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Changes coming to science in Moline-Coal Valley schools

Moline-Coal Valley Schools plan to change high school science curriculum to follow a “Physics First” model.
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Moline-Coal Valley Schools plan to change high school science curriculum to follow a “Physics First” model.

The changes mean students would take both algebra and physics as freshmen, then chemistry as sophomores and biology their junior year.

The new approach was expected to make students more prepared for college and boost their ACT math scores according to Superintendent Dr. David Moyer.

“The district is emphasizing rigor, college and career readiness, application of knowledge to real-world settings, and is committed to producing graduates with the skills necessary for a 21st Century economy,” Moyer said.  “Every element of this modern approach to science instruction is consistent with those goals.”

“In this model more students take more science, more students take more AP courses (and) math scores improve,” Moyer said.  He compared the plan to Lakes High School in Lake Villa, Illinois, where scores increased two full points in the four years after they adopted the same approach.

Current issues for freshmen struggling with, and sometimes failing and re-taking, biology would also be eliminated, Moyer said.

The school board authorized the new curriculum at its November 10 meeting.  The district would renovate two chemistry labs and add three new labs at the high school.

“(The district) has committed to moving forward with the project and is hoping to secure outside funding to help support the initiative,” said a statement issued by the district.

The new curriculum would begin in the 2016-2017 school year.

Related: Moline adds more AP classes, giving students more chances to save money on college

 

 

 

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