I support a review of the science program for our district is necessary. The science program should coincide with learning development and the ability of the students. Tutors should not be a necessity for most students to complete high school courses.
I
Irene Orlow
9 years ago
We have a 9th grader and a recent alumnus who do or did well on physics because they have been taken advanced math. Math is an important tool to understand and navigate through this fascinating subject. Thus, for the sake of the vast majority of students and to create a strong foundation, it would be desirable not to have physics first. All students deserve the opportunity to develop their aptitude and skills, as well as interest (and passion). This could be greatly obscured with physics first.
Thank you for your consideration.
R
Rashmi Lakshminarasimha
9 years ago
I support a fresh review of the MHS science program.
K
Kathryn C Singer
9 years ago
I support the change to allow better science choices based on a child's interest and future education.
R
Ranjana Rao
9 years ago
I think Physics needs a certain level of maturity and Math level. As a freshmen
Biology is the most logical choice as it's relatively easier to comprehend as it deals with the living world. I saw that my son did loose interest in Science because of this.
A more gradual approach of building skills in Science is needed .
Also some of the most competitive schools around us like Basking Ridge and Plainsboro do not do Phydics first and there over all results in STEM has been good.
Give our kids options
M
Marisa Narula
9 years ago
Featured
I am signing becuase I feel there should be more choice for students to choose sciences classes that align with their interest and aptitude. I want my child to be able to take Earth Science, Oceanography, Astronomy, Physics, or Chemistry at any grade level in high school.
A
Anthony M Shea
9 years ago
I support a fresh review of the MHS science program.
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
I support the petition for a better science program at MTSD
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
Too stressful!
C
Carolann K
9 years ago
When I moved here over 15 years ago, physics first was not in place. At that time the district was on top in so many ways. Most 9th graders don't have the mental maturity to handle and learn to love the concepts taught in physics at the age of 14 especially if you are still taking algebra 1. Why not earth or physical science as 9th graders so they can one day feel successful in their coursework instead of defeated and confused. We need our youth to fill positions in the future that are science based and this is just turning many of them off especially those who are not in honors courses. Something must change now!!!
D
D Viv Tyndall
9 years ago
I have 3 children who all went through MHS, the last one graduated in 2016.
I work locally (PhD level chemistry/background) and newcomers often ask me about my experiences with MHS. I always respond that all my kids had a great experiences, did well, and are now all in good Colleges. However I do always point out my biggest reservations are with with the science program.
Over the years I have attended multiple meetings, met with many teachers, and formed a good relationship with the science supervisor. Their intentions are good, but they program needs a major overhaul.
The Physics First has the been the topic of much debate. For strong math-minded kids coming into 9th grade, they can certainly handle it, but for the majority of the kids, their math skills aren’t up to a standard to fully comprehend it. The result is either a very weak physics program or kids who get lost in the class. I see no advantage whatsoever in taking physics in 9th grade and have yet to see any data to show otherwise.
On Chemistry the flow of the course made no sense to me. There was no textbook. Concepts of atoms and elements were not introduced until late in the year (March?) . When I challenged the rational for this, I was told that “back in my day” chemistry was taught from micro to macro, but the new way of learning was from macro to micro. On multiple occasions I challenged the logic of the course, and was never provided any rationale for the course content, flow /or teaching methods or any data that supported the approach.
I have also challenged the “white-board” way of teaching. Science, at this level, is fact-based and I believe that core principles need to be taught, not just “explored” among groups of kids, where invariably, the brightest kids take the lead and the weaker ones can struggle. I have memories of my kids (who went through regular, Honors and AP courses) saying the teachers had been told to not answer questions and not to tell them if their answers wer
G
Gary Warden
9 years ago
My son is having a difficult time with Physics. This is his hardest subject this year. I do not think he has sufficient math knowledge to do well in this course.
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
Need options for freshman science and more quality instruction for all science classes. Currently, tutors are necessary for most kids to succeed.
A
Anonymous
9 years ago
Having had two children experience this program, I feel that the math required to be successful has not been covered yet, it is not hands on or labs based, as promised and students experience a lot of the work independently through peer discussion which is a new experience for freshman which can be very overwhelming.
C
Charles G Horn
9 years ago
Biology Needs IMPROVEMENT as well. Or, at least, ALL teachers should be individually assessed, regardless of union protection, tenure, etc. ONLY RESULTS COUNT, and the process to achieving results, is very important.
C
Charles G Horn
9 years ago
Amen... Brother Haftel!
C
Charles G Horn
9 years ago
Teacher evaluations should be strongly enforced, as well. Recently, I heard a "rumor" that some parents send their children to non-matriculated science courses at local community colleges, and as a result, teachers have adjusted the curriculum, and their teaching, assuming that most students have heard the material, previously. If one, some, or most science teachers, are doing this, they need to stop doing this.
C
Charles G Horn
9 years ago
Both son's felt Physics First was not a good experience. Personally, I feel Physics should be taught after students have taken most math courses, such as Algebra II, etc. If you want to teach concepts in Freshman year, go to town. Having a negative experience with Physics First, may/will turn off some students to the sciences. I think Physics should be offered in Junior or Senior year, once certain math classes are completed.
O
Occhio Orsini
9 years ago
Physics is best taught as a 12 grade subject when students have the proper prerequisites.
C
Cheryl Cudmore
9 years ago
My girls, generally good students and hard workers, are also struggling in freshman CP physics this year. I believe there are various reasons this class is such a struggle, many of which have already been mentioned in other comments within this document.
