation, mathematics and science teachers, and certification. Findings are presented with figures and tables as well as text.
- The "demographic highlights" section includes information on population; enrollment; ethnicity; pupils, districts, schools, and teachers by state; and school funding.
- The "assessment" section looks at the kinds of assessment tools used; mathematics and science achievement by grade level and state; regionwide achievement by grade level; results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP); and results from the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT).
- "Student participation" examines elementary class time spent on mathematics and science instruction and secondary course-taking patterns.
- The section on "teachers" gives a state-by-state breakdown of Northwest teachers by elementary, secondary, math, and science specialties. Teachers' participation in professional associations is also shown.
- "Certification" looks at numbers of certificates issued and gives a state-by-state breakdown of endorsements in specialty areas.
The depiction study will be updated every two years.
Ultimately, education reform in the classroom depends on changes in teacher preparation. The Preparation and Certification of K-12 Mathematics and Science Teachers in the Northwest: Recommendations, Programs, and Resources presents essential data concerning the Northwest teacher education system as it is now and makes recommendations for changes that support the national standards in science and mathematics education. The 111-page publication is divided into four sections:
The section titled "The Roundtable Recommendations" contains recommendations of the Northwest CMAST Teacher Preparation and Certification Roundtable. Recommendations address the Northwest states as a group; certification standards for mathematics and science teachers; and program standards for teacher preparation.
"The Northwest Region" depicts the region's teachers and schools, teacher preparation programs, and certification statistics.
"National Reform Efforts and the Preparation of Mathematics and Science Teachers" examines themes from teacher preparation reform research and literature, reviews recent documents specific to K-12 mathematics and science education, and summarizes recommendations from national organizations for the preparation of teachers of mathematics and science in a matrix.
"The Roundtable Recommendations in Practice: Highlights from the Northwest" describes teacher education programs, college-level science and mathematics content courses, and certification policies in the Northwest that provide real-life examples of the roundtable recommendations.
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