Teaching Combinations of the High School Biology Teachers of Kansas, 1963-1964

Abstract

The past decade or so has seen several far-reaching changes in the teaching of secondary school biology in Kansas. One of the striking changes is the great increase in the number of students enrolled in high school biology in Kansas, from 15,130 in 1951-1952 to 26,190 in 19601961, an increase of 73 per cent, and to 33,500 in 1963-1964, an increase of more than 100 per cent over 1951-1952 and of 28 per cent over 1960-1961. During this same period from 1951-1952 to 19631964, while the number of Kansas high schools changed from 659 senior high schools and 59 separately accredited junior high schools, to 584 senior high schools and 101 separately accredited junior high schools, the number of schools offering biology increased from 482 to 567. The number of Kansas high school teachers who taught four or more science classes daily (and are considered full-time science teachers) increased from 117 to more than 450. Although exact figures are not available, it is clear that there was a corresponding increase in full-time high school biology teachers. The number of Kansas high school biology teachers who taught only science courses increased from 117 to 232. The most recent change is the rapid increase in BSCS Biology. Beginning with seven teachers in the Wichita-Emporia Testing Center in 1960-1961, the number increased to about 20 in 1963-1964, and will probably reach 75 in 1964-1965. Many Kansas educators interested in science teaching, representing both academic departments and departments of professional education, as well as certification and accreditation agencies, have suggested that the State Department of Public Instruction should consider separate certification of high school biology, physical science, and general science teachers. One reason for separate certification of biology teachers is the dominant position of biology as a senior high school science. We have seen in recent years greatly increased employment opportunities for those prepared for full time biology teaching. This is the more true because beginning biology has been moved to the junior high school in several school systems. This earlier placement of biology may provide greater opportunity for interested students to take a second biology course in their junior or senior years, after they have had chemistry.