Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Don't Leave Science Education Behind
A headline about education in Baltimore's The Sun recently grabbed my attention: Battle Over Curriculum Hits Arundel -- Meeting Tests by Cutting Science, Social Studies Draws Wide Protests. The Anne Arundel County, Md., school district is a major jurisdiction between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. What is being proposed is that the amount of science and social studies classroom hours would be cut in half to make more time for teaching math and reading, which are at the core of state standardized tests. These state tests are mandated by the federal "No Child Left Behind" policy.
Are these hard budget choices over curriculum happening only in Anne Arundel County? Unfortunately, that is not the case. A recent national study of middle schools revealed that one-fifth have sharply cut science, social studies, art, music and physical education to increase the amount of time devoted to math and reading. This emphasis on test results is being driven by the federal government's mandate. Lower test results ultimately mean less federal aid for the school system.
One possible solution is to increase the length of the school day by adding an additional teaching period. This of course has created a furor due to the effect it would have on after-school activities. Also, there would be an increased cost in teacher salaries and other such expenses.
What can you do? Join your local Parent Teacher Association. Help elect officials at the national and local level who understand the importance of science to this nation's continued economic well-being. We cannot continue to fall even further behind our global rivals in science, technology, engineering and math education. Here's hoping that "No Child Left Behind" has been elevating our children's math ability, but that shouldn't mean that science education gets left behind. I would be curious to hear if your local school district is experiencing these problems and what if any solutions they might have devised.