Evaluation Report on the New York City Academic High School Program in Physics

The physics syllabus being offered in the academic high schools of New York City has aroused considerable interest as to its value as prerequisite to baccalaureate programs in science and engineering. To gather certain facts, the Engineering Advisory Committee was organized, comprised of members selected from the New York Metropolitan sections of the professional engineering societies. The members visited numerous schools to arrive at a broad appraisal of high-school physics as a pre-engineering preparation. They inspected class schedules, laboratory facilities and libraries. They examined laboratory schedules, textbooks in use, teaching load assignments, and procedures for ordering laboratory equipment. They evaluated the qualifications of teachers and methods for motivating gifted students. Their findings are described in this report which includes a listing of recommendations.