Successful Stem Education

Successful Stem Education Book in PDF, ePub and Kindle version is available to download in english. Read online anytime anywhere directly from your device. Click on the download button below to get a free pdf file of Successful Stem Education book. This book definitely worth reading, it is an incredibly well-written.

Successful K-12 STEM Education

Author : National Research Council,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,Board on Testing and Assessment,Board on Science Education,Committee on Highly Successful Schools or Programs for K-12 STEM Education
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 44 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2011-06-22
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780309213004

Get Book

Successful K-12 STEM Education by National Research Council,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,Board on Testing and Assessment,Board on Science Education,Committee on Highly Successful Schools or Programs for K-12 STEM Education Pdf

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are cultural achievements that reflect our humanity, power our economy, and constitute fundamental aspects of our lives as citizens, consumers, parents, and members of the workforce. Providing all students with access to quality education in the STEM disciplines is important to our nation's competitiveness. However, it is challenging to identify the most successful schools and approaches in the STEM disciplines because success is defined in many ways and can occur in many different types of schools and settings. In addition, it is difficult to determine whether the success of a school's students is caused by actions the school takes or simply related to the population of students in the school. Successful K-12 STEM Education defines a framework for understanding "success" in K-12 STEM education. The book focuses its analysis on the science and mathematics parts of STEM and outlines criteria for identifying effective STEM schools and programs. Because a school's success should be defined by and measured relative to its goals, the book identifies three important goals that share certain elements, including learning STEM content and practices, developing positive dispositions toward STEM, and preparing students to be lifelong learners. A successful STEM program would increase the number of students who ultimately pursue advanced degrees and careers in STEM fields, enhance the STEM-capable workforce, and boost STEM literacy for all students. It is also critical to broaden the participation of women and minorities in STEM fields. Successful K-12 STEM Education examines the vast landscape of K-12 STEM education by considering different school models, highlighting research on effective STEM education practices, and identifying some conditions that promote and limit school- and student-level success in STEM. The book also looks at where further work is needed to develop appropriate data sources. The book will serve as a guide to policy makers; decision makers at the school and district levels; local, state, and federal government agencies; curriculum developers; educators; and parent and education advocacy groups.

Successful K-12 STEM Education

Author : National Research Council,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,Board on Testing and Assessment,Board on Science Education,Committee on Highly Successful Schools or Programs for K-12 STEM Education
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 44 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 2011-07-22
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780309212960

Get Book

Successful K-12 STEM Education by National Research Council,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,Board on Testing and Assessment,Board on Science Education,Committee on Highly Successful Schools or Programs for K-12 STEM Education Pdf

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are cultural achievements that reflect our humanity, power our economy, and constitute fundamental aspects of our lives as citizens, consumers, parents, and members of the workforce. Providing all students with access to quality education in the STEM disciplines is important to our nation's competitiveness. However, it is challenging to identify the most successful schools and approaches in the STEM disciplines because success is defined in many ways and can occur in many different types of schools and settings. In addition, it is difficult to determine whether the success of a school's students is caused by actions the school takes or simply related to the population of students in the school. Successful K-12 STEM Education defines a framework for understanding "success" in K-12 STEM education. The book focuses its analysis on the science and mathematics parts of STEM and outlines criteria for identifying effective STEM schools and programs. Because a school's success should be defined by and measured relative to its goals, the book identifies three important goals that share certain elements, including learning STEM content and practices, developing positive dispositions toward STEM, and preparing students to be lifelong learners. A successful STEM program would increase the number of students who ultimately pursue advanced degrees and careers in STEM fields, enhance the STEM-capable workforce, and boost STEM literacy for all students. It is also critical to broaden the participation of women and minorities in STEM fields. Successful K-12 STEM Education examines the vast landscape of K-12 STEM education by considering different school models, highlighting research on effective STEM education practices, and identifying some conditions that promote and limit school- and student-level success in STEM. The book also looks at where further work is needed to develop appropriate data sources. The book will serve as a guide to policy makers; decision makers at the school and district levels; local, state, and federal government agencies; curriculum developers; educators; and parent and education advocacy groups.

