Professors: How to boost science achievement in Florida

JULY 13, 2009

FCAT scores suggest Florida isn’t preparing its students well for science in college. Here’s what more than 90 science professors say the state should do: Get rid of the 11th grade science FCAT. Replace it with end-of-course exams. Require three science courses for graduation (four for Bright Futures eligibility). Ramp up professional development for science teachers with a campaign on par with Just Read Florida!

FSU physics professor Paul Cottles writes about this in this weekend op-ed in the Tallahassee Democrat. Here’s a recent white paper that outlines the professors’ suggestions in more detail. Here’s a list of professors who signed it.

Ron Matus, state education reporter

Posted by Times Editor at 9:40:08 am on July 13, 2009 in

Science

| Permalink | Comments |

Join the discussion: Click to view comments, add yours

Most Recent Blog Posts

Florida education news: USF funding battle, FCAT, charter schools and more February 15

Principals are named at Freedom High, Mann Middle February 14

Charter schools funding measure fails in House committee February 14

Pasco submits its class size plan February 14

Tampa Bay area lawmakers challenge Senate move to cut USF funding, while students petition February 14

Stewart to Pinellas board: No need for a new contract or more pay February 14

Florida school prayer bill fuels culture wars, experts say February 14

Florida education news: USF funding, Florida Virtual School, school construction and more February 14

Pasco School Board chair completes petition for ballot, while one opponent drops out February 13

School prayer bill survives its first Florida House committee February 13

About the blog

Gradebook features education articles and insights on schools in Florida, focusing on Tampa Bay area schools. What's the latest from the Florida Department of Education? How is the FCAT being used to compare Florida schools? What's going in on in Tampa Bay schools? Get an insider's view from the Times education reporting team.

Meet the team

THE TEAM

Rebecca Catalanello covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail her: rcatalanello@tampabay.com.

Tony Marrero covers Hernando County schools. E-mail him: tmarrero@tampabay.com.

Marlene Sokol covers Hillsborough County schools. E-mail her: sokol@tampabay.com.

Ron Matus covers Pinellas County schools. E-mail him: matus@tampabay.com.

Jeffrey S. Solochek covers Pasco County schools. E-mail him: solochek@tampabay.com.

Kim Wilmath covers the University of South Florida. E-mail her: kwilmath@tampabay.com.

Comment Policy

Please be sure your comments are appropriate before submitting them. Inappropriate comments include content that:

Is libelous

Is abusive, harassing, or threatening

Is obscene, vulgar, or profane

Is racially, ethnically or religiously offensive

Is illegal or encourages criminal acts

Is known to be inaccurate or contains a false attribution

Infringes copyrights, trademarks, publicity or any other rights of others

Impersonates anyone (actual or fictitious)

Solicits funds, goods or services, or advertises

The Tampa Bay Times does not edit posts but reserves the right to delete comments that violate our policy.

Registration FAQ

Read our Frequently Asked Questions on how to register to comment on the site.