What is policy? One aspect of policy is the issue of management. In this instance, policy provides a mechanism upon which to base managerial decisions. Within the context of science education, this may refer to curricular and pedagogical decision within the classroom, school, or district. On a higher level, such as that of a state board of education, policy defines action by providing a template from which to select multiple alternatives. The impact of policy in this situation is that it not only determines present decisions, but also influences future decisions. A third level of policy is that of a high-level plan that defines general goals and acceptable procedures. This typically refers to the actions of governmental bodies. These three levels of policy both conflict and complement each other in the science education setting, depending upon the degree of correlation between the policies adopted by decision-making entities. What is common among all levels of policy is that it facilitates decision making in terms of action, emphases, and allocation of resources. Thus, policy serves as a guide to achieving a goal. However, as explored in this theme issue, policy in itself is much like the map; it is not in itself sufficient for navigating difficult and tortuous terrain.
The reform of education-science education in particular-is much like trying to navigate a mountainous terrain. It is a relatively straightforward task to identify the best route through the mountains when viewed with the aid of a map. Once you are in the field, however, it is quite easy to lose your way when confronted with forests, valleys, and streams. Besides the map and route, it is necessary to know where you have been in the past, where you are now, and where you want to be in the future. Just as global positioning system units have revolutionized the ability of would-be hikers in finding their way from Point A to Point B, a similar beacon is necessary for science education reform to be successful. Research, as exemplified by the articles in this theme issue focusing on policy, contributes insights and indications of how to navigate the reform of science education by providing perspective on its past, present, and potential future.