Physics in High School and Two-year Colleges
These reports document the curriculum range and student enrollment trends
in physics at the high school and two-year college level, as well as the
personal characteristics and academic backgrounds of physics teachers
at these levels. They also examine teachers' experiences, instructional
practices, available resources and the impact of recent science education
reforms on physics programs.
focus on High School Physics Availability
In the first report from the 2008-09 Nationwide Survey of High School Physics Teachers, we examine the availability of physics in high schools in each U.S. state. We consider factors
that affect availability, including the size of the high school and whether the school is public or private. This report includes maps that highlight states in which physics is more
readily available and those in which it is less accessible. Future reports will examine the number of students taking physics in U.S. high schools, the types of physics being taught,
and teacher and student demographics.
Reaching the Critical Mass: Highlights from the 2005 Nationwide Survey of High School
Physics Teachers
We present findings from the latest AIP Survey of High School Physics Teachers.
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Full report
Physics for All? A Million and Counting!
Fully one-third of recent high-school graduates have taken physics. Much of the increase
comes from nontraditional courses geared toward students not headed for careers in science
or technology.
Article
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Physics Today homepage
Copyright 2006 American Institute of Physics. This article may be downloaded for
personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the author and the American
Institute of Physics.
Most Widely Used High School Physics
Textbooks
This list was compiled from Reaching the Critical Mass: The Twenty Year Surge in High School
Physics which reports findings from the 2005 Natiowide Survey of High
School Physics Teachers.
Textbooks
State High
School Science Requirements and Physics Enrollments
A look at the impact of increased science requirements by states on physics
enrollments, twenty years after the publication of A Nation at Risk
raised awareness of the inadequate preparation of high school graduates
in science and math.
Highlights (HTML)
High School Teacher Certification
List of contacts for high school teacher certification information by
state.
Certification Contacts
Broadening the Base: High School Physics Education at the Turn
of a New Century
Findings of a 2001 nationwide survey of secondary school physics teachers.
Statistical data on faculty, students, courses and textbooks.
Full report
Physics in the Two-Year Colleges: 2001-02
Findings from the 2001-02 Survey of Two-Year College Physics Programs. An updated look at
program size; faculty background and current appointment; faculty turnover, including
retirements and new hiring; and physics course offerings.
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Highlights
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Full report
Background
and Professional Qualifications of High School Physics Teachers
This article, reprinted from the February 2000 issue of The Physics
Teacher (V 38:2, 98-104) with the permission of The American Association
of Physics Teachers (AAPT), discusses the academic preparation and current
specialization of physics teachers at public and private high schools
across the nation.
Article
TIMSS-R Science and Math Achievement Results
The study which was conducted in 1999 tested students in 38 nations on
their knowledge of science and math concepts. This study allows for a comparison of differing
levels of achievement internationally and allows for comparisons with the International
Mathematics and Science Study conducted four years earlier. In 1995, the study included
students in the 4th, 8th and 12th grades, while this round covers only 8th graders. In addition
to student testing, teachers and schools were surveyed about teaching practices, training and
school policies.
Highlights (HTML)
Additional websites of Interest
National Science Teachers Association
AAPT: American Association of Physics Teachers
AAPT Teaching Resources
ComPADRE: Physics and Astronomy Education Communities
ThePhysicsFront: Teaching Resources
50 States' Certification Requirements
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