Science Education in the United States of America

Abstract

Science education in the United States of America is in the midst of an unprecedented reform movement-unprecedented because the movement is driven by national standards developed with support from the federal government. The standards for science education are redefining the character of science education from kindergarten to the postgraduate education of scientists and science teachers. The theme permeating the new-vision science education is science literacy for all.  Science education is in a state of ferment, making it difficult to characterize the practice of science education in the United States. Because the federal government has no authority to control science education, the practice of science education across the nation has a history of great variability. The national standards provide a coherent vision for what should be. Were the vision realized, all students would have equal opportunity to learn science. However, economic, political, human, and cultural factors are making the achievement of the vision a challenge.