FOR RELEASE Contact: David Thomas October 20, 1997 (202) 401-1576
Rigorous math courses, like algebra and geometry, are a gateway to college and future employment, U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley said today.
Citing new analysis from the National Education Longitudinal Study, Riley said 83 percent of students who took algebra and geometry classes went on to college -- more than double the rate of 36 percent of students who did not take these courses. And for low income students the math is even more compelling -- with these courses, 71 percent went on to college, nearly three times as many as low income students who did not enroll in algebra and geometry but still attended college (27 percent).
"The problem we confront," Riley said at a White House news conference to release the report Mathematics Equals Opportunity, "is that too many students -- particularly low income students -- are not taking algebra and geometry. Only 63 percent of all students took algebra and geometry. And for low income students that percentage drops to only 46 percent.
"This is why the President and I have been stressing the need to take algebra as early as possible." Riley noted that in other advanced countries, such as Japan, virtually all students are taking some algebra and geometry by the 8th grade, while in the U.S. only about 25 percent of students take algebra before high school.
Riley said the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) found U.S. students above the international average in both math and science in the 4th grade, but slipping considerably in math by the 8th grade.
"We need to end this slide and we can start to do it by putting the spotlight on what is happening in middle school math classes," Riley said. "So one of my messages to schools and parents is very simple -- push all of your students to take the gateway courses and give them the opportunity to use all of their God given abilities. Don't give up on any child. Start giving young people the opportunity to take algebra in the 8th grade. Students who start early go on to take chemistry, calculus, physics and the other courses that give them the solid grounding for success in college and careers."
Riley said the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, initiated and signed into law this year by President Clinton, assure that young people will have the financial support they need for college, but first they must be academically prepared.
Riley said a voluntary national test in math in the 8th grade will reinforce the importance of high standards in mathematics. "By proposing this test," Riley said, "the President is laying down a challenge to shake up the status quo." Referring to critics of the test, Riley said, "I would urge them to read this report and join in this call for higher standards. You need to put politics aside and get serious about education."
Riley was joined at the White House by representatives of the Equity 2000 effort in Prince George's County, Md. Launched in 1990 by the College Board, Equity 2000 seeks to increase minority enrollments in college preparatory courses.
The report, Mathematics Equals Opportunity, is available by calling 1 800 USA LEARN and is also on the Education Department's website at www.ed.gov.
###