Successful STEM Education

Author : National Research Council,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,Board on Testing and Assessment,Board on Science Education,Committee on Highly Successful Schools or Programs for K-12 STEM Education
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 94 pages
File Size : 45,7 Mb
Release : 2011-10-15
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780309218900

Get Book

Successful STEM Education by National Research Council,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,Board on Testing and Assessment,Board on Science Education,Committee on Highly Successful Schools or Programs for K-12 STEM Education Pdf

What students learn about the science disciplines, technology, engineering, and mathematics during their K-12 schooling shapes their intellectual development, opportunities for future study and work, and choices of career, as well as their capacity to make informed decisions about political and civic issues and about their own lives. Most people share the vision that a highly capable STEM workforce and a population that understands and supports the scientific enterprise are key to the future place of the United States in global economics and politics and to the well-being of the nation. Indeed, the solutions to some of the most daunting problems facing the nation will require not only the expertise of top STEM professionals but also the wisdom and understanding of its citizens. Although much is known about why schools may not succeed, it is far less clear what makes STEM education effective. Successful STEM Education: A Workshop Summary discusses the importance of STEM education. The report describes the primary types of K-12 schools and programs that can support successful education in the STEM disciplines and examines data and research that demonstrate the effectiveness of these school types. It also summarizes research that helps to identify both the elements that make such programs effective and what is needed to implement these elements.

STEM by Design

Author : Anne Jolly
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 176 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 2016-06-10
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781317395782

Get Book

STEM by Design by Anne Jolly Pdf

How do you create effective STEM classrooms that energize students, help them grow into creative thinkers and collaborators, and prepare them for their futures? This practical book from expert Anne Jolly has all the answers and tools you need to get started or enhance your current program. Based on the author’s popular MiddleWeb blog of the same name, STEM by Design reveals the secrets to successful lessons in which students use science, math, and technology to solve real-world engineering design problems. You’ll learn how to: Select and adapt quality existing STEM lessons that present authentic problems, allow for creative approaches, and engage students in meaningful teamwork; Create your own student-centered STEM lessons based on the Engineering Design Process; Assess students’ understanding of basic STEM concepts, their problem-solving abilities, and their level of engagement with the material; Teach STEM in after-school programs to further build on concepts covered in class; Empower girls to aspire to careers in STEM and break down the barriers of gender bias; Tap into STEM's project-based learning style to attract and engage all students. Throughout this user-friendly book, you’ll find design tools such as checklists, activities, and assessments to aid you in developing or adapting STEM lessons. These tools, as well as additional teacher resources, are also available as free downloads from the book’s website, http://www.stem-by-design.com.

Monitoring Progress Toward Successful K-12 STEM Education

Author : National Research Council,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,Board on Testing and Assessment,Board on Science Education,Committee on the Evaluation Framework for Successful K-12 STEM Education
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 65 pages
File Size : 49,5 Mb
Release : 2013-04-25
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780309264815

Get Book

Monitoring Progress Toward Successful K-12 STEM Education by National Research Council,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,Board on Testing and Assessment,Board on Science Education,Committee on the Evaluation Framework for Successful K-12 STEM Education Pdf

