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Tougher Science Requirements Do Not Guarantee Higher Science Knowledge

More Does Not Mean Better

A new report from the Consortium on Chicago School Research shows the act of increasing graduation requirements in science for high school students does not necessarily help them grow their science knowledge.

In 1997, the Chicago Public School District increased the science requirement to graduate from one year of science to three.

The policy change was in response to CPS graduates not taking enough courses to prepare them for college and to respond to the overall concern in America that students fall behind other nations in math and science.

The new policy did increase students’ science coursework. Before the change, less than half passed three or more college-prep science courses.  After the change, almost all graduates passed at least three full-year science classes.

Students headed to college and earning B averages or higher, were more likely to take three years of science and succeed in them, but only 19 percent of students were in this category.  That left 5 out of 6 students earning C’s or lower and graduation rates also declined after the new policy went into effect.

Although more science classes were being taken, students were suffering.  The types of science classes taken were also affected. More students took entry-level science classes like environmental science while fewer took higher-level classes like physics and chemistry.

The policy change also had no effect on the number of students going to college. The change gave more students the courses necessary to attend college, but college enrollment did not increase.

The study shows where work needs to be done to bring up science knowledge and grades in America’s high schools. Students do not just need more science or more math, they need to be prepared in the lower grades of K-8 and help becoming motivated and engaged in their course work to really gain the benefits of their education.

If students are engaged and excited about science as well as other subjects in their elementary school years, they will likely carry that enthusiasm with them into high school and beyond. It is important that children from preschool and up are not only taught the subjects but also how to be engaged, motivated and active in their own education.

Download the entire report >

1 reply
  1. Ellen Peterson
    Ellen Peterson says:

    I cannot say I am surprised by this other than that only one year was required in the first place. My passion for science began because of a very specific memory from my 5th grade year! Just because they up the requirement doesn’t mean students will enjoy or understand it any better. A good sturdy house made with the most expensive materials still won’t stand if it’s foundation is weak!

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