Chuck Schumer: “American students are falling further and further behind in math and science. The numbers tell a dismal story. In 1996…”

“American students are falling further and further behind in math and science. The numbers tell a dismal story. In 1996, only 23 percent of all eighth graders were at or above proficiency in math, and 27 percent of all eighth graders were at or above proficiency in science. A 1999 international study revealed no significant progress for American eighth grade students in math and science achievement over the last 5 years. Even worse, the study indicated that U.S. student achievement in these academic areas actually declines between grades 4 and 8. I don't have to tell my colleagues how important math and science are in this new global economy. Technology is key, and the base of technology is math and science. As sure as we are debating this amendment today, if America does not improve its math and science ability, we are not going to stay the No. 1 economy in the world. High value is added, as Alan Greenspan says, by thinking things, not by moving things anymore. We have to have the best people at thinking things. When math and science are as poorly learned and as poorly retained as they have been, there is trouble on the horizon.”