[robbed]

This sounds like the biggest problem:

> The exams measure knowledge and understanding of physical, life, Earth and space sciences.

> In California, eighth-grade students are only taught in physical science, not in Earth or space sciences

[spamizbad]

It wouldn't surprise me if the science curriculum had to paired down due to schools having a finite amount of time with students, and choosing to spend that time focus on stuff that drives Reading and Math scores on testing like the NCLB.