Let me say, first of all, I'm glad to be here with Pat Forgione, the Commissioner for the National Center for Educational Statistics. I thank him for the fine work that he has done. I thank Secretary Riley for his excellent work. All of you, thank you very much for being here.
Today is a good day for American education.
Today, we announce the new results from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study for 4th Graders, showing that America's 4th graders are performing above the national average in math and science. In fact, in science they are doing very well, indeed. According to this report, just issued today, our 4th graders rank second in the world in the Third International Math and Science Tests, just behind Korea. We are making great strides. We've built a solid foundation in our national effort to establish standards of excellence in education.