What's more, the study shows that the type of physics being taught is expanding. While traditional introductory physics classes still constitute the bulk of the physics curriculum, the fastest growing alternative uses a less mathematical approach to teach physics concepts. At the other end of the spectrum, the study shows rapid growth in advanced physics courses. Girls are also making a greater showing in physics classrooms. But there are still advances that need to be made.
Women are less likely to continue in physics education after high school.
There are also concerns about drawing more minorities to physics classes. The report shows that African-American and Hispanic students are still under represented in physics classrooms. The research also points out that far fewer students take physics at schools which teachers rate as socioeconomically worse than average. These schools are also much less likely to offer advanced placement classes. But that is not at all the case for other students, including many who are headed towards two- year colleges and technologically demanding jobs.