Do we need more math and science?

Many educators say K-12 schools need to improve math and science education in the U.S. As it turns out, however, parents and students disagree. At least that's what Public Agenda discovered when it recently surveyed parents and high-school students in its Reality Check 2006: Are American Parents and Students Ready for More Math and Science?

PARENTS

When it comes to teaching math
and science at your child's school:

57% Things are fine as is
32% More math and science 9% Don't know
 2% Less math and science

Is the education your child is getting
at school better or worse than the
education you got at his/her age?

61% Better
23% The same
14% Worse
 2% Don't know

In general, do you think the material
they are learning is harder,
easier or about the same as when
you were in school?

65% Harder
24% About the same
9% Easier
2% Don't know

STUDENTS

I have learned a lot in math class
66% agree

Increasing the number and quality
of math and science courses would
improve high school education
57% agree

Not being taught enough math and
science is a "serious problem" in
my school
26% agree

Source: Public Agenda, www.publicagenda.org