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MATHEMATICSEQUALSOPPORTUNITY
White Paper prepared forU. S. Secretary of Education Richard W. RileyOctober 20, 1997
Archived Information
 
A Letter from the Secretary of Education
Many parents, students, and teachers now understand that mastering mathematics isa gateway to college. A recent analysis by the U.S. Department of Educationindicates that high school students who take algebra, geometry, and other rigorousmathematics courses are more likely to go on to college. This is true regardless of their family income. In fact, the benefit of taking rigorous courses is greatest forstudents from low-income families.The key to understanding mathematics is taking algebra or courses coveringalgebraic concepts by the end of the 8th grade. Achievement at that stage givesstudents an important advantage in taking rigorous high school mathematics andscience courses. However, many 8th and 9th graders may already be behind in theircourse selection to get on to the road to college. Some students do not have accessto rigorous mathematics courses -- either because their school does not offereveryone a full selection of challenging courses, or because not all students areprepared for and encouraged to enroll. The results of the recent Third InternationalMathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) confirm that many students enter highschool without a solid grounding in mathematics, closing doors very early for furthereducation and better careers.Students, parents and educators should review this important report and understandthe significance of a solid foundation in mathematics as a key to college and careersuccess.Yours sincerely,Richard W. Riley
 
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Table of Contents
PageExecutive Summary3Mathematics and Future Opportunities5
The Importance of Mathematics for College Entrance5Mathematics in College the Workplace, and the 21st Century9
Middle School: Getting on the Road to Challenging Mathematics and ScienceCourses12
Laying the Foundation12Course-Taking Patterns in Middle School13Parent and Student Attitudes about Mathematics and Science14
Mathematics in the U.S. Today16
International Comparisons of Middle School Mathematicsand Science Proficiency16
Promising Practices18Next Steps24
Six Things Educators, Policymakers and CommunityMembers Can do24Six Things Parents Can do24
Resources26Appendix28
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