Where did science go?

We are teaching in a world where standardized tests dictate funding, school status, and in some cases teacher compensation.  It is necessary to create schools with a high focus on core subjects.  As schools reconstruct schedules and academic focus to increase test scores some subjects receive far less academic time than subjects that are tested. 

As suggested in the 90/90/90 research, highly tested subjects such as literacy and math, should be taught for a longer amount of time.  The school day cannot be easily extended; time must be created within the current system.  In most cases subjects such as science, social studies, health, vocational programs, or the arts have smaller time allotments.  Math and literacy are part of high stakes testing in most states, but are we losing more than we are gaining by decreasing education in science?

Without quality science programs we may be creating a society of students that have difficulty analyzing information and problem solving.  Through science students ask questions and make discoveries.  Science is also taught with real world experiences.  Without a science program, will student be less likely to be inspired and create new theories?  Just imagine the future engineers, doctors, and inventors that are not being given avenues to develop passion in these areas.  In the modern world science has opened many doors, but by cutting these programs will America fall behind other countries in new innovations?  A science education is not only for the future “scientists.”  Being scientifically literate is important to everyone so as a society we can make informed decisions about things like health care, how to plant a garden, which batteries to put into the remote, is it the right time to change health care plans.   

Schools need to make changes, I do not feel decreasing science education is the answer.  As an instructional leader, I want students to receive high quality, math and literacy instruction.  I however cannot see myself eliminating science instruction to do that.  I see it of high importance to give teachers the necessary professional development and training to be effective science teachers.  Decreasing science education can create more problems than we are trying to solve.  I still remember dissecting a frog, observing a butterfly hatch, and developing experiments as part of my science curricula.  Keep science part of a child’s learning experience.