I think it is great timing that the MTSD BOE has recently published the results of the strategic plan survey and a main goal/objective is to examine the science department.
I truly hope this effort (of gathering parent comments and signatures) is helpful and productive in a step towards understanding the survey results and working toward a favorable solution for our kids.
I support a review of the science program for our district is necessary. The science program should coincide with learning development and the ability of the students. Tutors should not be a necessity for most students to complete high school courses.
We have a 9th grader and a recent alumnus who do or did well on physics because they have been taken advanced math. Math is an important tool to understand and navigate through this fascinating subject. Thus, for the sake of the vast majority of students and to create a strong foundation, it would be desirable not to have physics first. All students deserve the opportunity to develop their aptitude and skills, as well as interest (and passion). This could be greatly obscured with physics first. Thank you for your consideration.
I support a fresh review of the MHS science program.
I support the change to allow better science choices based on a child's interest and future education.
I think Physics needs a certain level of maturity and Math level. As a freshmen Biology is the most logical choice as it's relatively easier to comprehend as it deals with the living world. I saw that my son did loose interest in Science because of this. A more gradual approach of building skills in Science is needed . Also some of the most competitive schools around us like Basking Ridge and Plainsboro do not do Phydics first and there over all results in STEM has been good. Give our kids options
I am signing becuase I feel there should be more choice for students to choose sciences classes that align with their interest and aptitude. I want my child to be able to take Earth Science, Oceanography, Astronomy, Physics, or Chemistry at any grade level in high school.
I support a fresh review of the MHS science program.
I support the petition for a better science program at MTSD
Too stressful!
When I moved here over 15 years ago, physics first was not in place. At that time the district was on top in so many ways. Most 9th graders don't have the mental maturity to handle and learn to love the concepts taught in physics at the age of 14 especially if you are still taking algebra 1. Why not earth or physical science as 9th graders so they can one day feel successful in their coursework instead of defeated and confused. We need our youth to fill positions in the future that are science based and this is just turning many of them off especially those who are not in honors courses. Something must change now!!!
I have 3 children who all went through MHS, the last one graduated in 2016. I work locally (PhD level chemistry/background) and newcomers often ask me about my experiences with MHS. I always respond that all my kids had a great experiences, did well, and are now all in good Colleges. However I do always point out my biggest reservations are with with the science program. Over the years I have attended multiple meetings, met with many teachers, and formed a good relationship with the science supervisor. Their intentions are good, but they program needs a major overhaul. The Physics First has the been the topic of much debate. For strong math-minded kids coming into 9th grade, they can certainly handle it, but for the majority of the kids, their math skills aren’t up to a standard to fully comprehend it. The result is either a very weak physics program or kids who get lost in the class. I see no advantage whatsoever in taking physics in 9th grade and have yet to see any data to show otherwise. On Chemistry the flow of the course made no sense to me. There was no textbook. Concepts of atoms and elements were not introduced until late in the year (March?) . When I challenged the rational for this, I was told that “back in my day” chemistry was taught from micro to macro, but the new way of learning was from macro to micro. On multiple occasions I challenged the logic of the course, and was never provided any rationale for the course content, flow /or teaching methods or any data that supported the approach. I have also challenged the “white-board” way of teaching. Science, at this level, is fact-based and I believe that core principles need to be taught, not just “explored” among groups of kids, where invariably, the brightest kids take the lead and the weaker ones can struggle. I have memories of my kids (who went through regular, Honors and AP courses) saying the teachers had been told to not answer questions and not to tell them if their answers wer
My son is having a difficult time with Physics. This is his hardest subject this year. I do not think he has sufficient math knowledge to do well in this course.
Need options for freshman science and more quality instruction for all science classes. Currently, tutors are necessary for most kids to succeed.
Having had two children experience this program, I feel that the math required to be successful has not been covered yet, it is not hands on or labs based, as promised and students experience a lot of the work independently through peer discussion which is a new experience for freshman which can be very overwhelming.
Biology Needs IMPROVEMENT as well. Or, at least, ALL teachers should be individually assessed, regardless of union protection, tenure, etc. ONLY RESULTS COUNT, and the process to achieving results, is very important.
Amen... Brother Haftel!
Teacher evaluations should be strongly enforced, as well. Recently, I heard a "rumor" that some parents send their children to non-matriculated science courses at local community colleges, and as a result, teachers have adjusted the curriculum, and their teaching, assuming that most students have heard the material, previously. If one, some, or most science teachers, are doing this, they need to stop doing this.
Both son's felt Physics First was not a good experience. Personally, I feel Physics should be taught after students have taken most math courses, such as Algebra II, etc. If you want to teach concepts in Freshman year, go to town. Having a negative experience with Physics First, may/will turn off some students to the sciences. I think Physics should be offered in Junior or Senior year, once certain math classes are completed.
Physics is best taught as a 12 grade subject when students have the proper prerequisites.
My girls, generally good students and hard workers, are also struggling in freshman CP physics this year. I believe there are various reasons this class is such a struggle, many of which have already been mentioned in other comments within this document. I think it is great timing that the MTSD BOE has recently published the results of the strategic plan survey and a main goal/objective is to examine the science department. I truly hope this effort (of gathering parent comments and signatures) is helpful and productive in a step towards understanding the survey results and working toward a favorable solution for our kids.