Beginning in the 2007-2008 school year, states will be required to test students in science at least once in elementary, middle, and high school as part of No Child Left Behind. But as the law now stands, schools won't face consequences for poor results. President Bush wants to change that, and he has quietly come out in favor of basing adequate yearly progress on math, reading, and science scores as part of his competitiveness agenda. Congress looks to be moderately receptive to the president's proposal, though is unlikely to act until the law's reauthorization. Others citizens are more enthusiastic. Eighth-grade science teacher Inez Liftig, who supports holding schools accountable in her subject, said, "Because science is not a mandated item, it gets pushed to the end of the day." What's true for science is also true for history-policymakers should add both subjects at the same time lest the core curriculum itself become history.
"Bush wants schools to progress in science," by Ben Feller, Associated Press, March 29, 2006
