1. Certification Requirements
A. Grades 9-12
- Total number of 9-12 teachers with main assignment in science: 374
- Total number of science teachers in grades 9-12 with an Earth science assignment: 98
- Percentage of 9-12 science teachers with an Earth science certification: 93%
- Specific licensure requirements for secondary teachers: 54 hours general ed.; 24-36 hours in at least one teaching field; 12 hours in upper division courses; 12-24 electives. 24 credits in science
B. Grades 6-8
- Total number of teachers in grades 7-8 with a main assignment in science: 335
- Total number of grades 7-8 science teachers in all assignments: 607
- Percentage of middle grade science teachers certified in science: 43%
- Specific licensure requirements for middle school teachers: 54 hours general ed.; 24-36 hours in at least one teaching field; 12 hours in upper division courses; 12-24 electives.
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2. Course Requirements:2007-2008 School Year
A. Grades 9-12
- Number of science credits required for high school graduation: 3
- Required science courses: 2 courses with laboratory component.
- Is an Earth science course included in the recommended high school science curriculum? Determined at the district level.
- Is Earth science part of another course required for high school graduation? Determined at the district level.
- If Earth science is taken, does it count towards graduation requirements? Determined at the district level.
- Is an Environmental science course included in the recommended high school science curriculum? Determined at the district level.
- Is Environmental science part of another course required for high school graduation? Determined at the district level.
- If Environmental science is taken, does it count towards graduation requirements? Determined at the district level.
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? Determined at the district level.
- At what grade level(s) is Earth science taught?Determined at the district level.
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3. K-12 Enrollment
A. Percent of Grade 9 students enrolled in selected courses
|
Course |
Earth science |
Chemistry |
Biology |
Physics |
Percent |
4% |
37% |
78% |
10% |
B. Enrollment trends in Grade 9-12 Earth science
|
Year |
Percent |
Students |
1996-97 |
7% |
2,093 |
1997-98 |
7% |
2,089 |
1999-00 |
11% |
3,224 |
2003-04 |
4% |
Not Available |
C. Students in grades 7-8 enrolled in selected science courses
|
1999-2000 |
2003-2004 |
Course |
Students
(Percentage) |
Students
(Percentage) |
Earth Science |
13,627
(27%) |
Not Available
(33%) |
General Science |
2,524
(5%) |
Not Available
(5%) |
Physical Science |
8,075
(16%) |
Not Available
(16%) |
Life Science |
5,047
(10%) |
Not Available
(17%) |
Integrated or Coordinated Science |
4,038
(8%) |
Not Available
(23%) |
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4. K-12 Indicators
|
State |
National |
| Average Freshman Graduation Rate |
67.3% |
73.2% |
| College Enrollment Rate |
71.1% |
68.6% |
| AP Participation Rate |
21.5% |
25% |
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5. Science Standards
- Standards Publication: National Assessment of Educational Progress
- Year in which science standards were adopted: 2003
- Are state standards determined at the district level? Districts adopt the state standards.
- When will the state standards be revised? No date is set.
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6. Testing and Assessment
A. State Science Tests
|
Test |
Grade Levels Tested: |
Earth Science Component on the Test? |
New Mexico Based Assessment |
3-8, and 11 |
Yes |
B. State High School Exit Exam
- Name of Exam: New Mexico High School Competency Examination
- Type of Test: Minimum competency
- Does the exam have a science component? Yes.
- At what grade do students first take the exam? 10
- Is passing the exam a requirement for a diploma? Yes.
- Does the exam have an Earth science component? Yes.
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7. Textbook Adoptions
- Does the state select or recommend textbooks? State approves a list from which districts select.
- Earth science textbook(s)/program(s) used in the state at the high school level: Statewide adoption, Districts select
- Environmental science textbook(s)/program(s) used in the state at the high school level: Statewide adoption, Districts select
- Earth science textbook(s)/program(s) used in the state at the middle school level: Statewide adoption, Districts select
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8. State Contact Person
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