Tx Bd of Ed: 11/20 IPC attempts to rise again, but fails

In 2000 or so, Texas invented "Integrated Physics and Chemistry," a reinvention of what some folks called "High School Physical Science." It was a huge change, because it required more content than the traditional H.S. Physical Science course, so a number of publishers had to scramble to create new materials for the course. It was also invented to allow students to get content from physics and chemistry before the high school TAKS science exam, rather than relying in 11th grade on what they remember from 6th grade. It also covered concepts kids might need before biology in the 10th grade.

In later years, the IPC course was used in ways it was never intended--as an "easy" 11th grade course for students who couldn't handle chemistry or physics. And it wasn't always taught as rigorously in all districts. The Board made movements to take it out as a course worthy of fulfilling science graduation requirements (and with the TAKS being replaced by an end-of-course exam, it didn't seem as necessary). The Faction has always maintained, in addition, that because it revisits (albeit with more depth) content that is covered in middle school, it is not a serious high school course. They want "biology, chemistry, physics" for everyone, so it's clear that Texas is serious.

It got added back into the options for the "Recommended" graduation plan that the Board votes on today after a long-running outcry from science teachers and administrators. But the Faction is moving for it to be removed. (Either way, it will always be offered--it just may not fulfill graduation requirements...)

"I'm standing up to the educational political lobby that wants IPC. I want to challenge the children," said Don McLeroy (R-The Faction, Bryan). Barbara Cargill (R-The Faction, The Woodlands) raised the idea that it was a middle-school course.

Mavis Knight (D-Dallas) wants the superintendents of the state polled about whether it should be included as a credit for the Recommended plan. The Commissioner told her that there were courses that have been abused in the past. (He told a story about a "math models" course that he visited that he realized was not following the curriculum. The district staff admitted they used it as a TAKS remediation course.) She retorts that a lot of AP, honors, and IB courses can also suffer. It comes down to the teacher, not the course.

8 to 7, with Agosto (D-San Antonio, often swing vote) voting with The Faction, IPC is struck. But then with Agosto voting against The Faction, Mavis gets her survey of teachers and administrators approved.