Physics Plan Sets Hinsdale D-86 Argument In Motion

DARIEN, IL — Hinsdale High School District 86 administrators last week presented a proposed science curriculum that may appeal more to board members opposed to changes to the program.

But the members said they were concerned with the removal of certain content from the district's new physics course, called "Physics in the Universe." And a resident said the public had been "lied to" about the issue.

In 2019, a previous board decided to reverse the traditional sequence of science classes. Under the changes, students would take physics as freshmen, chemistry as sophomores and biology as juniors, with each class including earth science concepts.

Hinsdale South has followed this sequence for years. Under the changes, Hinsdale Central would follow suit as part of the district's plan to align courses between the two schools.

Administrators contend the revised sequence would be more logical because chemistry uses physics concepts and biology uses chemistry concepts. They also say biology involves ethical issues that juniors are more prepared to handle than freshmen.

At last week's board meeting, the administration presented a plan that would offer both sequences at the schools. Previously, officials rejected this idea as too expensive, costing $1.6 million. Now, the district estimates it would require one or two additional teachers at South to make both sequences a reality.

Critics have said the new physics class would remove content, which is known as "decontenting" in educational jargon.

The board was told the physics class would include the 10 core content areas that one would find in a junior-level physics class. But administrators said the new class would reduce coverage of circuits and electromagnetism and remove torque, rotational motion and electrostatic.

At the same time, the course would add orbital motion and the way it impacts how people experience the seasons and climate, the board was told. Also, it would increase coverage of the applications of electromagnetism.

Board member Peggy James said the board had been told content wasn't being cut out.

"Now, we're seeing content is being removed. To me, that's a little concerning," she said.

Member Jeff Waters asked Assistant Superintendent Chris Covino about statements that the district was not "decontenting."

Covino said the district may need to agree on the definition of "decontenting."

"It is very clear to see what has happened is that concepts have been replaced by more applicable concepts, ones that will prepare students in the end," he said. "We haven't shortened the course, haven't removed units."

Also at the meeting, member Debbie Levinthal said the science plan would diminish Hinsdale Central's "storied" earth science program, which she said has inspired students to pursue careers in science.

"We're not going to be offered those same earth science courses that District 86 really loves and would be great to bring over to South," Levinthal said.

During public comments, Linda Burke, a resident who has spoken often on the science program changes, said the public had been misled.

"It took a lot of questioning, but now we know for sure: It's been admitted that (Physics in the Universe) is not equivalent to a year of science instruction for students who wish to leave the door open for college STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)," Burke said. "It's not the equivalent of AP Physics, as we were repeatedly lied to and told."

The board is expected to vote on the program of studies for next school year at its Nov. 18 meeting. That program would include any changes to science courses.