Changes Could be Made to High School Science Curriculum

’s high school students will be required to take biology in ninth grade, chemistry in 10th grade and physics in 11th grade with different science electives also available, if the Waukesha School Board approves the proposed changes at its meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday night at the district offices at 222 Maple Ave.

The plan will begin with the freshman in the 2012-13 school year and will be a graduation requirement, if approved.

“A sequence of three-year long courses in biology, chemistry and physics in grades nine, 10 and 11 will better develop college and career readiness skills leading them to great achievement and success as measure by the ACT,” a school district document states. “Students will also be able to choose science courses of interest in their senior year.

“Science currently has only 43 percent of students meeting the ACT Benchmark Score across our school district. Although considerable higher than the national level, it falls far short of our goal of preparing all students for success in college, in their careers and in their community.”

With the proposed changes includes eliminating earth and space science, AP prep biology I, applied science c and applied science p. New courses would be introduced, including biology, honors biology I, chemistry, honors chemistry and honors physics I.

Courses that would continue to be offered include biology I, AP biology, anatomy and physiology, environmental science I, environmental science II, chemistry I, organic chemistry, AP chemistry, physics I, AP physics astronomy and the atmosphere, water and land science.