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Re: [Phys-l] Physics First Revisited




On Thu, 2009-01-29 at 02:08 -0500, Michael Edmiston wrote:

This spiral approach is actually in the state-mandated standards for science
in grades K-12, but it's not happening. I do a lot of science workshops for
in-service teachers in grades K-9, and most of them tell me they don't teach
much science, and many say they skip science entirely. When I tell them
that state standards exist, and they are required to teach science, some say
there isn't enough time because reading and math are more important and they
have to spend their time on those subjects. Some will admit they don't
understand science or they don't like science and that's why they don't
teach it. I would assert that those who say math and reading are more
important are also really telling me they don't understand and/or don't like
science.

Just to throw another iron on the fire, districts that are hiring seem
to give no extra consideration to candidates who DO have the credentials
and training to teach science effectively. It actually may be quite the
opposite. My daughter is certified to teach K-6 with a specialization
in science. She took all the sciences and lots of math in high school,
and continued to do so whenever possible in college as well. Has this
background, which is certainly the exception among her peers, helped her
to find a job? Not on your life. All that currently matters is strong
English and/or math. Her intent is now to acquire sufficient science to
qualify to teach secondary science so she can MAYBE get a job in middle
or high school. So not only don't the primary schools have
well-qualified candidates for the instruction of science generally, but
they don't really care that they don't, and aren't taking steps to
correct the deficiency.