Press Statement - June 10, 1997

Media contact:

Mary Hanson

(703) 306-1070

mhanson@nsf.gov

Statement by Dr. Joseph Bordogna
Acting Deputy Director, National Science Foundation

On Release of Third International Mathematics and Science Study 4^th Grade Scores

Today's results from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study are exciting. They show that, in partnership with others, the efforts under way at the National Science Foundation to systemically reform the K-12 education system -- and especially to improve the quality of mathematics and science instruction -- are working.

Since 1990, NSF has been investing in the initial education and professional development of teachers, and in the tools and instructional materials that they need to do their job well. We have worked to forge strong partnerships between the schools and their communities. The focus of this investment is the standards-based curricula. When teachers are enabled to teach to those standards, and have the tools to do so, good things happen.

We have seen a pattern of success at the fourth grade level. We know now what to do. Now we need to keep working, as a member of a national team, to make sure that this pattern is echoed at all grade levels.

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