Did You Know?

The Vast Majority of the Public Agrees that Math and Science are Important

Percentage who say requiring biology, chemistry, physics and four years of math to graduate would encourage high school students to work harder/be prepared.

All public high school graduates: 45% would improve things a great deal; 74% would improve things somewhat. College students: 49% would improve things a great deal; 77% would improve things somewhat. High school graduates who did not go to college: 39% would improve things a great deal; 70% would improve things somewhat. Employers: 41% would improve things a great deal; 83% would improve things somewhat. College instructors: 43% would improve things a great deal. 81% would improve things somewhat.

Source: Peter D. Hart Research Associates/Public Opinion Strategies, Rising to the Challenge: Are High School Graduates Prepared for College and Work? prepared for Achieve, Inc., 2005.

Business leaders and policymakers are not the only ones concerned about the level of preparation students are receiving in math and science in high school. Recent high school graduates -- both those who went on to college and those who went straight into the workforce -- believe that requiring biology, chemistry, physics and four years of math would encourage high school students to work harder and be better prepared.

Courtesy of Achieve, Inc.