DOCUMENT RESUME ED 414 193 SE 060 979 TITLE Mastering Challenging Mathematics by the End of Eighth Grade. INSTITUTION Department of Education, Washington, DC. PUB DATE 1997-00-00 NOTE 5p. PUB TYPE Reports - Descriptive (141) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC01 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS Algebra; Elementary Education; Foreign Countries; Geometry; *Mathematical Aptitude; *Mathematical Logic; Mathematics Education; *Mathematics Skills; *Minimum Competencies; *Resource Materials; Thinking Skills IDENTIFIERS Third International Mathematics and Science Study ABSTRACT According to the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) which compared student performance in mathematics and science in 41 countries in 1995, fourth grade students in the United States perform only slightly above the international average in mathematics. The study showed that most U.S. students are mastering basic arithmetic; however, TIMMS found that U.S. eighth grade students perform below the international average in mathematics. The U.S. was the only country in TIMMS whose students dropped from above average in fourth grade to below average in eighth grade. It is suggested that between grades four and eight, U.S. students need to progress to more advanced mathematics like the students in top-performing countries. This pamphlet includes examples of two challenging mathematics problems that U.S. students did poorly on. In the global economy of the Information Age, students will need to master the basic and advanced mathematics. Students taking algebra, geometry, and other advanced courses in high school are more likely to go to college regardless of their families' income level. Other findings indicate that one out of three job applicants lacks the reading or math skills required for a job and that approximately 90% of new jobs created require more than a high school level of literacy and math skills. Information on the complete TIMSS Resource Kit is also included. (AIM) ***** ******** ******************************************************************* Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******** ****** * ******* ** ***** *************************************************** alb I S U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) s document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization onginating it Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy " 2. 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The math test will be based on the same framework as the existing National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), in which over 40 states participate. Because For more information about the Voluntary National teachers, parents, and schools will receive detailed Tests in Reading and Math, visit our web site at information about students' performance on indi- http://www.ed.gov/nationaltests, or call 1-800 vidual items, the tests will stimulate improvement in USA- LEARN. reading and mathematics instruction and provide parents with information to help their children. To order the TIMSS Resource Kit, contact the TIMSS customer service line at (202) 219-1333. Or write TIMSS Resource Kit TIMSS Project Officer, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, 555 New Jersey Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20208-5574. The Education Department has developed a TIMSS For more information on TIMSS, consult the World Resource Kit that translates the research findings Wide Web site at http://www.ed.gov/NCES/timss. from TIMSS into a format that can be used to shape discussion on improving mathematics instruction with educators and the community at large. The kit For more information on the Mathematics Initiative comprises four modules that cover the results of the of the U.S. Department of Education, call (202) 401- international comparison, an examination of curricu- 3389. lum, and a study of teaching in three countries. An overview videotape, as well as a videotape study of Brochure available in alternate formats on request. teaching in the United States, Japan, and Germany, Call FIRS, 1-800-877-8339, Monday through Friday are included. from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern lime. .1( (Answers to math questions: (D) 40; $450) 5 3EST COPY AVAILABLE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RIC Office of Educational Research and improvement (OERI) Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) I NOTICE REPRODUCTION BASIS This document is covered by a signed "Reproduction Release (Blanket)" form (on file within the ERIC system), encompassing all or classes of documents from its source organization and, therefore, does not require a "Specific Document" Release form. This document is Federally-funded, or carries its own permission to reproduce, or is otherwise in the public domain and, therefore, may be reproduced by ERIC without a signed Reproduction Release form (either "Specific Document" or "Blanket"). (9/92)