Solutions for Real Change

Real change in the education system demands a systemic approach that takes into consideration all aspects of the school system. According to the National Science Foundation's Division of Elementary, Secondary and Informal Education, real change demands:

• A transformation of people’s beliefs about science education, well-informed by the processes of science and by our evolving understanding of children’s ability to learn complex, thought-provoking material;
• The creation in each district and school of a clear vision of effective science teaching and a set of goals that reflects this evolving knowledge;
• High-quality instructional materials that support a coherent presentation of important science concepts – and the resources necessary to make those materials available to every student;
• New kinds of tests that more accurately measure students’ deep understanding of ideas, not just their short-term recall of facts;
• A long-term commitment of professional development to a generation of educators capable of turning this vision of teaching and learning into reality;
• A broadening of public understanding and support for effective science education and the development of community partnerships that spur schools, universities, museums, foundations, and corporations to work toward common goals;
• Steadfast support from district administrators and policymakers who recognize the crucial importance of local school-based initiatives;
• Enlightened leadership that understands how all of these factors affect and depend on each other; and
• All of these changes happening at the same time.