Trends in US Government-Funded Multisite K—12 Science Program Evaluation

Abstract

In this chapter we examine the history of multisite, K-12 science education programs and evaluations funded by US government science agencies, particularly the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In addition, we outline the history of general program evaluation. We review the science education evaluations funded by the US federal government to show how K-12 science education programs and their evaluations evolved over time. We begin with a description of multisite science education program evaluation, continue with an examination of the political and evaluation history, and finally, trace the K-12 science education programs and evaluations conducted by the science agencies. Evolution of the programs and evaluations is in part related to the changing political contexts. Such change is also the result of advances in the research and theory of science education and evaluation.