Study Indicates Students Need More Bioscience Education; Vermont Does Better than Most

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A new study released by the Battelle Memorial Institute indicates that U.S. states are not adequately supporting student achievement in overall science and life science education. Taking the pulse of bioscience education in America: A State-by-State Analysis also identifies Vermont as among a handful of states that are doing the best job relative to their peers. The report looked at student performance in science indicators, such as NAEP science assessments, AP biology assessments, and ACT biology assessments, as well as state commitment to bioscience education, indicated by state standards, scientific rigor of standards, and percentage of students taking the AP biology exam.

Vermont earned its strong ranking because of: (i) strong student scores on the 8^th grade life science NAEP (“The Nation’s Report Card”) assessments (10 percent better than the national average), (ii) a relatively high number of high school graduates participating in AP biology (5.9 percent), (iii) percent of AP biology students scoring 3 or higher on the exam (59 percent), and (iv) strong State standards related to biotechnology, including scientific input, and staff at the State level dedicated to science standards. The report did note that Vermont was one of 26 states that did not require high school biology.

The report concluded that states must commit to improving student achievement in biology and ensure that their students are prepared to succeed in college-level bioscience courses. The report also suggested that states do a better job tracking student participation and performance in the sciences, and that states should take a more systemic approach to teacher professional development and career awareness for students.