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New AeA Report Shows U.S. 4th and 8th Graders Need to Go Back to School;

AeA —Saturday, August 30, 2008

Math Scores Improve but Remain Low; Science Scores are Stagnant

Washington, DC (August 26, 2008) – AeA, the nation’s largest technology trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, today released the 26th installment of its Competitiveness Series.The report analyzes the latest math and science scores for U.S. 4th and 8th grade students nationally and state-by-state according to figures released by the Department of Education’s National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

“America’s ability to compete in the 21st century global economy depends in large part on the math and science skills of our workforce,” said Josh James, AeA’s Director of Research and Industry Analysis. “Yet the latest results show that math and science proficiency among 4th and 8th graders remains unacceptably low. These skills need to be developed at the K-12 level or students will lack the foundation to pursue math, science, and engineering degrees in college.  And in a world that is increasingly being driven by technology, these skills are going to continue to be in high demand regardless of the field of study.”

In 2007, only 39 percent of 4th graders and 31 percent of 8th graders tested at or above proficient in math.  Between 1996 and 2005, the number of 4th grade students testing at or above proficient in science increased by only one percentage point.  Over the same period, the science proficiency of 8th graders did not improve.

To view and download the report, including AeA’s recommendations for action, go to: www.aeanet.org/cs.

About AeA
AeA, the nation’s largest technology trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, is dedicated solely to helping our members’ top line and bottom line. We do this in partnership with our small, medium, and large member companies by lobbying governments at the state, federal, and international levels, providing access to capital and business opportunities, and offering select business services and networking programs. For more information, please visit www.aeanet.org.

Contact: Anne Caliguiri, Director of Communications, AeA, 202.682.4443, anne_caliguiri@aeanet.org