New Spanish Version of Project 2061 Web Site Advances Goal of Science Literacy
for All
March 14, 2000
Educators, policymakers, and parents can now access a Spanish version of the
popular web site of Project 2061, the long-term science, mathematics, and
technology education reform initiative of the American Association for the
Advancement of Science (AAAS).
"We are committed to helping every child become literate in science, mathematics,
and technology, and this is one way of broadening our reach," said Dr. George
Nelson, Director of Project 2061.
The Project 2061 web site is fully searchable and features the complete Spanish
editions of two of the project's most influential publications. Science
for All Americans (1989) defines what every citizen needs to know in
science, mathematics, and technology, and Benchmarks for Science Literacy
(1993) specifies learning goals for students to achieve by the end of grades
2, 5, 8, and 12. Both books have been widely distributed by the Ministry of
Education in Mexico.
The new web site also describes Project 2061's professional development programs
for teachers and links to Project 2061's main site, which provides advice
for parents with an interest in their child's school, connections to other
relevant web sites, and a variety of studies and reports, such as Project
2061's evaluations of science and mathematics textbooks.
"Our hope is to provide resources that will be valuable to those working with
Hispanic communities in this country, as well as to educators, families, and
leaders in Spanish-speaking countries," Nelson stated.
Project 2061 has been working increasingly with educators from Latin American
countries, particularly Panama. Professional development workshops have provided
insight into U.S. standards and help for teachers in creating lessons that
align well with the specific learning goals recommended in Benchmarks
for Science Literacy.
The Spanish version URL is www.project2061.org/esp.
Dr. Fernando Cajas, AAAS research associate, is available for interviews in
Spanish on the initiatives of Project 2061, including the new web site.
Since 1985, Project 2061 has worked to reform science education in grades K-12
so that all high-school graduates are science literate-that is, prepared to
live interesting, responsible, and productive lives in a world increasingly
shaped by science and technology.
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Contact Information:
Mary
Koppal
(202) 326-6643
