NSB Urges Response to Poor Achievement in Math & Science Education

The National Science Board (NSB) urges all stakeholders in kindergarten through twelfth grade education to develop a nation-wide consensus on core knowledge and competency in mathematics and science. Responding to the U.S. twelfth grade student performance on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), the NSB made four recommendations for accomplishing this goal in a statement released this week titled "Failing Our Children: Implications for the Third International Mathematics and Science Study."

Nationwide consensus on core competencies is critical, emphasized NSB Chair Eamon Kelly. "Given the high degree of population mobility and the demands of the economy, all localities are preparing students for what has become a national workforce."

Kelly added that increasing mobility of Americans has resulted in shallow education for some students. "We must share core competencies in order to overcome the effects of mobility," explained Kelly. "It is ironic that a crisis in math and science education should erupt in the midst of this golden age in science and technology," he added.

The board statement describes changes that need to be made at the grass-roots level, involving the entire community of stakeholders in math and science education. Specifically, the board hopes to help reverse the below-the-international-average performance of U.S. high school students on science achievement.

In particular, the board recommends: developing a much-needed consensus on a common core of math and science knowledge and skills to be embedded consistently in instructional materials; building a system of rewards and incentives for well-trained teachers; establishing college admissions criteria that reinforce high standards; and supporting partnerships among various stakeholders to ensure access to effective programs in math and science education.

"No nation can afford to tolerate what prevails in American schooling: generally low expectations and low performance with only pockets of excellence," said Mary K. Gaillard, Chair of the NSB TIMSS Task Force. "It will not suffice to be satisfied with a small, elite cadre of highly educated engineers and scientists while the balance of our citizens remain scientifically illiterate," she said.

The National Science Board is composed of 24 members who represent the leadership of U.S. science and engineering. They are appointed by the President to oversee the National Science Foundation and to monitor the health of science in the nation. The statement reflects the board's responsibility in national science and technology policy.