Statement by Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers,
On TIMSS International Math and Science Scores

The 2007 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) shows American fourth- and eighth-grade students significantly improving in math since 2003, particularly fourth-graders. The results also showed that American fourth- and eighth-grade students have made steady improvements in science since 1995, and the United States is one of the few countries that has improved in science at grade 8.

WASHINGTON – The hard work of U.S. teachers and paraprofessionals to help their students learn math, combined with rich curricula, aligned to assessments and strengthened professional development and teaching methods is paying off.

Minnesota is a good example: they have a history of using aligned resources and curricula.

The AFT has a long and proud tradition of proactively raising the quality of public education. Starting with acknowledging the problems identified in A Nation at Risk in the 1980s, then spearheading the standards movement in the 1990s, and continuing our efforts to support our members today.

But our work has just begun.

While educators have found a way to help more American students score at the basic level in math on the TIMSS assessment, and have moved a growing percentage to the proficient level, we must continue our work and help our students do even better. Building upon this success requires an increased investment in teaching quality, including enhanced professional development opportunities, more attention to school construction and maintenance, and rich curricula for all students. We look forward to working with President-elect Barack Obama and his administration to ensure that we provide our children the best public education possible. 

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