Silicon Valley is going to be in trouble in ten years -- or, at least, more trouble than it's currently in. While they may have enough people writing English and able to give correct change for cash, they may have a staggering lack of scientists. According to a recent study by WestED, only 10 percent of students regularly receive quality science education -- something that has principals concerned, and something that should have parents concerned as well.
The numbers are not pleasant to look at. WestEd found that 40 percent of elementary school teachers spend less than an hour each week teaching science, and those who did teach it often had trouble managing time for adequate lessons. Personal education was another problem. According to the interviews, only 1/3 of them felt they were actually prepared to teach science subjects. Eighty-five percent said they hadn't received any kind of science training or continuing education in science in the past three years. Many teachers said that they didn't have funds or supplies to teach science even when they had the time and training.
Middle Schools play catch up?
There are several issues that compound the problem. California has recommended rules governing how much time teachers should spend on language arts and math. Other subjects, including science, aren't given any guidelines like this. In addition, some districts don't really push to teach science until students reach middle school, since science isn't covered on standardized tests in the elementary grades. This is a grave mistake, because much of the foundation for a good science education and the development of a healthy curiosity can be built in the early grades.
While educators and others are working to address the issue, in the short term there's very little science in the California education system.
