Sad Stats for Science Knowledge in U.S. Schools

Today’s Times reports on our nation’s students’ poor science test results. The results are bleak: only 34% of fourth graders scored at a “proficient” level or higher; just 30% of eight graders scored at a proficient level or higher; 21% of twelfth graders scored at a proficient or higher level in science.

The mega-analysis, prepared by the National Center for Education Statistics, derives from 2009 testing of 156,500 fourth-graders and 151,100 eighth-graders, with state-by-state and nationwide metrics of those, and of 11,100 twelfth-graders. Student scores were ranked at one of three science knowledge levels for each peer group: advanced, proficient and basic, as defined by the Department of Education. Only a tiny fraction – as few as 1 or 2% of students – attained “advanced” scores on the science exams.

The complete report card analyzes the data by race, sex, urban vs. rural districts, private vs. public schools and other factors, and includes interactive state maps.

These numbers don’t bode well for our future-docs, or for empowered patients. With 70-80% of high school seniors lacking proficiency in science, informed consent and meaningful participation in health decisions are just theoretical concepts for most U.S. citizens.

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