Press Statement - February 24, 1998

PS 98-7
Media contact:	Lee Herring	(703) 306-1070	kherring@nsf.gov

Statement by Dr. Neal Lane
Director, National Science Foundation

On U.S. 12th Graders' Math and Science Performance

The news is not good regarding the performance of U.S. 12th graders in math and science in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). But when we ask a scientific question or measure an educational result, we are seeking facts. The fact is that we still have a long way to go to reach world leadership in K-12 math and science education.

This news, though unwelcome, is instructive. When the news is good, we celebrate the clear indication that we are doing things right. We know that the 4th grade results were more favorable. I believe there is a connection between those results and the initiation in the early 1990s of math and science education reform efforts in states and localities across the country, many undertaken with partial support from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The majority of 12th graders tested in 1995 - the results of which we see today - would not have been exposed to those reform interventions. These 12th-grade results should not lessen our resolve to keep pushing further, but rather should make our efforts even stronger. As our younger students move through school and continue their exposure to revised curricula, teachers with better training, and higher achievement standards, we can expect to see improvement in their performance at higher grade levels.

There are no easy answers or quick fixes here; change, improvement, and progress are slow and incremental. The many reform efforts underway in states and communities throughout the country are beginning to reveal mechanisms for further gains. This grassroots progress will get a further boost from the $60 million initiative included in the President's FY99 budget request, to improve science and mathematics generally and middle-school math in particular. Under the action plan announced today, NSF and the Department of Education will work jointly and in close collaboration with state and local governments and schools to accelerate the implementation of activities designed to improve achievement in middle-school math.

In the 21st century, knowledge will be the most valuable commodity; and knowledge of science and mathematics will be the gold standard. Knowledge, while intangible, is not cheap. It requires a sustained investment and an unwavering commitment - from individual students, parents, communities, private industry, and government. NSF remains committed to excellence in mathematics and science education at every level, in every location, for every student.