Monthly Archives: May 2022

Only a few years ago, Leon County was the best Florida school district north of Seminole County for preparing students for college STEM majors. The district’s high school students enrolled in the key subjects of chemistry, physics, precalculus and calculus … Continue reading →

When we talk about “workforce education”, we should be talking about addressing the critically important issue of finding a way for the large number of students who lack the skills necessary to succeed at a four-year college – or the … Continue reading →

In the midst of a tough May, the Tampa Bay Times editorial board went hunting for good news. They found some, and published “Nine reasons for Tampa Bay residents to feel good” on May 18. One of those nine items … Continue reading →

Even with its slight uptick during the school year that is ending now, the physics enrollment in Florida’s public high schools remains 14% below its peak level from the Fall of 2014. The trend in chemistry enrollment is similar: Since … Continue reading →

The most frustrating part of my job teaching physics at Florida State University is working with students who, despite their best efforts, are unable to succeed in my classroom. Because my class is required for students pursuing a variety of … Continue reading →

Yesterday, I described the strategy that Hillsborough County used to increase its physics enrollment by 29% this school year (compared to Fall 2020). Hillsborough now has the third-highest physics enrollment rate in Florida. Among the districts in the top five … Continue reading →

Hillsborough County’s high schools achieved something remarkable by raising physics enrollment in Fall 2021 by 29% over Fall 2020. Hillsborough is one of Florida’s mega-districts, with 224,149 students – 66,071 of those in high school. Changing course-taking in a district … Continue reading →