College Pathways to the Science Education Standards

Book excerpt: This book targets students who are going to be K-12 teachers and points out the responsibilities that both science and education faculty members face. These responsibilities not only include providing fundamental information and skills related to teaching, but also mentoring teachers to reflect their understanding. The National Science Education Standards specifically address grades K-12; however, these standards have a great significance for higher education in that they also address systematic issues of teacher preparation and professional development. This document discusses ways in which the Standards are meaningful to higher education. Chapters 1 and 3 focus on the teaching and assessment standards. Chapter 2 concerns professional development standards. Chapter 4 addresses content standards. Chapter 5 discusses science education program standards. Chapter 6 describes the science education system standards. (YDS)