Excellence is being achieved, the report concludes.
However, equity among different ethnic and racial groups of students is still a challenge. Despite improving test scores for all groups, achievement gaps among whites, Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, and other ethnic groups remains wide. The report states that these problems are due, in part, to unequal distribution of resources including school equipment and numbers of teachers. Also, school districts' commitment to implementing reforms has been inconsistent. NSF recommendations involve continuing emphasis on reform at all levels of education, but primarily elementary school where students learn the basics of scientific investigation.