We’ve heard time and again that American students lag behind in the sciences, especially compared to students in many Asian countries.
Yet at least in Massachusetts, this does not appear to be the case. According to the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, if Massachusetts were a country, its eighth graders would rank second in the world in science. The United States as a whole came in tenth.
For the past 20 years, Massachusetts has been working to elevate its math and science achievement. Those efforts appear to be paying off. In 1993, the state legislature passed the Massachusetts Education Reform Act. It involved more money for urban schools, higher academic standards, and a test called the MCAS that students must pass before graduating high school.
Though the results were disappointing at first, huge gains have been made over the past 20 years. And while there is still a significant achievement gap between wealthy and poor school districts, improvements have been seen across the board.
Science education in Massachusetts focuses on hands-on learning. Students at all grade levels conduct experiments and test their hypotheses, allowing them to actively engage in the process of science. Teachers are given considerable freedom as well – standards dictate what they must teach, but not how they must teach it, allowing for creativity and innovation.
The great success in Massachusetts is heartening and should serve as an example for other states. Excellent science education is critical if our students are to compete in the global economy and address the complex environmental issues facing society.
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Web Links
Expecting the Best Yields Results in Massachusetts
Highlights from TIMSS 2011
http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2013/2013009_1.pdf
Photo, taken on January 1, 2000, courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Support for Earth Wise comes from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY.