Federal Agencies Train Spotlight On Science Instruction

By Michelle Galley

Washington

The U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation last week jointly sponsored what was billed as the first-ever national science "summit" to underscore the need to improve science education in the nation’s schools.

Secretary of Education Rod Paige kicked off the meeting here by observing that "while some of our young people receive a world-class education in science, ... many others are being left behind."

To address that problem, Mr. Paige said, better research into "what works in science education" needs to be conducted. He also announced that the Education Department was launching a public-awareness campaign to engage community and business leaders, parents, students, and...