In science, U.S. 8th-graders score above the international average in earth science, life science, and environmental issues. They score about average in chemistry and physics. In math, U.S. 8th-graders nearly reach the international average in algebra and fractions, while they do less well in geometry and measurement. Topic coverage in U.S. 8th-grade math classes is not as focused as in Germany and Japan. In science, however, U.S. curricular practices more closely resemble predominant international practice.
Japanese teachers help students understand mathematical concepts.
U.S. 8th-grade math teachers are familiar with reform recommendations in their field but practice them far less frequently than Japanese teachers. Yet, the U.S. has a shorter school year, approximately 180 days, as compared with Germany s 188 days, and Japan s 220 days. U.S. 8th-graders spend more time in math and science classes each year than their German and Japanese counterparts, and they receive more homework assignments. U.S. teachers receive more formal college education than most of their international colleagues. But they lack the long-term, structured professional apprenticeships required of Japanese and German teachers.