Science Course-taking and Achievement Have Improved

February 2008

More California students are enrolling in biology, chemistry, and earth science, and student achievement in these courses generally improved between 2002–03 and 2006–07:

Biology: Enrollments increased from 334,000 in 2002–03 to 507,000 in 2006–07, and proficiency increased slightly among 9th and 11th graders (but fell slightly among 10th graders).

Chemistry: Enrollments increased from 153,000 to 228,000; proficiency was the same for 10th graders and increased slightly for 11th graders.

Earth science: Enrollments increased from 90,000 to 207,000 with most students taking the course in 9th grade; proficiency increased slightly in all grades that were tested.

Physics: Enrollments increased from 45,000 to 63,000 with most students taking the course in 11th grade. Proficiency has increased the most for 9th graders and the least for 11th graders, although achievement tends to be the highest among 11th graders who take the course.