Achievement test scores in mathematics and science

Area of Science:

• Education
• Educational Psychology
• Science Education

Background:

• National achievement test scores in mathematics and science have shown a steady decline since the early 1960s.
• This downward trend is particularly pronounced in the higher grade levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in national achievement test scores in mathematics and science.
• To investigate potential differences in score trends between general student populations and those intending to pursue higher education in STEM fields.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of national achievement test score data over several decades.
• Comparison of score trends across different grade levels.
• Segmentation of data based on students' post-secondary educational intentions.

Main Results:

• A consistent decline in average achievement test scores for the nation's youth in mathematics and science since the early 1960s.
• The decline in scores is more significant in higher educational grades.
• Average test scores for high school seniors intending to major in mathematics and science have remained stable over the same period.

Conclusions:

• While overall youth performance in math and science shows a decline, high-achieving, college-bound students maintain stable scores.
• These contrasting trends may indicate specific challenges or successes within different segments of the educational system.
• The findings suggest a need for targeted educational policies to address the decline in general student performance while supporting high-achieving students.