Maryland is taking lead on new science standards. What about trying to find out why so many schools didn't make AYP, and ways to solve this problem? Why does it seem like the fact that Baltimore City Students aren't doing well in Reading and Math is simply swept under the rug? Taking the lead in Science? What about taking the lead in Safe, Clean Schools, Smaller class size, Intervention Teachers, Parent Accountability,...... A concrete plan that is in place to show how these students will begin to achieve.

Maryland is taking lead on new science standards. What about trying to find out why so many schools didn't make AYP, and ways to solve this problem? Why does it seem like the fact that Baltimore City Students aren't doing well in Reading and Math is simply swept under the rug? Taking the lead in Science? What about taking the lead in Safe, Clean Schools, Smaller class size, Intervention Teachers, Parent Accountability,...... A concrete plan that is in place to show how these students will begin to achieve.

I have read in the Sun that Maryland wishes to reduce the amount learned in science but go in more depth and analysis on what is learned. Well science has been greatly dumbed down. No longer do most school systems include the study of the human body. Students should learn how the systems work as they did years ago. I guess this was too difficult for many kids to learn... in grade 7! ? Not mine? Right now students do not have to learn as much as they did 10 and 20 years ago. Can't wait to see how the department of education, state or national, will drive education standards even farther than they are today. Parents need to get involved and find out what their child is learning and what they should be. Private schools greatly surpass what public schools offer in content, inquiry, and processes to students.

As a product of Maryland public schooling, this story couldn't make me more proud. I found my calling after graduating from college and attribute my start to computer and science classes I took in middle school and high school.

Just like any public service, public school has it's problems but for the most part, they do what works best for their given resources.

Set the bar high and see what you can achieve. Good work Maryland.

I am actually happy that Science will now be an important subject to teach in schools. Emphasis has been on Reading and Math for so long that the other subjects are often not covered. So when these test do come up, the children do not score as well. I think we need to catch up with the rest of the competing countries and stop eliminating important subjects.

I agree with Marty. And I look forward to a similar emphasis on music, drama and art. When will they be HSA and MSA tested subjects?