U.S Receives Report Card - Failing Grade in Science

Results from a national science exam show that fewer than half of the country's fourth, eighth and 12th grade students are proficient in science.

By: Lauren Vargas | WKRG
Published: January 25, 2011

» Comments | Post a Comment

Scores released Tuesday from the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress indicate there are still vast numbers of students with rudimentary levels of science knowledge.

Just 1 percent of high school seniors scored at the advanced level. Twenty-one percent scored as proficient, while another 40 percent were considered below basic.

The test was updated in 2009 and couldn't be compared with previous years.

A member of the board that oversees the exam says the low number of advanced-level students means there is a small pipeline of those likely to pursue science and technology careers.