Report and Recommendations for Education Policy Leaders, From The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), Says World’s E

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11.20.2008 - 11:19am ET

Report and Recommendations for Education Policy Leaders, From The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), Says World’s Educators Should Learn From Singapore’s Success in Science and Math

Report is First in New Series from The Pearson Foundation and CCSSO

(CSRwire) AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report from the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the Pearson Foundation identifies key factors in Singapore's success in teaching science and mathematics and recommends that educators around the world extend and develop these practices in their school systems.

Report and Recommendations for Education Policy Leaders documents the conclusions from the International Conference on Science and Mathematics Education, held April 28-May 1 in Singapore. This conference, created and presented by CCSSO and the Pearson Foundation, convened delegates from 13 countries and six continents to explore firsthand the educational and cultural drivers that consistently help Singapore students to score at the top of international surveys such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

The report cites specifically Singapore's country-wide investment in teachers; the development of their administrative leadership; and the educational system's adoption of innovative core curriculum designed to foster students' creativity and independent thinking.

"We convened this first gathering, focused specifically on science and mathematics, in Singapore in the hope that this worldwide delegation could learn from Singapore's success," said Gene Wilhoit, CCSSO's Executive Director. "Our spirited discussions set the stage for the continued exploration of these issues -- one we invite others to share by means of this publication."

Small working teams from countries including Brazil, Canada, England, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States also shared key educational, assessment, and professional development practices that ensure student success in mathematics and science education in their respective countries.

Report and Recommendations for Education Policy Leaders is the first in a series of annual reports from CCSSO and The Pearson Foundation that will present shared conclusions of CCSSO members from around the world. The partners announced the series and presented the first report at the CCSSO Annual Policy Forum (APF) and Business Meeting in Austin, Texas.

"One of the report's clear conclusions is that educators have as much to learn from other countries as they do from the achievements of their own teachers and administrators," said Pearson Foundation President Mark Nieker. "With CCSSO, we hope this report provides educators everywhere a chance to reflect on their own practices and to share ideas to improve outcomes for the students they serve."

Report and Recommendations for Education Policy Leaders can be downloaded via the CCSSO and Pearson Foundation websites (www.ccsso.org www.pearsonfoundation.org). These sites also contain details of next year's Summit, which will be held in Finland to focus specifically on teacher quality and technological innovation.

About The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks members' consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.

About the Pearson Foundation

The Pearson Foundation extends Pearson's (NYSE: PSO) commitment to education by partnering with leading nonprofit, civic, and business organizations to provide financial, organizational, and publishing assistance across the globe. The Foundation aims to make a difference by sponsoring innovative educational programs and extending its educational expertise to help in classrooms and in local communities. More information on the Pearson Foundation can be found at www.pearsonfoundation.org.