Materials Science and Technology: A Model for Achieving National Education Goals
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Materials Science and Technology: A Model for Achieving National Education Goals Irene D. Hays
Education Action Plan,2 the American Association for the Advancement of Science's 2061 Project: Science for All Americans,3 the National Council on Teachers of Mathe-
Introduction In April 1991, President Bush unveiled "America 2000," a national strategy for improving the overall performance of students in America's school system. He and the nation's governors developed the strategy as a result of the historical Charlottesville Summit, held in Virginia in 1989. America 2000 focuses on six national education goals, three directly related to mathematics and science education. Goal 4, in particular, states that "by the year 2000, US. students will be first in the world in science and mathematics achievement." By the Year 2000/ the report of the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology (FCCSET) Committee on Education and Human Resources (CEHR) details the federal government's strategic objectives for meeting this goal. The primary objectives outlined in the report focus on (1) improving student performance, (2) providing a strong precollege work force, (3) ensuring an adequate pipeline for the science and engineering work force, including increased participation of underrepresented groups, and (4) improving public science literacy. I'll discuss later how a revolutionary materials science and technology curriculum developed by Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) and Northwest teachers has proved to be a model for meeting these objectives. The FCCSET/CEHR report identified precollege as the educational level receiving the highest priority. At this level, the strategy for achieving the objectives is structured around (1) improving teacher preparation and enhancement, (2) reformMRS BULLETIN/SEPTEMBER 1992
matics' (NCTM) Curriculum Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics,* and other emerging national frameworks and standards. In addition, the programs emphasize interdisciplinary approaches and the integration of mathematics, science, and technology in meaningful real-life contexts.
ing curricula, (3) organizing systemic reform, and (4) providing student incentives and opportunities. After publication of the FCCSET/CEHR report, many states organized initiatives to improve education. In Washington State, an effort emerged to create a state systemic initiative in mathematics, science, and
Science Education Center Pre-University Programs Science Alive NSF Institute
Teacher Enhancement
DOE Teacher Research Associates (TRAC) OPTIONS in Science
Science Alive II
Curriculum Reform
DOE National Materials Science Institute
Environ. Restor.
Materials/Environment/Molecular Biology/Technology/Space/Mathematics WSTA • WCTM - WTEA - MESA • P5C • OMSI - NWREL • CBC • PSU • WSU • UW
Systemic Reform
Washington Systmemic Initiative in Mathematics, Science & Technology Education
Elementary I Systemic Reform Student Incentives and Opportunities
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