Dr. Rita R. Colwell
Director
National Science Foundation
TIMSS-R Benchmarking Report
Press Conference
National Press Club
April 4, 2001
Secretary Paige, Dean Mary Brabeck, Drs. Ina Mullis
and Michael Martin, my colleagues on the podium with
me, Gordon Ambach and Michael Casserly, friends and
guests...good morning and thank you for your dedication
to this important cause, the education of our children.
It's my pleasure to represent the National Science
Foundation here this morning. NSF joined the Department
of Education in supporting the TIMSS-R study because
the findings provide a guide to accomplish our overall
mission of promoting progress in science and engineering,
and excellence in mathematics and science education.
Today's results paint a more detailed picture of America's
math and science education landscape than before and
provide us with signposts for areas of future investment
and improvement.
First, let me congratulate the 27 states, districts
and consortia that volunteered to take part in the
TIMSS-R benchmarking survey. Some wanted the opportunity
to demonstrate the effectiveness of their approaches;
others ran the risk of an unflattering portrayal;
all wanted to know where they stood and to try to
understand why. Their courage and dedication speak
volumes about their commitment towards providing a
world-class education for all students. These findings
constitute valuable data--the kind that are so necessary
to improve schooling and secure the future of our
nation.
Since our inception 50 years ago, NSF has dedicated
our investments in research and education for the
benefit of our nation. In fact, NSF's vision statement
speaks to this mandate: "Enabling the nation's
future through discovery, learning, and innovation."
We invest in people, to develop both the science and
engineering workforce and a well-prepared citizenry.
NSF has a long-standing commitment to excellence in
K-12 math and science education.
Today's results confirm that there is high student
achievement in science and mathematics in the United
States. This is good news. However, we also see that
many of our students are performing below the international
average. The broad range of performance of our eighth
graders in math and science is unacceptable. It is
imperative that all children be well versed in science
and mathematics to be successful in today's technology-based
society.
President Bush is to be commended for declaring education
an urgent national priority and for recognizing the
importance of math and science education in particular.
I am pleased that the President's budget has designated
NSF to lead the Math and Science Partnership element
of his education initiative. NSF has made considerable
investments in improving K-12 education through partnerships.
We look forward to working with Secretary Paige, the
Department of Education, the Administration and Congress
as this vital effort moves to a new level of intensity
and visibility.
The implications of the benchmarking results support
the direction of President Bush's math and science
partnership--improving teacher quality and implementing
more rigorous curricula and assessment. The nationwide
variability of student achievement, teacher quality
and curricula shown in today's results means that
partnerships must target local needs. We at NSF recognize
the value of partnerships, particularly those among
K-12 and higher education. They have enriched our
programs for education systemic reform, teacher preparation
and professional development.
I have personally encouraged partnerships though NSF's
GK-12 program, which brings young scientists into
elementary and secondary classrooms. NSF has just
made a second round of GK-12 awards, and there are
now 56 of these university-K-12 partnerships nationwide.
The TIMSS-R benchmarking data will be used over the
next few years to illuminate issues and trends in
the teaching of mathematics and science. This type
of careful, on-going research is essential for guiding
us all to the wisest investments for our nation's
future.
If we allow all of our children to realize their full
potential, then our nation will remain a leader. Thank
you.
|