Seventeen states had similar percentages of students at or above Proficient level. U.S. students in 14 states receive science education that is at world-class level. In 28 states, math scores are rising. While problems in education do exist, the numbers show we are succeeding in many places. We can use this information on progress toward achieving the National Education Goals to take what works in the high-performing states and apply those lessons to schools in other states.
Nothing is peculiar to the American system that prevents our children from reaching high levels.
We have a long way to go to reach our National Education Goal to be first in the world in mathematics and science, but these stellar achievements show we can do it. We can make our schools world-class.