Following a 2011 report by the National Research Council (NRC) on successful K-12 education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Congress asked the National Science Foundation to identify methods for tracking progress toward the report's recommendations. In response, the NRC convened the Committee on an Evaluation Framework for Successful K-12 STEM Education to take on this assignment. The committee developed 14 indicators linked to the 2011 report's recommendations. By providing a focused set of key indicators related to students' access to quality learning, educator's capacity, and policy and funding initiatives in STEM, the committee addresses the need for research and data that can be used to monitor progress in K-12 STEM education and make informed decisions about improving it. The recommended indicators provide a framework for Congress and relevant deferral agencies to create and implement a national-level monitoring and reporting system that: assesses progress toward key improvements recommended by a previous National Research Council (2011) committee; measures student knowledge, interest, and participation in the STEM disciplines and STEM-related activities; tracks financial, human capital, and material investments in K-12 STEM education at the federal, state, and local levels; provides information about the capabilities of the STEM education workforce, including teachers and principals; and facilitates strategic planning for federal investments in STEM education and workforce development when used with labor force projections. All 14 indicators explained in this report are intended to form the core of this system. Monitoring Progress Toward Successful K-12 STEM Education: A Nation Advancing? summarizes the 14 indicators and tracks progress towards the initial report's recommendations.

Identifying and Supporting Productive STEM Programs in Out-of-School Settings

Author : National Research Council,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,Board on Science Education,Committee on Successful Out-of-School STEM Learning
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 76 pages
File Size : 48,8 Mb
Release : 2015-10-26
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780309373654

Get Book

Identifying and Supporting Productive STEM Programs in Out-of-School Settings by National Research Council,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,Board on Science Education,Committee on Successful Out-of-School STEM Learning Pdf

More and more young people are learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in a wide variety of afterschool, summer, and informal programs. At the same time, there has been increasing awareness of the value of such programs in sparking, sustaining, and extending interest in and understanding of STEM. To help policy makers, funders and education leaders in both school and out-of-school settings make informed decisions about how to best leverage the educational and learning resources in their community, this report identifies features of productive STEM programs in out-of-school settings. Identifying and Supporting Productive STEM Programs in Out-of-School Settings draws from a wide range of research traditions to illustrate that interest in STEM and deep STEM learning develop across time and settings. The report provides guidance on how to evaluate and sustain programs. This report is a resource for local, state, and federal policy makers seeking to broaden access to multiple, high-quality STEM learning opportunities in their community.

Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation

Author : Institute of Medicine,National Academy of Engineering,National Academy of Sciences,Policy and Global Affairs,Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy,Committee on Underrepresented Groups and the Expansion of the Science and Engineering Workforce Pipeline
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 229 pages
File Size : 48,5 Mb
Release : 2011-07-29
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780309159685

Get Book

Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation by Institute of Medicine,National Academy of Engineering,National Academy of Sciences,Policy and Global Affairs,Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy,Committee on Underrepresented Groups and the Expansion of the Science and Engineering Workforce Pipeline Pdf

In order for the United States to maintain the global leadership and competitiveness in science and technology that are critical to achieving national goals, we must invest in research, encourage innovation, and grow a strong and talented science and technology workforce. Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation explores the role of diversity in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce and its value in keeping America innovative and competitive. According to the book, the U.S. labor market is projected to grow faster in science and engineering than in any other sector in the coming years, making minority participation in STEM education at all levels a national priority. Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation analyzes the rate of change and the challenges the nation currently faces in developing a strong and diverse workforce. Although minorities are the fastest growing segment of the population, they are underrepresented in the fields of science and engineering. Historically, there has been a strong connection between increasing educational attainment in the United States and the growth in and global leadership of the economy. Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation suggests that the federal government, industry, and post-secondary institutions work collaboratively with K-12 schools and school systems to increase minority access to and demand for post-secondary STEM education and technical training. The book also identifies best practices and offers a comprehensive road map for increasing involvement of underrepresented minorities and improving the quality of their education. It offers recommendations that focus on academic and social support, institutional roles, teacher preparation, affordability and program development.

