One element missing from MCAS equation: time

RE "1 in 5 fail portion of Grade 10 MCAS: Addition of science to exam a factor" (Page A1, Sept. 17): James Vaznis's article raised some troublesome issues for me as an elementary science specialist. Many children do have a genuine interest in science. My job is to nurture that interest and help my students develop science skills.

Taking students outside has become an essential part of my program. For years, the Boston Schoolyard Initiative's Science in the Schoolyard program has helped teachers incorporate outdoor learning in the context of the existing curriculum. In my role of helping to develop and test this curriculum, I've seen how excited students become when they connect scientific concepts with real-world sensory experiences.

The challenge is time. The MCAS is written under the assumption that all students taking the test have the minimum required time on science. Looking at fifth grade alone, the state requires 225 minutes per week; I see my students for 90 minutes per week.

When looking for ways to dramatically improve science interest and comprehension, administrators must give science teachers time to work with their students. Given that precious time, teachers can get outside into the real world, a place largely unexplored by many children today.

ERIN RUA
Revere