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Latest TIMSS Study Shows U.S. 12th Graders Lagging in Science, Math March 1998 The last part of the massive Third International Math and Science Study (TIMSS) was released in February, showing that U.S. 12th graders lag far behind students in many other countries in science and math. These results add another piece of evidence to the argument that standards for high school graduation are too low in most of the United States. Overall, the TIMSS results paint a very mixed picture of American education. Earlier reports on performance of students in grades 4 and 8 showed fourth graders far ahead of their international peers, and eighth graders about in the middle. The tests were administered in Spring 1995 to samples of students in grades 4, 8, and 12. Grade 12 Results The results for grade 12 showed:
The math test included fractions, percentages, graphics, and some algebra. The general science test included earth science, life science, and physical science. The advanced math test included calculus, geometry, and equations. Approximately one-fourth of the test was composed of calculus. Access to this test was limited to students who had taken or were taking pre-calculus, calculus, or Advanced Placement calculus. The advanced science test consisted of physics. Access to this test was limited to students who had taken or were taking physics or Advanced Placement physics. No Excuses Many past excuses for poor performance were examined and refuted. For example, America is said to educate all of its students, while other nations educate a smaller percent. This was not the case here. All participating countries educate over 90 percent of their high school aged student population. America is also thought to have a more diverse student population. This was not the case here. Other participating countries have an equally diverse student population. American students were reputed to watch more television than students in other countries. This was not the case here. Students in other participating countries watch television as much as American students. Finally, some people think that it is the low scores of some American students who pull down the overall scores. This was not the case here, in which other nations' low-scoring students were consistently above American low-scoring students. Why American 12th Graders Score Poorly The prime reason cited for the poor performance of American students is its curricula. Specifically, in typical American middle schools, students continue to do arithmetic, while other countries require algebra and geometry of their middle school aged students. Most American high school students are not required to take four years of mathematics, which is generally required elsewhere. In the United States, only one percent of high school students take AP calculus, which is considered by Americans to be a rigorous course. Finally, over 28 percent of high school mathematics teachers and 55 percent of high school physics teachers in America have neither a major nor minor in the subject, indicating that these teachers, may not be prepared to teach these courses. These results are consistent with earlier reports presented in the American Federation of Teacher's Defining World Class Standards series. These reports showed wide differences between American students and students in other nations in terms of knowledge required in math and science subjects. The AFT called for a common curriculum, common assessments and evaluations for student achievement as ways of achieving the high standards of these other nations. In New York State, the revised graduation requirements include three years of study in mathematics and three years of study in science. Yet only a single Regents exam is required in math and in science. It is unlikely that New York State's new graduation requirements will do much to enhance the showing of American students on future international assessments, even if our requirements were adopted by every other state in the country. The results of fourth graders on the TIMSS assessments were reported in NYSUT Briefing Bulletin Number 97-11 (July 1997) entitled U. S. Students Do Well On TIMSS Fourth Grade Mathematics and Science Achievement Report. The following charts indicate the ranking of students from the participating countries on math and science. Ranking, Scores For 12th-Graders' Math
Top tier (well above U.S.):
Middle tier:
Bottom tier: Source: Education Department Ranking, Scores for 12th-Graders' Science Top tier (well above U.S.):
Sweden (559) Middle tier:
Germany (497) Bottom tier:
Cypress (448) Source: Education Department 16809
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