Effective Instruction for STEM Disciplines

Author : Edward J. Mastascusa,William J. Snyder,Brian S. Hoyt
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 288 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 2011-05-24
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780470474457

Get Book

Effective Instruction for STEM Disciplines by Edward J. Mastascusa,William J. Snyder,Brian S. Hoyt Pdf

Praise for Effective Instruction for STEM Disciplines "The world of today's learners is a multimode, information-intensive universe of interactive bursts and virtual exchanges, yet our teaching methods retain the outdated characteristics of last generation's study-and-drill approach. New pedagogical methods, detailed and justified in this groundbreaking work, are essential to prepare students to confront the concerns of the future. The book challenges our traditional assumptions and informs the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) community of the latest research on how the brain learns and retains information, how enhanced student engagement with subject material and its context is essential to deep learning, and how to use this knowledge to structure STEM education approaches that work." —DAVID V. KERNS, JR., Franklin and Mary Olin Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and founding provost, Olin College "Every STEM faculty member should have this book. It provides a handy introduction to the 'why and how' of engaging students in the learning process." —DAVID VOLTMER, professor emeritus, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and American Society for Engineering Education Fellow "The poor quality of math and science education and the shortage of well-qualified graduates are acknowledged almost daily in the U.S. press. Here the authors provide much-needed insights for educators seeking to improve the quality of STEM education as well as to better prepare students to solve the problems they will confront in our increasingly technology-driven world." —KEITH BUFFINTON, interim dean of engineering, Bucknell University

Minority Serving Institutions

Author : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Policy and Global Affairs,Board on Higher Education and Workforce,Committee on Closing the Equity Gap: Securing Our STEM Education and Workforce Readiness Infrastructure in the Nation's Minority Serving Institutions
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 255 pages
File Size : 49,7 Mb
Release : 2019-02-05
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780309484442

Get Book

Minority Serving Institutions by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Policy and Global Affairs,Board on Higher Education and Workforce,Committee on Closing the Equity Gap: Securing Our STEM Education and Workforce Readiness Infrastructure in the Nation's Minority Serving Institutions Pdf

There are over 20 million young people of color in the United States whose representation in STEM education pathways and in the STEM workforce is still far below their numbers in the general population. Their participation could help re-establish the United States' preeminence in STEM innovation and productivity, while also increasing the number of well-educated STEM workers. There are nearly 700 minority-serving institutions (MSIs) that provide pathways to STEM educational success and workforce readiness for millions of students of colorâ€"and do so in a mission-driven and intentional manner. They vary substantially in their origins, missions, student demographics, and levels of institutional selectivity. But in general, their service to the nation provides a gateway to higher education and the workforce, particularly for underrepresented students of color and those from low-income and first-generation to college backgrounds. The challenge for the nation is how to capitalize on the unique strengths and attributes of these institutions and to equip them with the resources, exceptional faculty talent, and vital infrastructure needed to educate and train an increasingly critical portion of current and future generations of scientists, engineers, and health professionals. Minority Serving Institutions examines the nation's MSIs and identifies promising programs and effective strategies that have the highest potential return on investment for the nation by increasing the quantity and quality MSI STEM graduates. This study also provides critical information and perspective about the importance of MSIs to other stakeholders in the nation's system of higher education and the organizations that support them.

STEM Integration in K-12 Education

Author : National Research Council,National Academy of Engineering,Committee on Integrated STEM Education
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 180 pages
File Size : 46,8 Mb
Release : 2014-02-28
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780309297998

Get Book

STEM Integration in K-12 Education by National Research Council,National Academy of Engineering,Committee on Integrated STEM Education Pdf

STEM Integration in K-12 Education examines current efforts to connect the STEM disciplines in K-12 education. This report identifies and characterizes existing approaches to integrated STEM education, both in formal and after- and out-of-school settings. The report reviews the evidence for the impact of integrated approaches on various student outcomes, and it proposes a set of priority research questions to advance the understanding of integrated STEM education. STEM Integration in K-12 Education proposes a framework to provide a common perspective and vocabulary for researchers, practitioners, and others to identify, discuss, and investigate specific integrated STEM initiatives within the K-12 education system of the United States. STEM Integration in K-12 Education makes recommendations for designers of integrated STEM experiences, assessment developers, and researchers to design and document effective integrated STEM education. This report will help to further their work and improve the chances that some forms of integrated STEM education will make a positive difference in student learning and interest and other valued outcomes.

