American Geosciences Institute - Serving the Geosciences Since 1948

1. Certification Requirements

A. Grades 9-12

Total number of 9-12 teachers with main assignment in science: 335
Total number of science teachers in grades 9-12 with an Earth science assignment: 138
Percentage of 9-12 science teachers with an Earth science certification: 99%
Specific licensure requirements for secondary teachers: 20 hours professional prep. In 2 fields, 30 hour major and 20 hour minor or 45 hour composite.

B. Grades 6-8

Total number of teachers in grades 7-8 with a main assignment in science: 235
Total number of grades 7-8 science teachers in all assignments: 404
Percentage of middle grade science teachers certified in science: 77%
Specific licensure requirements for middle school teachers: 20 hours professional preparation. In 2 fields, 30 hour major and 20 hour minor or 45 hour composite

A. Grades 9-12

Number of science credits required for high school graduation: 2
Required science courses: 1 lab science.
Is an Earth science course included in the recommended high school science curriculum? Yes.
Is Earth science part of another course required for high school graduation? No.
If Earth science is taken, does it count towards graduation requirements? Yes.
Is an Environmental science course included in the recommended high school science curriculum? No
Is Environmental science part of another course required for high school graduation? No.
If Environmental science is taken, does it count towards graduation requirements? Yes.

B. Grades 6-8

Is Earth Science part of the middle school science curriculum (grades 6-8)? Yes.
Is it taught as a full year curriculum or an integrated curriculum? Full Year.
At what grade level(s) is Earth science taught? 8th.

A. Percent of Grade 9-12 students enrolled in selected courses

Course	Earth science	Chemistry	Biology	Physics
Percent	38%	30%	76%	9%

B. Enrollment trends in Grade 9-12 Earth science

C. Students in grades 7-8 enrolled in selected science courses

	1999-2000	2003-2004
Course	Students *(Percentage)*	Students *(Percentage)*
Earth Science	5,612 (15%)	Not Available (27%)
General Science	5,238 (14%)	Not Available (36%)
Physical Science	8,232 (22%)	Not Available (6%)
Life Science	13,470 (36%)	Not Available
Integrated or Coordinated Science	Not Available	Not Available

	State	National
Average Freshman Graduation Rate	80.5%	73.2%
College Enrollment Rate	45.8%	68.6%
AP Participation Rate	14.5%	25%

Standards Publication: Idaho Content Standards
Year in which science standards were adopted: 2005
Are state standards determined at the district level? Districts adopt the state standards but can add to them.
When will the state standards be revised? N/A

A. State Science Tests

Test	Grade Levels Tested:	Earth Science Component on the Test?
Idaho Standards Achievement Tests (ISAT)	5, 7, and 10	Yes

B. State High School Exit Exam

Name of Exam: Idaho Standards Achievement Tests (ISAT)
Type of Test: N/A
Does the exam have a science component? Yes
At what grade do students first take the exam? 5, 7, and 10
Is passing the exam a requirement for a diploma? only the 10th grade test in reading, language usage, and mathematics.
Does the exam have an Earth science component?N/A

Does the state select or recommend textbooks? The state sets minimum standards but textbooks are selected at district level.
Earth science textbook(s)/program(s) used in the state at the high school level: N/A
Environmental science textbook(s)/program(s) used in the state at the high school level: The state sets minimum standards but textbooks are selected at district level.
Earth science textbook(s)/program(s) used in the state at the middle school level: N/A

Scott Smith	Science Coordinator
Idaho Department of Education 650 West State Street PO Box 83720 Boise, Idaho 83720-0027	ssmith@sde.idaho.gov 208-332-6952


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