Before the school year ended, The Classic spoke to educators and administrators from various departments and asked them to reflect on the biggest stories and achievements of their departments for the past school year. For the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics department, Assistant Principal Abid Choudhury said that the highlights of this year include working towards an overarching revision policy for major assessments each semester, developing and approving a new Logics in Numbers math elective, continuing seven non-AP science electives, and initiating a Pi Day event.
“My goal was to get as many students as possible to do well in STEM because science and math are traditionally intimidating subjects for many, though not intimidating for everyone. There is just a perception that they are the hardest classes,” said Mr. Choudhury, who became the new Assistant Principal of STEM this year.
Sophomore Saniha Jasarah said that the new math course caught her eye: “I think Logics in Numbers sounded like an exciting and unique course. It shows that math isn’t just about numbers. It’s a way to explore deeper meanings and understand the world around us. A course like this challenges students and inspires deeper curiosity in math beyond the typical curriculum.”
Sophomore Samantha Li said that one of the non-AP science electives stood out to her: “One of the courses that I was considering was Human Pathology because I want to go into the medical field in the future. This course perfectly aligned with my interests as it explores the human system and how it combats various diseases…There are many students who want to pursue a career in the STEM field, and I believe creating and offering these electives will help us in accomplishing our future and career goals.”
In addition to working on course offerings, the STEM department took a step towards hosting more school-wide events. Mr. Choundhury organized a Pi Day event where students could compete in a pie-eating contest and pie the STEM teachers on March 14.
“I feel like the administration implemented many different aspects of Pi Day, which all made the event very unique and engaging. Pi Day was able to create more awareness of this special event, which more of the administration should do for other STEM-related events in the future to build on our understanding,” said Samantha.
The STEM department also faced challenges with the new testing policy in the spring semester, which reduced the number of windows in which exams can be given.
Chemistry teacher Olivia Comer said, “With the new testing schedule, I think that I was more strategic about when and how I was testing once I knew which days I was able to give tests. The chemistry curriculum covers so much content, which means that it can be relatively fast paced. With set testing days, this means that some tests may cover a large amount of material, so I had to consider the best ways to assess everything at the same time.”
In addition, STEM teachers offered revision opportunities each semester, responding to the schoolwide grading policy, which says that students should be offered one major revision opportunity per term. STEM teachers had various revision options this year for students that ranged from giving a final that could replace the lowest exam grade, retaking a test, or offering test corrections for a chance to gain back lost points.
“I believe revision opportunities are essential because STEM is about learning from mistakes and evolving your understanding. Being allowed to revise gives students a chance to reflect, relearn, and actually understand the concepts,” said Senior Yazhi Dai.
Likewise, junior William Algenio said, “Our standard education system doesn’t foster an environment that encourages learning. Instead, you’re beaten down for failures which we’re told to learn from, but not really guided on how to do that. Revisions are a step in the right direction because they push students to learn from mistakes and ask more questions.”
Sophomore Sydney Liu said, “I think that especially for my hybrid physics class, it’s fast-paced and sometimes we just don’t have time to absorb and understand the material in time for the test. To be able to revise previous grades after attending extra help and asking questions really helps.”
In addition to revision policies and STEM events, Mr. Choudhury discussed STEM honor societies. He said around forty students were accepted into each respective math and science honors societies this year and he hopes to increase the number by “ensuring that the 9th and 10th grade students in the Regents-level classes are able to optimize their abilities and be fully engaged in math and science.”
He further said, “The success of our students is the biggest and most important consideration. If everything went optimally and every single student was doing amazingly and could get into the math honor society, I would not feel like there is any issue. I would be very pleased. Obviously, that isn’t the case, but I think it really starts with improving general access to higher-level math and making sure students are actually prepared for it.”
Junior Emma Kremer who was inducted into the math honor society this year said, “I would suggest making more recognition for math honor societies like Mu Alpha Theta by advertising the requirements earlier in the year and to underclassmen so they are more inclined to do better in their classes.”
Junior Angela Lee said she just wasn’t aware of the opportunity. “I actually hadn’t heard of a science honor society before, and I didn’t apply for Mu Alpha Theta because I saw the email too late and I was not sure if there was a due date.”
While several accomplishments have been made in the STEM department this year, Mr. Choudhury hopes to work closely with the teachers to make changes that can better help students have greater academic success in science and math next year.
“I think we made some baby steps or moved a needle by a little bit this year. In my eyes, there is just much more work to be done,” said Mr. Choudhury, “Not everything went perfectly, but we did put a lot of effort forward, and we’re always looking for improvements whether that’s in revision or grading policies or test constructions or revisiting what assessments mean and look like… Until every student is successful, there is room for improvement.”
