Excellence and Equity

Recommended actions

The Commission recommends actions in two areas to build broad public understanding and commitment toward excellence and equity in math and science learning:

1. Mobilize the nation to improve math and science education for all students

By the federal government, states, school districts, and national and local education reform organizations

• Mount campaigns that generate public awareness of math and science as central to the revitalization of the American economy and social mobility for young Americans

• Increase public understanding that math and science are connected to a wide range of careers in many fields—virtually any secure and rewarding job in any sector of the economy

• Build understanding and will among policymakers and education, business, and civic leaders to close the gap between current education achievement and the future knowledge and skill needs of students

By colleges and universities

• Raise awareness and build support in colleges and universities for stronger and more coherent math and science preparation for all students

• Increase partnerships between higher education and K-12 systems to increase the number of students entering two- and four-year colleges well-prepared and able to take up mathematics and science learning

2. Place mathematics and science at the center of school improvement and accountability efforts

By the federal government, states, school districts, and national and local education reform organizations

• Make improvement in math and science outcomes, especially by historically underperforming groups, a benchmark in designing and evaluating school improvement efforts at all grade levels for all students

• Incorporate math and science learning as part of the expected learning outcomes of initiatives in other areas, including literacy, social studies, art, and service learning

By businesses, nonprofit organizations, unions, philanthropy, and other partners

• Advocate for and support smart investments in K-16 mathematics and science achievement for a vital state, city, or regional economy

• Map assets in science and math, including science and technology-based industry, medical and health research and practice centers, and museums, and communicate how these can be leveraged for increasing math and science achievement

• Increase the science and math content in out-of-school time programming through project-based, real-world activities

• Incentivize the development of state, regional, and local science, math, engineering, and technology initiatives