In addition, the United States ranks 16th of 17 nations in the proportion of 24-year-olds who earn degrees in natural science or engineering, as opposed to other majors. To continue to innovate, the U.S. must upgrade and accelerate its commitment to educational quality in math and science.
The Solution
As a first step toward better math and science education in our country, NMSI focuses its efforts on increasing the number of (1) Advanced Placment (AP) and Pre-AP courses offered in American schools, (2) students enrolled in those courses, (3) teachers trained in AP strategies, and (4) math and science majors who enter the teaching profession.
The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding programs that have a proven impact on math and science education. Initial funding for NMSI, in the amount of $125 million, has been provided by ExxonMobil.
The Need
American students today are underperforming in math and science, and too many math and science teachers do not have the benefit of specific training and support in the subjects they teach. Consider the following:
- Only 32% of eighth-grade students and 18% of twelfth-grade students performed at or above the proficient level in science.
- About 30% of high school mathematics students and 60% of those enrolled in physical science have teachers who either did not major in the subject in college or are not certified to teach it.
- Among middle-school mathematics teachers serving low-income students, 70% majored in a subject other than math in college.