The
materials found in the Next Generation Tools for Teaching Standards-Based
Science CD constitute a "toolkit" that can be used
to support teachers who are moving toward standards-based practices. Within
the contents, the term "standards-based" describes educational contexts
wherein everything that is associated with teaching and learning is referenced
to the national and state standards. The tools found on the disc can assist
with the implementation of the science curriculum standards (SBE 2001). All
of these standards-based tools have been customized to adhere specifically
to the Tennessee Science Curriculum Standards.The Next Generation Tools for Teaching Standards-Based Science CD was developed after recognizing that teachers need quality support materials and clear, high quality work samples for implementing the state curriculum standards. To be successful, every teacher must have appropriate instructional tools and the background preparation needed to implement curriculum standards in the classroom. Some materials, like grade and attendance managers, simplify routine classroom management tasks. However, labor-saving technologies for delivering standards-based curriculum and instruction and for preparing aligned assessments are not routinely available to teachers. Without proper tools, effective implementation of many standards-based reform practices, while possible, are not really feasible for most teachers. The compilation of standards, curriculum development and instructional tools, science teacher resources, and work samples found in the Next Generation Tools for Teaching Standards-Based Science CD can facilitate the consistent delivery of standards-based instruction.
The Tennessee Mathematics, Science, Technology and Engineering Education Center (TMSTEC) at Middle Tennessee State University, Vanderbilt University Center for Science Outreach, and the Tennessee Department of Education worked collaboratively to complete this project for Tennessee science teachers. The development of the CD components resulted from the combined efforts of many dedicated science teachers and educators. They are to be congratulated and commended for their contributions to this project.
We are constantly striving to improve the contents of this resource and welcome feedback from science educators.
Please forward your comments and suggestions to: Linda Jordan, Tennessee Department of Education, Linda.K.Jordan@state.tn.us or phone 615.532.6285. Notifications of CD updates will appear in the Sciencing Quarterly, which is the Tennessee Science Teachers Association's membership newsletter.