Parents, students don’t see a crisis over science and math. Education needs a new PR firm

If improving science and math education is suddenly a national priority, someone apparently forgot to tell the parents and the students.

In a new poll, 57% of parents say "things are fine" with the amount of math and science being taught in their child’s public school. High school parents seem particularly content — 70% of them say their child gets the right amount of science and math.

Students aren’t too worried, either, according to the poll released Tuesday by Public Agenda, a public opinion research group that tracks education trends.

Only half of children in grades six to 12 say that understanding sciences and having strong math skills are essential for them to succeed in life after high school.

This is not what the people in charge of the country want to hear.

"There’s energy and leadership at the top, but there is a task to be done in getting parents and kids to understand some of the ideas," said Jean Johnson, executive president of Public Agenda. "You can do a lot from the top, but you can’t do everything. Schools are local. The leadership needs to reach out and help the public understand the challenge."

By Ben Feller, Associated Press

Full Story: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2006-02-14-parents-poll_x.htm