The Need for Increased High School Physics Enrollment in Arizona

Enrollment has declined for regular high school physics in Arizona; and Arizona is doing poorly compared to the nation. In Maricopa County, only 20 percent of high school students take physics, while nationwide almost 40 percent do. To prepare our students for Arizona's share of millions of new STEM jobs, we should do all we can to interest more high school students in physics, while attracting a world-class group of physics teachers. Physics is STEM. Physics is the one class that makes math make sense and strengthens all skills a student needs for STEM career success. We recommend physics as a choice for the 4th math course.