Wednesday, October 29, 2008

New tests may pressure schools to restore more science instruction

This from the Washington Post:

Science Evolves in Classrooms

'No Child' Test May Reestablish Emphasis
on an Often-Neglected Subject

In the past six years, science has slipped as a priority in public schools while reading and mathematics have grown dominant.

But in coming years, experts say, the same federal law that elevated reading and math could spark a resurgence of science in the classroom.

The 2002 No Child Left Behind law required states to test students in science starting in the 2007-08 year, on top of reading and math assessments mandated from the start. Virginia has given science tests since 1998, but the exams are new for Maryland and the District.

(Separately, Maryland tests high school students in biology as a graduation requirement.) Unlike the reading and math test results, science scores won't be used to grade schools for accountability. But education leaders predict that the scores will matter when disseminated to the public....

Hat tip to ASCD.

1 comment:

emilytingle said...

Emily Tingle
EDF 203

If one subject in school is going to be test then I believe every subject in school should be tested. With the “No Child Left Behind” law it newly states that science should be tested along with math and science, which was already in place. Each subject is vital to children especially in their younger years of school. So why not keep all subjects accountable? Math, science and reading are important but do they take priority over other subjects such as English or practical living? As a former public school student it was evident that science was a low area, which needed emphasis, but so did the area of English. It might be a good idea to take into consideration.