A simple ranking of student scores like a horse race or an Olympic event is not valid. Results from the study show that, except for physical science, the curriculum in science is more focused than the curriculum in mathematics. However, the science topics presented in particular grade levels vary widely from state to state. They claim that a more useful exercise would be to study what other countries are doing to reform their mathematics and science practices, since achievement scores are one aspect of the overall educational picture. It is not clear that these findings are applicable to science teaching, but science teachers may be interested in viewing the representative videotaped lessons of mathematics classes from the three countries.
Information is readily available, and more reports are scheduled for future distribution.
Or, everything you blissfully forgot about international comparisons. Foolishness, dangerous nonsense, and real correlates of state differences in achievement. NSTA press release, retrieved from the world wide web October, 1998. The Third International Mathematics and Science Study. National Center for Education Statistics, Office of Educational Research and Improvement.