50 Fives by Fifty-Five

According to the National Math and Science Initiative, American students are falling behind in the essential subjects of math and science, putting our position in the global economy at risk.

For example:

• U.S. students recently finished 15th in reading, 19th in math, and 14th in science in the ranking of 31 countries by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
• Only 29 percent of American fourth grade students, a third of eighth grade students, and barely 18 percent of 12th grade students perform at or above the proficient level in science.

According to recommendations of a panel of 20 national leaders, published by the National Academies of Science in their 2005 blue-ribbon panel report, “Rising above the Gathering Storm.”the most effective way to enhance science and technology enterprise in the United States is to dramatically improve K-12 math and science education. To do so, the panel recommends actions to:

• Enlarge the pipeline of students with the desire and preparation to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at the undergraduate level and beyond.
• Produce more, and more effective math and science teachers;
• Strengthen the skills of existing teachers through training programs

Starting kids early in math and science education can be a key ingredient for a far-reaching solution.

In fact, according to many engaged in this space, experience has shown that girls and boys must be engaged in science by the third grade to fourth grade to develop an interest that endures through their school career.

Programs that focus throughout the full period of education hold great promise