Faltering U.S. Economy Would Benefit from Revitalized Science Education, Leshner Writes

The United States is once again testing below-average when it comes to science and mathematics education among industrialized countries, hindering the nation's ability to build a competitive workforce and revitalize its faltering economy, AAAS CEO Alan I. Leshner wrote in a 12 January commentary published in the Boston Globe.

"Science and technology have been powerful engines of prosperity since World War II, but, sadly, science education and the versatility of the American workforce are both in decline," wrote Leshner, who is also the executive publisher of journal Science.

The United States does not make the list of top 10 science and math education countries, and "... young people in many less-developed countries now outperform their American counterparts in both science and math," noted Leshner, citing the results of the most recent Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, released in December.

But President Barack Obama's appointment of renowned scientists such as Harvard and Woods Hole physicist John P. Holdren and other prominent researchers to key science and technology positions may help reinvigorate national science education efforts, Leshner suggested. "We hope that U.S. policy makers, guided by Holdren and colleagues, also can find a way to send a clear signal that science generally and science education specifically are highly valued, respected, and essential for all children..."

The multifaceted response to stagnant U.S. science scores should start with competitive pay for science and math teachers, increased funding for science education at all levels, and uniform national science education standards. In particular, Leshner wrote, the disparity in science learning goals from state to state "can create unacceptable inequalities in the opportunities provided to the next generation of Americans."

Becky Ham

12 January 2009