Executive Summary and Recommended Actions
Statement of Support and Supporting Organizations
Full Report
Introduction: A Moment of Urgency and Opportunity
Section 1: Excellence and Equity: Mobilizing for Math and Science Learning
Section 2: Standards and Assessments: Focusing for Essential Knowledge and Skills
Section 3: Teaching and Professional Learning: Managing for Effectiveness
Section 4: Schools and Systems: Designing for Achievement
References
Visualizing Change

Statement of Support

Broad Coalition Commits to Transforming Mathematics and Science Education

Educators, Funders, Policymakers, Mathematicians, Scientists, Advocates, Others Coalesce Around Action Plan

The United States must mobilize for excellence in mathematics and science education so that all students — not just a select few, or those fortunate enough to attend certain schools — achieve much higher levels of math and science learning.

Over the coming decades, today’s young people will depend on the skills and knowledge developed from learning math and science to analyze problems, imagine solutions, and bring productive new ideas into being. The nation’s capacity to innovate for economic growth and the ability of American workers to thrive in the global economy depend on a broad foundation of math and science learning, as do our hopes for preserving a vibrant democracy and the promise of social mobility for young people that lie at the heart of the American dream.

Our nation needs an educated young citizenry with the capacity to contribute to and gain from the country’s future productivity, understand policy choices, and participate in building a sustainable future. Knowledge and skills from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—the so-called STEM fields—are crucial to virtually every endeavor of individual and community life. All young Americans should be educated to be “STEM-capable,” no matter where they live, what educational path they pursue, or in which field they choose to work.

The United States cannot make the necessary improvements to mathematics and science education by focusing exclusively on mathematics and science learning; we must also make fundamental changes to the nation’s schools and strengthen the innovation capacity of the educational system.

Our nation needs schools and systems of education that can transform mathematics and science education and deliver it equitably and with excellence to all students. The organizations listed below affirm that transformative change is necessary in our nation’s classrooms, schools, and education systems and support recommendations to:

The Commission’s comprehensive program of action is supported by organizations from many quarters, including the federal government, states, schools and school districts, colleges and universities, civil rights organizations, unions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropy.

Organizations Supporting the Recommendations of the Opportunity Equation