• At a time when their numbers are growing, minority students are underrepresented among students doing well in mathematics and science and among those who go on to pursue mathematics- and science-related careers. By the year 2010, the school-age population is expected to be more than 40 percent minority. (For more information see: Chapter Background and Chapter Organization.)

• Increases in the average mathematics proficiency scores for 13- and 17-year-old students between 1978 and 1990 reflect gains among students who fall below the 50th percentile. The gains made by these students may be attributable to the past focus on teaching basic skills. Little or no progress has been made in raising the proficiency scores of students in the top quartiles. (For more information see: Distributions of Average Proficiency Scores.)

• Recent trends (1990 to 1992) in mathematics proficiency scores show gains for white students in all grades, while black and Hispanic students experienced fewer gains. (For more information see: Achievement by Race/Ethnicity.)

• Male and female students in the 4th, 8th, and 12th grades have equivalent mean scores in mathematics. However, more 12th grade males than females are reaching the advanced and proficient levels. The science scores of 13- and 17-year-old male students have remained higher than those of female students of the same age. (For more information see: Achievement by Sex and Figure 1-4.)

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