In the 1950s and 60s California had one of the best school systems in the country. Now it has one of the worst. What happened over the course of 40 years that led to this decline? And what is California doing to raise its system back up?
These questions are asked in a new PBS presentation. Around the country on February 4 and 5, PBS stations will broadcast a documentary by John Merrow on California schools, "First to Worst". This show airs in San Francisco on Wednesday, February 4, KCSM at 8:00 p.m.; on Thursday, February 5 on KTEH at 8:00 p.m. and KQED at 11:00 p.m.. The show will air once again on KQED Sunday, February 8 at 5 p.m.
The PBS website contains transcripts plus additional information, and is worth the visit whether or not you are able to view the show.
The February 2 Contra Costa Times carried this review.
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| New UCMP Evolution Website |
 Recently the UC Museum of Paleontology debuted a long-awaited web site, Understanding Evolution, which provides in-depth resources for K-12 teachers challenged to meet scientific standards for the teaching of evolution in their classrooms.
"Many K-12 teachers don't have a strong science background, so there is some discomfort in teaching evolution, which is perceived by some as controversial," said Judy Scotchmoor, director of education and public programs at the UC Museum of Paleontology, and a 25-year veteran of 7th and 8th grade science classrooms. "We provide a comfort zone. Teachers can use this Web site to increase their confidence level so they can teach evolution enthusiastically in the classroom."
As explained in a recent UC news release, "Scotchmoor and UC Berkeley integrative biology professors David Lindberg and Roy Caldwell worked closely with six teachers and numerous graduate students to assemble a site that would be 'a one-stop shop' for teachers, and eventually students and the general public, on the theory of evolution."
. . . Continue on to the IU News March 2004 page to read more about the IU's current and future work.
The Interactive University Project uses the Internet to open UC Berkeley's unique resources and people to California’s K-12 schools and citizens. Our goal is to use technology to democratize the content and community of the campus.
IU activities are coordinated by UC Berkeley's Information Systems and Technology.
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