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California Science Teachers Join the Revolution
To improve science education in the state, the board of the
California Science Teachers Association (CSTA) formally ratified in
December 2001 the manifesto, "Declaration of Importance," drafted by the
National Conference on the Revolution in Earth and Space Science
Education. (See page 97.)
CSTA's clarion call is part of the California Earth Science
Initiative, which seeks to elevate Earth science to a status equal to
the physical and biological sciences. The Initiative is exploring such
strategies as:
- developing a California coalition of stakeholders including
professional Earth science organizations, business, government agencies,
and universities to develop ways to promote Earth science education and
implement existing state policy (Earth science standards).
- developing a professional development strand for Earth science education at CSTA conferences.
- devoting future editions of CSTA's publication, the California Journal of Science Education to Earth science themes.
- seeking high-quality Earth science materials for CSTA to publish.
Moreover, to further support Earth science education reform on a
national level, CSTA will join the Coalition for Earth Science Education
(CESE), an informal, national coalition of education and scientific
organizations involved in Earth and space science education reform.
"CSTA's goals are to improve science education in California and
improve scientific literacy of the citizenry in general," said Dick
Filson, president of CSTA. "The work of the board of directors ensures
that CSTA will continue to build on its successes and expand its
influence on science education."
cascience.org/
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