Molecular Genetics, Matter and Energy, Astronomy and Anatomy could be excluded from the MCPS Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curriculum.

MCPS Debates Cutting Some Science Courses

MCPS is debating whether or not to eliminate all science courses that are not part of the county curriculum. If the decision is approved, Molecular Genetics, Matter and Energy, Astronomy and Anatomy could be excluded from the MCPS Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curriculum.
However, a more immediate change is that the curriculum for science courses is that they are being changed to align with the Maryland State Science Standards and the Common Core State Standards for Literacy and Mathematics.
“Students are going to have to study more science fields like chemistry and physics,” Biology teacher Sara Nemati said. “There may be some challenges in that some topics that are important for AP Biology are reduced or absent.”
According to Physics teacher Adam Fugal, the change was proposed due to the MCPS Board of Education (BOE) believing that many non-traditional science classes had become negligent in their testing efforts.
If this proposal passes, students will need to pass the new Maryland Integrated Science Assessment (MISA) beginning in 2018 in order to graduate. This assessment will contain many different sciences such as Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
“The new curriculum will reflect the interconnected nature of science as it is experienced in the real world,” MCPS Public Information Officer Derek Turner said.
Despite the revision, CHS science teachers have ideas to work with the program and mold it in order to benefit all students...

http://www.thechurchillobserver.com/uncategorized/2016/12/08/mcps-debates-cutting-science-courses/

WTOP: "We've copped out" says Blair teacher

WTOP's Kate Ryan reports on the findings of Governor Martin O'Malley's STEM* Task Force with comments from Montgomery Blair High School magnet teacher David Stein.

In Kate Ryan's first report we hear Stein say;

"We've copped out, instead of learning 5th grade math at a rigorous level we're just putting kids into 6th grade math in 5th grade."

In her second report, Stein says focus has been on "minimal competency" and gives recommendations for changes to curriculum.

Hear both parts of Kate Ryan's report: Part 1 and Part 2

*STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math