U.S. May Sit Out on TIMMS

Poll after poll clearly demonstrate that the public understands the connection between high quality math, science and technology education and the ability of our students and our country to compete economically in the years ahead.

That's why it's disappointing to read this report that the U.S. Department of Education has decided for the first time to sit out the Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS)-Advanced 2008. This study would examine the most talented high school math and science students.

In explaining its decision, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) cites budget constraints, the small number of other participating countries, and competing priorities, including participating in the much larger 4th and 8th grade TIMMS studies.

The subjects of the TIMMS-Advanced research are expected to be the next generation of science and engineering leaders in our country. With all the public and private resources being devoted to improving math and science education, one would think that gathering any available data on this population would be a priority. The U.S. has until November to change its mind and commit to the study.