Lagging math, science skills hurt

Nine in 10 Americans think today's students may not have the math and science skills required for homeland security and economic leadership in the 21st century, according to a Gallup survey released this month.

These are among the central findings of the "Bayer Facts of Science Education IX: Americans' Views on the Role of Science and Technology in U.S. National Defense."

The report is based on a survey of 1,004 Americans age 18 and over. It was commissioned by Bayer Corp. as part of its Making Science Make Sense program, which advances science literacy through hands-on, inquiry-based science learning, employee volunteerism and public education.

The Washington-based Gallup Organization conducted the survey in March and April. Nine out of 10 Americans surveyed said a strong national science and technology capability is a critical component of U.S. security at home and abroad, and eight in 10 believe it will be "very important" in helping the U.S. meet future terrorist threats.

A majority of Americans surveyed said poor U.S. student performance in science and math on the Third International Math and Science Study may negatively impact the nation's future security and economic prosperity.

The report is available at http://www.BayerUS.com/MSMS.