The Role of NSF

[Sol Garfunkel]

I believe that we need a strong commitment to the creation of new instructional materials. In the recent National Action Plan from the National Science Board (the policy-making body of the National Science Foundation) and in the most recent NSF budget requests there has been a decrease in funding for development projects. This is a significant retreat from NSF’s historical role. In fact, had we done this in the past, there would be no PSSC Physics, no calculus reform, no significant use of calculator and computer technology and no serious change in the way STEM courses are taught. We need to explicitly recognize the importance, primacy and long history of success of NSF’s efforts in the field of materials development and to work for the expansion of the NSF materials development effort and budget.