Issues in building an indicator system for mathematics and science education

by Brian M. Stecher

This report examines one option for developing an indicator system within the National Science Foundation (NSF) to monitor the success or failure of the education system in mathematics and science. This option, referred to as the "patchwork" model, was one of five examined in a precursor 1987 RAND study. The patchwork model is assessed to test the feasibility of a system that includes three key features of math and science education: (1) student achievement, (2) secondary curriculum, and (3) secondary teacher workforce. This study provides lessons about indicators, presents principles for an ideal indicator system, and helps shape recommendations to the NSF in its role as sponsor and user of educational indicators. The efficacy of the patchwork approach is questioned, with a recommendation that NSF adopt a "supplementary" approach that combines obtaining more complete data with commissioning periodic additional data collection to provide longitudinal measures, secondary sources, and in