|
|
| Jackson, Tenn. - Union
University and the Jackson-Madison County School System
will announce a major science education initiative,
Building a Presence for Science, May 11 at 7 p.m. in
Union's Harvey Lecture Hall of the Student Union
Building. Primarily funded by the Exxon Foundation and
Lockheed Martin, Oak Ridge and undertaken in conjunction
with the National Science Teachers Association, the
program is designed to bring high quality science
teaching and learning into every public and private
school by the year 2000. Tennessee is the 13th state to
join the national effort. Other contributing stakeholders to the program include the Tennessee Department of Education, the Tennessee Science Teachers Association and the University of Tennessee. Local implementation of the program will be led by the joint effort of Union and the school system. Charles Baldwin, the O.P. and Evalyn Hammons professor of pre-medical studies at Union and Jackson-Madison County's key leader for the program, says,"Building a Presence for Science will allow us to link several ongoing education projects so that we can help our science teachers bring inquiry-based science into every school. The Union event will feature the following speakers:
Several local public school teachers will speak, as well. Started three years ago in Texas, Building a Presence for Science establishes networks of science teachers in participating states by identifying leaders and equipping them with science education materials and resources. These state leaders, in turn, communicate with local teachers in schools throughout the state. The program provides professional development and increases teaching and learning based on both the National Science Education Standards and on state science education standards. The program is now underway in 13 states and the District of Columbia. Jackson-Madison County is one of the few districts in the state to have developed its own standards not only for science education but for all areas of the public school curriculum. Its standards are consistent with the state framework and national standards. "Building a Presence fulfills a need that has not traditionally been met in science," says Gerry Wheeler, executive director of the NSTA. "The program sets up statewide networks of individuals who are advocates for good science instruction. We at NSTA are committed to improving science education, and we believe this kind of network can bring about positive changes in classrooms nationwide." Founded in 1944, the National Science Teachers Association is the world's largest professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's 53,000-plus members include science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education. |
