Opportunities for Strategic Investment in K-12 Science Education. Options for the National Science Foundation. Volume 2. Groundwork for Strategic Investment

摘要

This is one of three reports summarizing findings and conclusions from the first phase of SRI's 'Assessment of Initiatives Available to NSF to Address Problems and Opportunities in K-12 Science Education'. The study was done for the National Science Foundation as part of its response to a congressional requirement that the Foundation seek outside assistance in developing a strategic plan for science and engineering education. The volume presents a detailed discussion of 'core functions' for the National Science Foundation in K-12 science education (promoting professional interchange, building the base of information and knowledge about science education, and supporting innovation). It discusses the basis for strategic investment underlying three key activities: (1) designing initiatives; (2) developing an overarching strategy; and (3) building strategic capacity within the Foundation. The volume also includes a discussion of study methods, a summary of NSF's 30-year history of funding in K-12 science education, and three commissioned papers (regarding NSF's role in mathematics education, computer science education, and efforts to serve minority students in science). The analysis assumes that NSF's primary goal in K-12 science education is to contribute to broadening the pool of competent and interested science learners.