Science education

In view of the comments made in my background, I would hope that any K-16 Master Plan would include a strong thread dealing accurately and effectively with the nature of science and the nature of those other fields so dependent upon that understanding.  Such an ongoing theme must not only deal directly with what science is, how it works, what it's supposed to do, and its limits, but also focus on the many myths and misconceptions, many of which are perpetuated in our texts and in teacher training. Science is much more than "The Scientific Method".  Students must become intimately aware of the realm of science (only natural explanations of natural phenomena, NOT the supernatural), the inherent tentativeness of science (nothing is ever "proven", or final;  even "facts" can change, etc.), and the realistic social context in science (its natural bias, importance of teamwork, and refereed publication).  Of course, the actual working approach must also be presented: essentially that scientists propose reasonable, testable hypotheses, then design strategies to TEST them, by attempting to DISprove them.  An early yet fascinating entrée into the effectiveness of science could be by the introduction of familiar illusions, e.g. the illusions of sunrise, rainbows, our "flat" earth, and that species are unchanging.  Many events we experience are not what they seem, not always intuitive.  The methods by which science has revealed the natural explanations for these phenomena would go a long way toward de-mystifying and stimulating interest in science.  As a result, students should come to realize that science is NOT democratic; valid explanations of natural phenomena are NOT the result of popular opinion, but rather what the evidence tells us.  Part of this involves the careful application of special criteria: testing strategies which have been found to work.  These are the rules of science.  Such critical analysis skills would then be available for the objective evaluation in future decision-making situations.

In a broader sense, I would hope that teachers be required to effectively use tested strategies of teaching, e.g. using a carefully scripted opening during the first days of school each year, clearly establishing the tone of content, discipline and procedure that would be followed throughout the year.  In addition, research has clearly shown that student-centered participation and varied approaches, all in a supportive and dynamic fashion, are very conducive to student learning and enthusiasm for school.  Where this is lacking (based on close monitoring by administrators and/or a teacher committee), special re-training and close mentoring must be provided until the teacher achieves at least some minimal standard collectively set by teachers.

A second broad element to enhance student learning is some sort of required involvement by parents, at least K-12.  There can be many ways to do this, but every parent has the obligation of supporting his/her child's education in some tangible way.  Teachers must provide for this, too.  There must be an effective vehicle for parents and teachers to work together at every level in the education of their kids.