K-12 STEM Education: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice

Author : Management Association, Information Resources
Publisher : IGI Global
Page : 1030 pages
File Size : 49,8 Mb
Release : 2017-10-31
Category : Education
ISBN : 9781522538332

Get Book

K-12 STEM Education: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice by Management Association, Information Resources Pdf

Education is vital to the progression and sustainability of society. By developing effective learning programs, this creates numerous impacts and benefits for future generations to come. K-12 STEM Education: Breakthroughs in Research and Practice is a pivotal source of academic material on the latest trends, techniques, technological tools, and scholarly perspectives on STEM education in K-12 learning environments. Including a range of pertinent topics such as instructional design, online learning, and educational technologies, this book is an ideal reference source for teachers, teacher educators, professionals, students, researchers, and practitioners interested in the latest developments in K-12 STEM education.

Developing a National STEM Workforce Strategy

Author : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Policy and Global Affairs,Board on Higher Education and Workforce,Planning Committee for the National Summit on Developing a STEM Workforce Strategy
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 161 pages
File Size : 47,6 Mb
Release : 2016-03-07
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780309391610

Get Book

Developing a National STEM Workforce Strategy by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,Policy and Global Affairs,Board on Higher Education and Workforce,Planning Committee for the National Summit on Developing a STEM Workforce Strategy Pdf

The future competitiveness of the United States in an increasingly interconnected global economy depends on the nation fostering a workforce with strong capabilities and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). STEM knowledge and skills enable both individual opportunity and national competitiveness, and the nation needs to develop ways of ensuring access to high-quality education and training experiences for all students at all levels and for all workers at all career stages. The National Science Foundation (NSF) holds a primary responsibility for overseeing the federal government's efforts to foster the creation of a STEM-capable workforce. As part of its efforts in this endeavor, NSF's Directorate on Education and Human Resources asked the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to convene a workshop that would contribute to NSF's preparation of a theoretical and evidence-based STEM Workforce Development R&D Core Framework. Participants discussed research themes, identified gaps and emerging research opportunities, and recommended refinements in the goals of the framework. This report summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.

Barriers and Opportunities for 2-Year and 4-Year STEM Degrees

Author : National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,National Academy of Engineering,Policy and Global Affairs,Board on Higher Education and Workforce,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,Board on Science Education,Committee on Barriers and Opportunities in Completing 2-Year and 4-Year STEM Degrees
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 215 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2016-05-18
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780309373609

Get Book

Barriers and Opportunities for 2-Year and 4-Year STEM Degrees by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,National Academy of Engineering,Policy and Global Affairs,Board on Higher Education and Workforce,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,Board on Science Education,Committee on Barriers and Opportunities in Completing 2-Year and 4-Year STEM Degrees Pdf

Nearly 40 percent of the students entering 2- and 4-year postsecondary institutions indicated their intention to major in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in 2012. But the barriers to students realizing their ambitions are reflected in the fact that about half of those with the intention to earn a STEM bachelor's degree and more than two-thirds intending to earn a STEM associate's degree fail to earn these degrees 4 to 6 years after their initial enrollment. Many of those who do obtain a degree take longer than the advertised length of the programs, thus raising the cost of their education. Are the STEM educational pathways any less efficient than for other fields of study? How might the losses be "stemmed" and greater efficiencies realized? These questions and others are at the heart of this study. Barriers and Opportunities for 2-Year and 4-Year STEM Degrees reviews research on the roles that people, processes, and institutions play in 2-and 4-year STEM degree production. This study pays special attention to the factors that influence students' decisions to enter, stay in, or leave STEM majorsâ€"quality of instruction, grading policies, course sequences, undergraduate learning environments, student supports, co-curricular activities, students' general academic preparedness and competence in science, family background, and governmental and institutional policies that affect STEM educational pathways. Because many students do not take the traditional 4-year path to a STEM undergraduate degree, Barriers and Opportunities describes several other common pathways and also reviews what happens to those who do not complete the journey to a degree. This book describes the major changes in student demographics; how students, view, value, and utilize programs of higher education; and how institutions can adapt to support successful student outcomes. In doing so, Barriers and Opportunities questions whether definitions and characteristics of what constitutes success in STEM should change. As this book explores these issues, it identifies where further research is needed to build a system that works for all students who aspire to STEM degrees. The conclusions of this report lay out the steps that faculty, STEM departments, colleges and universities, professional societies, and others can take to improve STEM education for all students interested in a STEM degree.

