Please slow down the changes to the HC and HS science programs
Please slow down the changes to the HC and HS science programs
Why this petition matters
IF YOU LIVE IN DISTRICT 86, PLEASE CONTINUE READING ABOUT IMPORTANT CURRICULAR CHANGES. EVEN IF YOU ARE A YOUNG FAMILY IN THE DISTRICT, THESE CHANGES MAY AFFECT YOUR CHILDREN.
On Wednesday, October 23, the D86 Board of Education approved, without vote, to change how science is being taught at both schools. These changes will become mandatory for all incoming freshman starting in 2021. Additionally, popular and critical science classes like Earth Science, Honors Biology, and AP Physics 1 & 2 are being eliminated completely.
Per the District's FAQs on the matter, the chosen program "follows a Physics-Chemistry-Biology sequence and incorporates earth science concepts as a thread that connects the core courses." This does not appear to be the science sequence currently in place at Hinsdale South, even though many in the community were under the impression that it would be.
Both schools are very satisfied with their current science programs and have the support of the parents in both buildings.
These changes were decided upon very quickly, without public input, education or rationalization. We, as taxpayers, parents, and your constituents, are asking that you delay implementing this very significant change until:
1. There have been adequate coordination and communication with feeder schools about this change;
2. There has been a substantial community-wide presentation on the benefits of this sequence, using data, peer district outcomes, and any other corroborating information, while soliciting community feedback on this very important change;
3. Other options are investigated, including one that would offer both a PCB and BCP sequence at both schools.
Looking at the US News and World Report rankings of High Schools, out of the top 50 non-selective schools, only one uses the PCB sequence as its only choice for science for their students. It was implemented in 2017, so the outcomes for the first students to use the sequence are unknown. A few schools offer this sequence, but it's in addition to the traditional Biology First sequence.
We believe this decision was made with haste, without adequate education to parents impacted by this change, and without adequate data to support this was the best path for our science departments.
Please consider delaying this decision by at least a year to continue research into best practice at other comparable districts, and keep our community informed about the particulars of this change.
Decision Makers
- Hinsdale Township High School District 86 BOE and Administration