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Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Campus Access Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Applied Science Education (MS)

Administrative Home Department

Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences

Advisor 1

Kedmon Hungwe

Committee Member 1

Alexandria Guth

Committee Member 2

Amy Lark

Abstract

The new Michigan Science Standards, based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), can lead to important changes in science education. Especially in the elementary school grade bands where time spent on science has been decreasing for years, the new science standards give hope to providing chances to raise students’ interest in science. Principals play a central role in successful implementation of the NGSS where students can engage in direct inquiry and pursue their own ideas and interests.

With implementation underway, this study describes elementary school principals’ perceptions regarding duties and preparedness in implementing the NGSS and the support they receive. The participants for this study were randomly selected principals from elementary schools in middle and southeastern Michigan. Surveys were electronically sent. For this descriptive study, percentages as visual summaries were sufficient for analysis of the participants.

Findings showed principals largely are not participating satisfactorily in ways important for the successful implementation of the NGSS or showing preparedness for responsibilities required during the early stages of implementation. Principals viewed support they received as satisfactory in some areas, but slightly less than satisfactory in most other areas. Areas of further research are identified.

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