Fulfilling the Promise

Why are students today not learning biology, appreciating its importance in their lives, or pursuing it as a career? Experts believe dismal learning experiences in biology classes are causing the vast majority of students to miss information that could help them lead healthier lives and make more intelligent decisions as adults. How can we improve the teaching of biology throughout the school curriculum? Fulfilling the Promise offers a vision of what biology education in our schools could bealong with practical, hard-hitting recommendations on how to make that vision a reality. Noting that many of their recommended changes will be controversial, the authors explore in detail the major questions that must be answered to bring biology education to an acceptable standard: how elementary, middle, and high-school biology education arrived at its present state; what impediments stand in the way of improving biology education; how to properly prepare biology teachers and encourage their continuing good performance; and what type of leadership is needed to improve biology education. Table of Contents Front Matter Contents 1. Introduction 2. Where Are We Now? The Motivation for Change 3. Curricular Goals for the Near Future 4. Impediments to Implementing Curricular Change: Texts, Tests, and Classroom Practice 5. Impediments to Implementing Curricular Change: Training and Support of Teachers 6. Recruiting Scientists, Teachers, Technicians, and Physicians 7. Other Modes and Contexts For Teaching Science 8. Achieving National Goals: Dilemma and Resolution Executive Summary References Appendix A: Principles and Guidelines for the Use of Animals in Precollege Education Appendix B: NABT Biology Teaching Standards Appendix C: Standards for the Preparation and Certification of Secondary School Teachers of Science Appendix D: State Alternative Certification Programs (As of June 1987) Appendix E: Special Science Programs and Schools Appendix F: Programs Targeted to Women and Members of Minority Groups Appendix G: Strategies for Implementing Report Recommendations Committee Members Index