Monitoring Progress Toward Successful K-12 STEM Education

Author : Committee on the Evaluation Framework for Successful K-12 STEM Education,Board on Science Education,Board on Testing and Assessment,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,National Research Council
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 65 pages
File Size : 51,6 Mb
Release : 2013-04-08
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780309264822

Get Book

Monitoring Progress Toward Successful K-12 STEM Education by Committee on the Evaluation Framework for Successful K-12 STEM Education,Board on Science Education,Board on Testing and Assessment,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,National Research Council Pdf

Following a 2011 report by the National Research Council (NRC) on successful K-12 education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Congress asked the National Science Foundation to identify methods for tracking progress toward the report's recommendations. In response, the NRC convened the Committee on an Evaluation Framework for Successful K-12 STEM Education to take on this assignment. The committee developed 14 indicators linked to the 2011 report's recommendations. By providing a focused set of key indicators related to students' access to quality learning, educator's capacity, and policy and funding initiatives in STEM, the committee addresses the need for research and data that can be used to monitor progress in K-12 STEM education and make informed decisions about improving it. The recommended indicators provide a framework for Congress and relevant deferral agencies to create and implement a national-level monitoring and reporting system that: assesses progress toward key improvements recommended by a previous National Research Council (2011) committee; measures student knowledge, interest, and participation in the STEM disciplines and STEM-related activities; tracks financial, human capital, and material investments in K-12 STEM education at the federal, state, and local levels; provides information about the capabilities of the STEM education workforce, including teachers and principals; and facilitates strategic planning for federal investments in STEM education and workforce development when used with labor force projections. All 14 indicators explained in this report are intended to form the core of this system. Monitoring Progress Toward Successful K-12 STEM Education: A Nation Advancing? summarizes the 14 indicators and tracks progress towards the initial report's recommendations.

Preparing Teachers

Author : National Research Council,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,Center for Education,Committee on the Study of Teacher Preparation Programs in the United States
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 234 pages
File Size : 44,6 Mb
Release : 2010-07-25
Category : Education
ISBN : 9780309128056

Get Book

Preparing Teachers by National Research Council,Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education,Center for Education,Committee on the Study of Teacher Preparation Programs in the United States Pdf

Teachers make a difference. The success of any plan for improving educational outcomes depends on the teachers who carry it out and thus on the abilities of those attracted to the field and their preparation. Yet there are many questions about how teachers are being prepared and how they ought to be prepared. Yet, teacher preparation is often treated as an afterthought in discussions of improving the public education system. Preparing Teachers addresses the issue of teacher preparation with specific attention to reading, mathematics, and science. The book evaluates the characteristics of the candidates who enter teacher preparation programs, the sorts of instruction and experiences teacher candidates receive in preparation programs, and the extent that the required instruction and experiences are consistent with converging scientific evidence. Preparing Teachers also identifies a need for a data collection model to provide valid and reliable information about the content knowledge, pedagogical competence, and effectiveness of graduates from the various kinds of teacher preparation programs. Federal and state policy makers need reliable, outcomes-based information to make sound decisions, and teacher educators need to know how best to contribute to the development of effective teachers. Clearer understanding of the content and character of effective teacher preparation is critical to improving it and to ensuring that the same critiques and questions are not being repeated 10 years from now.