In the past year SAT math scores have dropped by two points for both males and females. Without going into more depth it would appear that American math levels are dropping. But an important fact to remember is that recently the SATs changed and fewer students are taking them twice. It is typical for scores to increase about 30 points when the SATs are taken a second time. In comparison to high school students in other countries, American students are well below the average in math scores. But according to John Mackey, the Carnegie Mellon’s assistant head of mathematical sciences, “Americans catch up, generally, as curriculum continues.” Almost all comparisons of American math levels to other countries have been K-12 and have not included college students. American students in American college and university tend to score similarly in math as college students in other countries. The scores used for comparisons have mostly been from SAT and AP exams. But the SAT and AP exams are standardized tests used only in the United States. To have an accurate score levels, the same test would need to be administered in all countries. But the chance of this happening is not likely. However, the type of test and age of the student is not the only factor, location also plays a part.
Different parts of the country have different definitions of what student proficiency is. One example is South Carolina and North Carolina. North Carolina has low standard of proficiency while South Carolina has higher standards. The same student doing
well in North Carolina would most likely fail in South Carolina. This is proven by looking at SAT scores. Places that show higher SAT scores also show higher educational standards. There are some locations where math is not as important or focused on. This is the same with countries. Some countries find math education more important than other subjects while other countries focus on different skills. Many times subjects like the humanities and the arts are compromised to allow more time and concentration for math. While American schools do not provide great amounts of time for the humanities and arts, they do devote time to social sciences. American schools have a diverse education system and have content standards that must be achieved for every subject. Although it is important to have a diverse education, it is also important to have a strong math and science background with the rise in technology. Fewer American students are interested in math and science creating an even larger gap. Although, there is less of interest in these subjects, American levels are not declining, they are remaining stagnate.At a quick glance it appears that American math levels are declining and that American students are falling behind students in other industrialized nations. This would appear true because of statistics and test scores. But at a closer look, taking in consideration the type of testing, the age of students, and what is academically important, American math levels are not declining. But while American math levels remain the same other nations’ math levels increase. Although American math levels are not declining it is still a growing concern since the rise in technology. Although math levels are not declining, Americans do need to catch up with their international counterparts if they wish to partake in this high tech world.
