January 26, 2001, Hour 1: Math and Science Education Reform

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Science Friday > Archives > 2001 > January > January 26, 2001:

Hour One: Science and Math Education Reform

This week, President Bush presented ambitious proposals for the reform of education in the U.S.

"We must address the low standing of America's test scores among industrialized nations in math and science, the very subjects most likely to affect our future competitiveness," Bush said in a news conference Tuesday. Bush's education plans center around a comprehensive yearly testing program that would grade the performance of all students in the 3rd through 8th grades, as well as a voucher program that would help parents of children in schools deemed to be 'failing' to pay for private or parochial schools.

But what are the nuts and bolts of a good science education? How can teachers ensure that students DO make yearly progress through their schooling? And how can administrators, parents, teachers, and students keep schools from 'failing?'

In December, the results of the Third International Math and Science Study - Repeat were released - a repeat performance of a look at science and math education around the world made four years ago. The new survey found little change from the initial run - although some educators warned that it might take another four years for the reforms made between the first and second TIMSS studies to show an effect.

A report from the Glenn Commission, tasked by then-Secretary of Education Richard Riley to evaluate science and math education in the U.S., was released last September. In an ominous sign, the report was entitled "Before It's Too Late." Calling the state of math and science education "unacceptible," the report went on to say that "the most direct route to improving mathematics and science achievement for all students is better mathematics and science teaching."

On this hour of Science Friday, we'll talk about some of the proposals on the table for improving math and science education in the U.S. We'd like to hear your thoughts as well. Call in with your thoughts and comments at 1-800-989-8255, and share your opinions online in our Listeners' Lounge (registration required)

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Guests:
Rush Holt
U.S. Representative (D-NJ)
Former Assistant Director
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Hopewell, New Jersey

Linda Rosen
Senior Advisor in Math and Science to Former Secretary of Education Richard Riley
Senior Vice President for Education
National Alliance of Business
Washington, DC

Janice Earle
Senior Program Director
Member, TIMSS-R Interagency Management Team
National Science Foundation
Arlington, Virginia

Arthur Eisenkraft
President
National Science Teachers Association
Physics Teacher and Science Coordinator
Bedford Central School District
Westchester County, New York

Books/Articles Discussed:

"Before It's Too Late: A Report to the Nation from The National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century"

TIMSS 1999 International Science Report and TIMSS 1999 International Mathematics Report

"Review of Middle School Physical Science Texts" by John L. Hubisz

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Web Producer: Charles Bergquist

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Senior Producer of Science Friday: Karin Vergoth

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Web producer: Charles Bergquist