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~ To prepare Minnesota students for a more competitive global economy, Governor Pawlenty has proposed several initiatives to improve rigor in math and science ~

Roseville – Education Commissioner Alice Seagren announced today that Minnesota students scored near the top nationally in science according to the 2005 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Nation’s Report Card.

The NAEP Report Card found that only a handful of states ranked higher than Minnesota in fourth and eighth-grade science.

“Minnesota students continue to perform well in science,” Commissioner Seagren said. “Under Governor Pawlenty’s leadership, we have raised the bar for achievement and are doing more to prepare our students to compete in an increasingly competitive global economy.”

The Nation’s Report Card informs the public about the academic achievement of elementary and secondary students in the United States. Report Cards communicate the findings of the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a continuing and nationally representative measure of achievement in various subject areas. Approximately 5,000 Minnesota students participated in the 2005 science NAEP.

The NAEP Report Card compares Minnesota’s average science scale score with those of the 44 states and one jurisdiction that participated in NAEP. According to the Report Card, Minnesota’s eighth-grade average score ranked higher than 29 jurisdictions, not significantly different than 10 jurisdictions, and lower than 5 jurisdictions. Minnesota’s fourth-grade average score ranked higher than 25 jurisdictions, not significantly different than 12 jurisdictions, and lower than 7 jurisdictions. More information about Minnesota’s NAEP results can be found at: http://nationsreportcard.gov.

“While I’m pleased to see that Minnesota’s students perform well compared to most students around the nation, we will continue to do more to prepare them to compete with students around the globe,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Increased student achievement in science and math is critical to Minnesota’s future success.”

Governor Pawlenty has proposed several initiatives to increase rigor in math and science.

The 2006 legislature approved his proposal to require higher math and science standards. Starting with this year’s third graders, Algebra I will be required by eighth grade and Algebra II along with Chemistry or Physics will be high school graduation requirements.

Additionally, as Chair of the Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee for the National Governor’s Association (NGA), Governor Pawlenty secured funding for a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) roundtable, which took place this spring. The roundtable, which included participants from the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Citizens League, and the Minnesota Department of Education, began work on a plan for new solutions to the state’s needs for skilled, highly educated workers in STEM fields.

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http://education.state.mn.us/mde/About_MDE/News_Center/Press_Releases/009874.html