Physics First Starter

Freshman getting data from photo-electric effect apparatus.

       The links below are resources used prior to and during the transition the "Physics First" science sequence at a 1100 student urban high school focused on college preparation.

Timeline:                     
       This page provides the key dates during the implementation of the Physics First Sequence.  This version of the web page now reveals comparisons using ACT© and AP© performance before, during and then after implementation of the "Physics First" sequence at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School.
Introduction to Physics First Presentation:   
       This is the presentation to the staff, administration school board and parents explaining "Physics First" and to sell the sequence as a possible benefit to the school.  The school previously sequenced Biology, Chemistry and then Physics as an elective in the senior year.
Action Research:       
        Research prior to, during and after the transition to "Physics First".  The focus is on learning about those programs that were managed well and successful.  We were also tasked to verify that the impact of the new sequence was not having a detrimental impact student outcomes.  In particular the outcomes relating to standardized tests (college entrance scores), Advanced Placement course selection and Advanced Placement Exam performance.
Pamphlet Info:         
        A pamphlet distributed to staff, parents & feeder schools which explained the "Physics First" program.  Introduced the new sequence to parents and new staff members.
Mailing:          
       This is the mailing sent to parents explaining the idea of Physics First the summer prior to the first 2008 (the first class in the new sequence).  
Common Questions: 
       Common questions of parents and staff are answers in Q & A format
How Physics is Helpful:   
       A listing of reasons that all students benefit from taking Physics.
Blog Entry:                 
       A one entry report on the status of the "Physics First" implementation.
Impact on ACT Performance:                 
       ACT scores at this school were tracked over an 17 year period (2000-2016) with 8 years prior to the change, three years of transition and five years after the change. The school remained stable in attendance from year to year and maintained an open admissions policy performance on the ACT show evidence of impact by the new sequence.  
Impact on Physics Competition Performance:                 
       This school entered a state wide (often with schools from neighboring states) competition starting in 2002.  Performance at that competition before and after implementation of Physics First are compared. 
Physics First Video
     Students from various schools were featured on a video explaining Physics First.

Can Freshman do the math needed for Physics?              

        This is my response to colleagues and administrators.  I base my answers on both research (results in REAL classrooms with real teachers and students) and personal experience having taught juniors and seniors Physics for 27 years and then having taught freshman Physics for 10 years.

===================================================