Conclusion
The national standards in mathematics and science developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Research Council comprise an important foundation for the changes that must occur if our students are to achieve to world-class levels and become the informed and literate citizens needed for the 21st century. States have made substantial and steady progress in their constitutionally mandated role of educating their students, launching reform initiatives in the important areas of curriculum, textbooks, teaching, and assessment, and building their infrastructures to support change. Support from the President, the nation's governors, and key business leaders has converged with the results of international studies that give substantial guidance for mathematics and science education reform.
The actions identified in this report represent a way to meld the experiences and strategies of those who wrote and support the national standards with activities of the states as they move forward in standards-based reform, to the ultimate benefit of all students in the United States.
