The academic performance of U.S. students compared to their international counterparts has been a subject of ongoing discussion and analysis. Standardized tests provide a glimpse into how American students measure up in subjects like math and science. While results indicate a position in the mid-range globally, there’s a noticeable gap between U.S. students and those in many other advanced industrial nations.
International Assessments: PISA and TIMSS
Large-scale international assessments, such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), offer valuable comparative data.
PISA evaluates 15-year-olds in reading, math, science literacy, and other essential skills across numerous countries. The 2015 PISA results placed the U.S. 38th in math and 24th in science out of 71 participating countries. Within the OECD, which comprises 35 countries, the U.S. ranked 30th in math and 19th in science.
TIMSS focuses on younger students in fourth and eighth grades, assessing their math and science knowledge every four years. The 2015 TIMSS revealed that several countries outperformed the U.S. In fourth-grade math, 10 out of 48 countries had statistically higher average scores, while seven countries surpassed the U.S. in science. Similarly, in eighth grade, seven countries achieved higher average scores in both math and science.
National Assessment: NAEP
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), a U.S.-focused assessment, provides insights into national trends. The 2015 NAEP revealed a decline in average math scores for fourth and eighth graders, a first since 1990.
In 2015, 40% of fourth graders, 33% of eighth graders, and 25% of 12th graders achieved proficiency or higher in math. While the percentage of students performing at the lowest level (“below basic”) has decreased significantly since 1990, progress in the higher achievement levels appears stagnant.
NAEP science results, while less frequent, indicate some improvement. Average scores for fourth and eighth graders increased between 2009 and 2015. However, the percentage of students achieving proficiency or higher in science remained relatively low, with 38% of fourth graders, 34% of eighth graders, and only 22% of 12th graders reaching this benchmark.
Public and Expert Perception
These findings align with public and expert perception of U.S. STEM education. A 2015 Pew Research Center survey found that only 29% of Americans rated the nation’s K-12 STEM education as above average or the best globally. Among scientists, this figure dropped to a mere 16%, with a significant 46% rating it as below average.
Conclusion
The academic standing of U.S. students, as reflected in various assessments, highlights a need for continued improvement in math and science education. While progress has been made in raising the floor for basic achievement, ensuring that more students reach proficiency and excel in these critical subjects remains a challenge. International comparisons underscore the need for ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of STEM education in the U.S. to better equip students for future success.
