The number of factors involved in student scores on tests such as these is very large, but we certainly ought to debate what we could do to reverse it. U.S. students reported studying for less than one hour per day, compared with two to three hours averaged over all countries, but they were also much more likely to be working at a paid job. It appears that we in the U.S. could be challenging our students more in math and science. We need to embed that challenging work in a supportive, humane environment that encourages students' interest in science and math and helps each student to achieve at the highest possible level, which in turn will lead to improved test scores. I am sure that everyone associated with ICE is doing his or her best to achieve that kind of goal, and all of the ICE staff stand ready to help in any way we can.
Suggestions are welcome at any time.
ICE is supported in part by the NSF Directorate for Education and Human Resources. Marwa Bassiouni, Heather Hanson, Margot Kagan, Kristen Meddaugh, Amy Muchow, Kelly Rebro, and Jaclyn Tweedale.