Rating Science and Math

By Arthur Eisenkraft

The results of the 1999 Third International Mathematics and Science Study- Repeat confirm what we first learned in 1995 about the science and mathematics achievement of American students: Our 8th graders are not keeping pace in math or science when compared with students from around the world. But the good news is that we know what needs to be done to bring about dramatic changes, and we have a path to get there. The well-thought-out recommendations from the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century, chaired by former Sen. John Glenn of Ohio, provide a blueprint for progress in student achievement. The challenge is to instill a sense of urgency among the public to take action and implement much-needed reforms. We cannot afford to ignore yet another alarm.

The TIMSS-R results show that the 8th graders tested in 1999 exceeded the international average in both science and math, but their performance was anything but stellar. Of the 38 nations taking the test, students in 17 countries—among them Singapore, Hungary, and Japan—performed better than U.S. 8th graders in science; in math, students in 18 countries—a group including Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong—did better than their American counterparts. ( "U.S. Students' Scores Drop by 8th Grade," Dec. 13, 2000.)

These results are particularly disappointing because four years ago, many of these American 8th graders—then 4th graders—were outperformed only by Korea in science and ranked above the international average in math. The hope was that this group represented the early results of reform efforts and would continue to do well as they progressed through school. But the fact is, students from many other countries are learning at a faster rate and are leaving...