Nearly 1.4 Million High School Physics Students — Enrollments in AP and second-year courses up 26% even though number of graduates down in 2012–13

Abstract

Since 1987, the Statistical Research Center at the American Institute of Physics has regularly conducted a nationwide survey of high school physics teachers to take a closer look at physics in U.S. high schools.1 We contact all of the teachers who teach at least one physics course at a nationally representative sample of all U.S. high schools—both public and private schools. Our most recent survey was conducted during the 2012–13 school year. While our questionnaire covers a number of areas of interest, in this article we examine the number of students enrolled in high school physics courses and the types of courses offered. We also take a closer look at the prior physics experience of students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) Physics classes.