A Possible Result In D-86 Science Dispute

HINSDALE, IL — Hinsdale High School District 86's decision to reverse the sequence of science classes in 2019 angered many residents in the Hinsdale Central area, powering the victories of the new school board majority in April's election.

The science issue has been treated as an either-or decision: Stick with the plan for the new curriculum or return to the old one. During a school board meeting late last month, new members said they wanted to consider a new option — offer both sequences.

Under the current plan, the reversed sequence would mean students take physics as freshmen, chemistry as sophomores and biology as juniors, with each class including earth science concepts. It is set to start in two years.

At Hinsdale South, the physics-chemistry-biology sequence has been offered for a number of years. But Central has stuck to the traditional curriculum. In the mission to align the two schools' classes, the old board decided to go with the new sequence for both.

Administrators contend the new sequence is 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 month's meeting, member Jeff Waters, who was elected in April, said he would like the board to discuss at a later session the costs and resources it would take to offer both sequences. Other new members agreed.

Administrators warned the costs may be greater to offer both sequences because classes would have to be taught differently under each curriculum. And they said the science faculty may be too limited in size to offer two sequences of classes.

As it is, students have other choices of science classes when they enter high school, with some taking chemistry or earth science, Superintendent Tammy Prentiss said.

In response, board member Peggy James said the majority of Central students take the traditional sequence of biology, chemistry and physics.

After a pause, Prentiss said, "That's not an accurate statement."

At this point in the meeting, the board had been meeting for almost four hours. It was nearly 10:30 p.m., which officials noted. Members agreed to discuss the issue at a later session.

In early June, the new board did away with the "integrated" math curriculum that was approved last fall. The administration made the case to keep it.