New science curriculum has increased Trenton school's AP course participation, district says

TRENTON - A year ago, only a handful of Trenton high school students qualified to take Advanced Placement courses. This year, that number jumped to 96 students taking classes with the goal of gaining college credit.

School officials said Thursday that the increase is attributed the implementation of the Progressive Science Initiative, an online guided curriculum that reorders physics, chemistry and biology courses to align with math classes. The science progression now starts with physics, which had previously been an elective.

"I loved math. And ever since I entered physics, physics is kind of giving math a run for its money," said Nyrobi Watson, a ninth grade student at Trenton Central High School.

The Progressive Science Initiative was brought to Trenton by a partnership between the Trenton Education Association, the union representing the city's teachers, and the district administration.

The program also offers digital materials to schools -- including homework, assessments and lesson plans. The program launched last year 17 science teachers learning the physics curriculum. The goal is to increase participation in Advanced Placement courses and passing rates in those classes.

"This is an example of not just the achievement gap -- it is an opportunity gap," said Superintendent Francisco Duran. "When our students and our teachers are offered opportunities to receive development they can achieve more."

So far, the physics program has been started in Trenton Central High School and at Dunn Middle School.

"Most people, you need to connect the math with something tangible," said John Dunson, who leads the math teachers at Dunn Middle School. "Physics provides the perfect way to do that in my opinion."

Watson said she likes that she can check the curriculum online to check if she is missing an assignment, catch up or review the material.

Katia Garcia, a student in the Science Technology Engineering and Math school at TCHS, said the web-based program is more engaging for students than the traditional books and blackboard.

"The whole class is actively participating," Garcia said.

The district plans to expand the program to other math and science subjects and to other schools, officials said.

Jenna Pizzi may be reached at jpizzi@njtimes.com. Follow her on Twitter @JennaPizzi. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.

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