Archived: National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century: Introduction

A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

$National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century$

Introduction

In March 1999, Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley established a National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century. Chaired by astronaut and former Senator John Glenn, the Commission was charged with creating an action strategy to improve the quality of teaching in mathematics and science at all grades nationwide. Joining Senator Glenn was a diverse and talented group of 32 individuals chosen for their broad expertise and ability to help implement the recommendations that emerged from the deliberations. These stakeholders in math and science teaching included business and education leaders; public officials at the Federal, national, State, and local levels; and teachers of mathematics and science.

The Need
Far too many U.S. students finish high school without mastering the challenging mathematics and science necessary for success in higher education, in the competitive knowledge-based economy of the 21st century, and as an informed citizen in daily life. High quality teaching is critical to improving student achievement. Unfortunately, many of those who provide math and science instruction lack the appropriate credentials and licensure for the subjects they teach, and many of those who are appropriately certified are under-prepared in their disciplines. Equally problematic is the fact that most teachers do not have opportunities to collaborate and reflect on the process of teaching and learning in order to improve their professional practice. Future teacher shortages-especially in math and science-and student population growth are likely to exacerbate these problems.

Work of the Commission
The Glenn Commission met five times to review what is known about high quality mathematics and science teaching as well as the current state of teacher recruitment, preparation, retention, and career-long professional growth. Using a combination of research results, the wisdom of best practices, and a vision of "what should be," the Commission developed a set of recommendations and action strategies to help ensure that an adequate supply of highly skilled individuals enter and remain in the math and science teaching profession. The recommendations will also help make certain that throughout the span of a teacher's career, he or she has the opportunity to learn, generate, accumulate, and share knowledge about math and science content and teaching methods.

Final Report Release
The Commission released its report, Before It's Too Late, at a press conference on September 27, 2000, at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum. The report as well as the archived Webcast of the press conference is available at www.ed.gov/americacounts/glenn.

Copies of the report may be ordered by calling 1-877-4ED-PUBS (1-877-433-7827).

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Last Updated -- October 4, 2000 (gkp)