Annual U.S. self-flagellation over PISA test scores

[cobrat]

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In our district Earth Science is required in 9th (most better districts are not that way). After that Bio/Chem and Physics can be taken in any order. As a matter of fact, Jr year my son took AP Bio, honors Chem and AP Physics (yes we had to fight a bit to get them to allow the third science, but it was mostly a scheduling issue).

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<p>Interesting that they changed the order of science courses a bit. Back when I attended NYC public schools, Earth Science was taken in 7th and/or 8th grade followed by Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and a 4th year of science electives or additional science APs if desired…usually in that order from freshman to senior year.</p>

<p>Granted, so many HS classmates took AP sciences or took the AP exams without the courses from 9th grade on that by 12th grade, they’re usually taking science electives ranging from Meteorology to Pharmacology to complete the 4 year HS science requirement.</p>