Curriculum Case Studies Are of Questionable Quality but Helped Precollege Curriculum Activities

Gao ID: HRD-77-46 May 2, 1977

A National Science Foundation (NSF) report of five case studies of precollege curriculum projects was reviewed for accuracy and completeness, following questions raised concerning the accuracy of NSF findings.

The studies were accurate for the most part, but contained some statements that were inaccurate or lacked adequate support. These inaccuracies resulted from a lack of proper techniques for determining facts and reviewing studies. Some of these statements involved management issues, but many management problems identified by GAO were not described. In response to questions raised about deliberate attempts within NSF to conceal findings, only one study was found to contain changes not reasonably accounted for. NSF was negligent in its preparation and review of studies and in responding to congressional concerns about possible misrepresentation.



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